ASCD Knowledge Keeper

VAHS; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 59,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits after 3 months probation

Cultural mentorship

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) seeks a Knowledge Keeper for the Aboriginal Supported Child Development program, to provide cultural teachings and traditional knowledge to children and families aged 0–12. The role supports identity, community connection, and wellness through Indigenous ways of knowing.

The Knowledge Keeper collaborates with ASCD staff, Elders, and families to deliver respectful, developmentally appropriate programming in a community setting, part-time with potential

Qualifications

• Must identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Métis or Inuit.
• Recognized by community as having teachings or cultural knowledge to share.
• Experience supporting or teaching children and/or families in respectful cultural ways.
• Ability to adapt teachings for children with varying developmental and learning needs.
• Comfortable working in a casual, community based environment.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate cultural teachings such as beading, sewing, carving, traditional medicines, storytelling, drumming, songs, language and land based learning.
• Share teachings that support cultural identity, emotional well being and a sense of belonging.
• Engage children in respectful, inclusive and developmentally appropriate ways.
• Support land based learning, seasonal teachings and community events.
• Collaborate with Elders, ASCD team members, childcare partners and families.
• Help create a culturally safe, welcoming and trauma informed environment.

Skills

Indigenous identity

Cultural teachings

Child/family education

Adapt teaching methods

Driver’s license

Job description

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)
Department: Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) – Cultural Programming
Status: Part Time, with potential to increase based on program needs
Starting Wage: $36.58 per hour
Location: 717 Princess Avenue, childcare centres throughout Vancouver, and community or outdoor learning spaces

About the Role

The ASCD Knowledge Keeper provides cultural teachings, traditional skills and oral knowledge to children and families within the ASCD program. This role supports cultural identity, community connection and overall wellness through Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

The Knowledge Keeper works closely with ASCD staff, childcare partners, Elders and families to provide respectful, developmentally appropriate and culturally grounded programming for children ages 0 to 12.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate cultural teachings such as beading, sewing, carving, traditional medicines, storytelling, drumming, songs, language and land based learning
• Share teachings that support cultural identity, emotional well being and a sense of belonging
• Engage children in respectful, inclusive and developmentally appropriate ways
• Support land based learning, seasonal teachings and community events
• Collaborate with Elders, ASCD team members, childcare partners and families
• Help create a culturally safe, welcoming and trauma informed environment

Qualifications

• Must identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Métis or Inuit
• Recognized by community as having teachings or cultural knowledge to share
• Experience supporting or teaching children and/or families in respectful cultural ways
• Ability to adapt teachings for children with varying developmental and learning needs
• Comfortable working in a casual, community based environment
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence is an asset

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must complete a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector screening and demonstrate a commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, child safety and respectful multidisciplinary teamwork.

• Starting wage of $36.58 per hour
• Eligible for employee benefits after a three month probation period
• Cultural mentorship, training support and professional development opportunities

Equity Statement

VAHS strongly encourages applications from Indigenous applicants, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, in alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

We also encourage applications from people who identify as Black, people of colour, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+.

Applicants are invited to self-identify in their cover letter if they feel comfortable doing so.

Donate andsupport our programs

As a proud not-for-profit, we rely on donations to ensure that wellness is accessible to all. Donations can be allocated to specific programs by selecting the donate button on the program's page.