Camp Cultural Educator

Kenora Chiefs; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Camp Cultural Educator to coordinate cultural programming and support wellness initiatives for children, youth, and families. This role emphasizes the importance of cultural knowledge transfer and community engagement, ensuring that programming is reflective of diverse traditions. The ideal candidate will have strong facilitation skills, a commitment to promoting cultural awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Join a passionate team dedicated to healing and wellness in the community.

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively with First Nation community members.
• Strong commitment to supporting and advocating for First Nations people.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver culturally grounded programs for holistic wellness.
• Facilitate connections between youth, families, and Knowledge Keepers.

Skills

Group Facilitation Skills

Cultural Awareness

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Experience with First Nations Communities

Knowledge of Anishinaabe Culture

Job description

Reporting to the Event & Program Manager, the Camp Cultural Educator will coordinate and support all aspects of cultural knowledge transfer and planning of programming. The Camp Cultural Educator provides traditional teachings and ceremonies by coordinating access to Elders and Traditional people to meet the needs of the camp, with children, youth, and families as the primary audience. The Camp Cultural Educator will work to promote cultural awareness, safety and competency within the Youth and Family Wellness Camp while promoting healing and wellness. The Camp Cultural Educator will work in conjunction with other programs in helping to develop land-based healing programming to service the Youth and Family Wellness Camp.

Department: KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp Term: Full Time/Permanent – 40 hours per week

Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario
Reports to: Event & Program Manager, KCA Youth & Family Wellness Camp

Duties and Responsibilities:

Cultural Programming and Facilitation

Ø Develop and deliver land-based, culturally grounded programs that promote holistic wellness for children, youth, families, and communities.

Ø Create culturally appropriate programming for events, school visits, community visits, and cultural days that reflect the diverse traditions of the eight member First Nations.

Ø Facilitate talking, teaching, and healing circles with a focus on supporting children, youth, and families through culture and community connection.

Ø Coordinate and/or lead traditional and spiritual practices, including seasonal ceremonies, as part of ongoing cultural and wellness programming.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Ø Work collaboratively with the KCA Youth & Family Wellness Camp Director, Managers, Coordinators, Sous Chef, and other KCA staff to support the delivery of culturally safe and community-informed services.

Ø Engage directly with communities to incorporate their guidance, traditional knowledge, and lived experiences into programming and service planning.

Ø Support outreach and registration for programs and activities taking place at the KCA Youth & Family Wellness Camp.

Ø Facilitate connections between youth, families, and KCA staff to help them access Knowledge Keepers, Healers, and Elders for ceremonial and cultural support.

Cultural Education and Training

Ø Provide and/or facilitate training in Anishinaabe ways (traditional teachings and healing methodologies) to both program participants and local organizations.

Ø Assist with cultural presentations and educational sessions to individuals, families, and communities, ensuring access to cultural resources and opportunities to maintain identity and practices.

Ø Reflect on program data and feedback to help improve cultural programming and ensure it meets community needs.

Ø Contribute to evaluation activities that measure the impact of programs on wellness, cultural connection, and community engagement.

Operational and Logistical Support

Ø Maintain records of program participation to support tracking and evaluation, particularly for land-based and cultural services.

Ø Support the preparation and maintenance of camp property and outdoor spaces for cultural programming, ceremonies, and community events.

Ø Maintain inventories and order supplies as needed for events, ceremonies, and cultural activities.

Ø Assist with planning, shopping, set-up, and other logistical tasks related to events and programs.

Staff Training and Support

Ø Provide functional supervision to summer staff and students, ensuring alignment with cultural protocols and program goals.

Ø Train seasonal staff on relevant policies, procedures, and cultural traditions.

Ø Supervise seasonal staff during peak programming times to ensure smooth operations and culturally safe environments.

Cultural Maintenance

Ø Develop smudge bundles for staff use and for use with clients.

Ø Smudge buildings/vehicles regularly and ensure each is equipped with the appropriate medicines.

Ø Support marketing and promotion of all cultural aspects of the Youth & Family Wellness Camp, including ceremonies, events, programs, rentals, and catering.

Other Duties

Ø Work flexible hours as needed to meet the demands of seasonal programming, ceremonies, or special events.

Ø Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Ø Demonstrated ability to work effectively with First Nation community members, leadership, and partners.

Ø Strong group facilitation skills, with experience leading cultural and community-based activities.

Ø Maturity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to supporting and advocating for First Nations people.

Ø Proven ability to collaborate with First Nations communities as well as health and social service organizations.

Ø Ability to remain calm, grounded, and culturally responsive in emotionally charged or high-pressure situations.

Ø Capable of working independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment.

Ø Excellent organizational, interpersonal, networking, presentation, and both written and verbal communication skills.

Ø Knowledge of and experience working with Residential School Survivors, including awareness of intergenerational impacts

Ø Leads by example, modeling positive cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors in all interactions.

Ø Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture and language, with demonstrated experience working in First Nations communities.

Position Requirements:

Ø Valid driver’s license and vehicle.

Ø Willing to travel (when required) to all Treaty #3 First Nation communities.

Ø Current satisfactory criminal reference check with vulnerable sector search.

Ø Understanding of the Anishinaabe language (Ojibway) is an asset.

We're looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA. Discover What’s Possible!

Please forward resume cover letter and three references by Friday May 16 , 2025 at 4:30pm to

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

**We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

*** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting