Cultural Advisor

Scugogfirstnation; Port Perry; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Extended health care

On-site parking

Wellness program

Work from home

Job summary

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is seeking a Cultural Advisor to guide programs and community initiatives, reflecting Michi Saagig traditions and teachings. The role provides mentorship, supports language revitalization, and collaborates with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to strengthen cultural leadership.

The position offers on-site and work-from-home options with benefits such as pension, extended health care, and parking.

Qualifications

• Knowledge, understanding, and respect for Michi Saagig culture, traditions, teachings, and community dynamics.
• Three yearsMichis Saagig cultural teachings and related experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural guidance to staff, committees, and program teams to reflect MSIFN traditions and values.
• Advise on cultural protocols and best practices for events, ceremonies, and gatherings.
• Plan and facilitate cultural programs and community gatherings including seasonal ceremonies and workshops.
• Integrate cultural elements into health, social, and wellness programs.
• Mentor community members and support cultural education to strengthen Michi Saagig traditions.
• Coordinate access to traditional healers and resources for culturally appropriate support.
• Represent MSIFN in cultural forums and partnerships as needed.
• Provide training oversight for Oshkaabewis positions and mentor staff.

Job description

• Use your knowledge and understanding of Cultural Advisor skills in representing our community's members
• Receive a competitive hourly wage of $43.22-$48.79
• Don't miss this chance to make a true difference to the vibrant community of theMississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Aboutthe Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is a strong, vibrant, and progressive Indigenous community that is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the heart of Toronto. Located nearby to the rural community of Port Perry, MSIFN has the benefits of small-town living while having close proximity to urban areas. As part of the Anishinabek Nation and signatories to the Williams Treaties and other pre-confederation treaties, MSIFN is extremely proud of our Indigenous culture and long history of protecting our Aboriginal and Treaty rights. As owners of the Great Blue Heron Casino and creators of the Noozhoo Nokiiyan Economic Development Limited Partnership, MSIFN has an entrepreneurial spirit and expectation for excellence. We encourage team members to be professional, flexible, dynamic, team players, who have a self-starting attitude and respect for all employees in the workplace. While working within clear lines of authority, MSIFN requires someone who can bring out the best in those who surround them. We are a busy First Nation, with many capital projects and opportunities ahead. The community and workplace are led by an elected Council of 5 (a Chief and four Councillors) and a Senior Management Team led by the First Nation Manager and including Managers from Operations, Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Health and Social Services. We value the hard work of our entire workforce and support them with a culture of collaboration and respect.

For more information about our vibrant community please visit our homepage by clicking here.

Full job description

DUTIES:

The Cultural Advisor provides guidance upon request to ensure that programs, policies, and community initiatives reflect and uphold the traditions, values, and teachings of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN). This role supports cultural integrity across service delivery and community engagement, offering advice on cultural protocols and fostering collaboration internally and externally.

The Cultural Advisor champions cultural priorities within the organization, promotes language revitalization, and strengthens cultural competency among staff and service providers. By mentoring community members and supporting cultural education, this position plays a key role in preserving and advancing Michi Saagig traditions for current and future generations.

This role advises leadership on cultural protocols, acting as a trusted and impartial liaison between MSIFN Council, Staff, Community, and Knowledge Keepers and external partners, advocating MSIFN cultural priorities.

• Provide cultural guidance to staff, committees, and program teams, ensuring that initiatives, policies, and services reflect MSIFN traditions, values, and teachings.
• Advise on cultural protocols and best practices for events, ceremonies, and gatherings, guaranteeing respectful adherence to Michi Saagig practices and spiritual considerations.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate cultural programs and community gatherings, including seasonal ceremonies, Pow-Wows, workshops, and other cultural learning opportunities that promote language revitalization, identity, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
• Integrate cultural elements into health, social, and wellness programs, collaborating with service providers to create holistic approaches rooted in Michi Saagig traditions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural organizations to foster collaboration, support access to traditional knowledge, and strengthen cultural capacity across MSIFN
• Coordinate access to traditional healers and cultural resources, ensuring the community receives culturally appropriate support and guidance.
• At the request of Chief & Council or with Manager approval, represent MSIFN in cultural forums and collaborative projects, advocating for cultural priorities and strengthening partnerships with other First Nations and external stakeholders.
• Mentor community members, providing guidance and support to develop cultural leadership skills and deepen understanding of Michi Saagig traditions.
• Provide oversight and direction in the training and professional development of the Oshkaabewis positions, ensuring they receive structured learning opportunities, clear guidance, and culturally grounded instruction to build the necessary knowledge and technical competencies for their roles.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to the Oshkaabewis positions, fostering their confidence, cultural leadership capacity, and overall effectiveness in contributing to the long-term strengthening and advancement of cultural knowledge and practices within the MSIFN community.
• As requested, leverage resources to design and deliver cultural training sessions for employees and service providers, enhancing cultural competency and respectful engagement practices.
• Provide stewardship over cultural resources, including sacred items, ceremonial tools, and educational materials, ensuring proper care, storage, and respectful handling.
• Prepare and monitor budgets for cultural programs, oversee expenditures, and assist with funding proposals and reporting to secure financial sustainability.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting, tracking cultural program outcomes, evaluating effectiveness, and providing updates to leadership.
• Coordinate communications on cultural updates and inquiries following the communications protocol, helping to ensure timely and accurate information is shared through newsletters, social media, and community platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with privacy legislation, laws, policy, and procedures while respecting and maintaining confidentiality
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation, policies, and procedures
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Facilitate the resolution of conflicts to maintain a positive and productive work environment
• Participate actively in mandatory meetings and training sessions as directed
• Valid driver's license and $1M liability insurance
• CPIC/VSS acceptable to position upon conditional offer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• 3 years Michi Saagig cultural teachings and research, and other social activities experience
• Knowledge, understanding, and respect for Michi Saagig culture, traditions, teachings, and community dynamics
• Community service work
• Work experience with a First Nation or Indigenous OrganizationAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, as deemed appropriate by the hiring panel, will also be considered

Pay: $43.22-$48.79 per hour

• Company pension
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Wellness program
• Work from home