Indigenous Cultural Helper

The Complex Pediatric Rehab Support Team's (PReST) Indigenous Wellness Coordinator is integrated into a hybrid multidisciplinary grant funded rehabilitation team, helping community allied health teams in the North to provide holistic care for Indigenous children and youth and their families living mostly within Treaty 8 Territory. Work location within the North Corridors is negotiable. The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator educates health care providers about respectful relationships and health care for Indigenous people and builds understanding and trust between Indigenous people living within the North and their health care providers. The PReST team's Indigenous Wellness Coordinator will have experience and understanding of children & youth ages 0 to 18 years from Nations within the North (Treaty 6 and 8) territories and be able to support and guide children, youth, parents, guardians, families, providers and community partners through the health services journey in a respectful and knowledgeable way.

Respecting the historical impacts of colonization, traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, the diversity of many beliefs among Indigenous peoples who live in the North (mostly Treaty 8 Territory) and the complex Western medical approaches to health, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator establishes responsive, sensitive and consultative relationships that enable trust and healing among peoples of very diverse world views and approaches to health and healing. Recognizing Alberta Health Services provides health care services to Indigenous people living in Alberta, in addition to Indigenous people from Canada's North, Northern Saskatchewan and Northern British Columbia, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator provides a spirit of hospitality, spiritual and cultural support to diverse Indigenous people seeking health care services within the North Zone (Treaty 6 and 8 Territory).

Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (cultural preparation is based in oral cultures and not measured by diplomas and degrees). Traditionally earned understanding about Indigenous cultural beliefs, values, customs, traditions, healing ways, ceremonies, traditional medicine, protocols. Guided ongoing development with traditional Elders over the course of many years. Learning about Indigenous cultural identity that is recognized by other indigenous people and is respectful in a health care environment. Knowledge of how to respond to diverse cultural needs of a wide variety of Indigenous people. Knowledge about the effects of colonization and residential schools, including intergenerational trauma. Openness to continually learning. Non-traditional 1-2 years of education in mental health and addictions. 1-2 years of education in humanities or social sciences. 1-2 years of education in child development or rehabilitation. If part of a registered profession - registration in good standing with applicable governing body essential. 5 years of work experience with children & youth 0-18 years. 5 years of work experience with Indigenous people from Nations living within the North.

Demonstrated proficiency with computers - i.e. Email, Skype, ZOOM, Electronic Charting, spreadsheets, etc. Experience in culturally appropriate one on one support and guidance in cultural practices appropriate to the Nations living within in the North. Experience in facilitating "Sharing Circles" - culturally safe group sessions. Experience in conflict resolution. Knowledge of and experience in community development and working within a holistic approach to health. Demonstrated commitment to working as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Ability to function with flexibility in a dynamic and changing environment. Initiative, good judgement, accountability. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. Willingness to travel within and outside of the North if required.

Degree in humanities and/or social sciences preferred.