Cultural Healing Support Worker

WNHAC; Northwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 57,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension plan

Job summary

WNHAC in Kenora, Ontario is seeking a Cultural Healing Support Worker for an 18-month contract. You will support delivery of program services, prepare materials, facilitate sessions and ceremonies, and contribute to healing journeys through traditional knowledge exchange.

The role blends Indigenous practices with contemporary care, requiring organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to wellness, and willingness to travel if needed.

Qualifications

• OSSD or equivalent is required or asset.
• Understanding wholistic health and well-being; knowledge of healing journey and abstinence from mind-altering chemicals.
• Strong organizational, planning and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; proficient with computers.
• Experience with Indigenous culture and values; Anishinaabemowin is an asset.
• Immunization records must be current.
• Valid driver's license and travel willingness.
• Criminal records check and driving abstract required.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of program services to clients, preparing materials and facilitating or assisting with sessions, activities, and ceremonies.
• Maintain diverse skills from traditional knowledge to clerical tasks like data entry and report writing.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Presentation skills

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Anishinaabemowin (language)

Cultural knowledge

Education

OSSD or equivalent

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Cultural Healing Support Worker

18-Month Contract (Existing Position)

Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig provides wholistic, primary health care to Indigenous people in Kenora and surrounding First Nation communities through a range of options including prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Our client-centered, interprofessional teams include health professionals, educators and support workers representing both traditional Indigenous, and contemporary models of care and use medical and community development concepts.

The Healing Services Team supports people in their healing journeys by listening and sharing the strengths of our Anishinaabe language and ways of life in a safe and comfortable environment. The Healing Lodge supports personal change and healthy living by addressing the root causes and effects of violence, trauma, dysfunction, and addictions. The work of the interprofessional teams is supported by specialized services offered through the Healing Lodge and Hostel programs which are delivered through dedicated facilities. This position works as part of a team to promote individual and community wellness through traditional knowledge exchange and activities.

NOTE: Traditional practices involving burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar and other cultural protocols occur regularly within our work setting.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support delivery of program services to clients, preparing materials and facilitating or assisting with sessions, activities, and ceremonies.
• Cultural Healing Support Worker responsibilities are diverse and require a wide array of skill sets ranging from traditional cultural knowledge and practical skills including construction of lodges and chopping wood to clerical and administrative skills such as data entry and report writing.

• Provide on-going support to participants while engaging in program activities.
• Ensure all working spaces are safe and functional for the purposes of program activities and ceremonies.
• Complete documentation required to chart progress, ensure accountability and facilitate effective communication as prescribed by established organizational policies and standards.
• Participate in team meetings, other organizational committees and events as requested.
• Other duties as required. In extenuating situations or in the event of an emergency, may be redeployed to ensure provision of essential services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• OSSD or equivalent; some experience working in the health care field an asset;
• demonstrated understanding of wholistic health and well-being; personal experience or strong knowledge of the healing journey and abstinence from mind altering chemicals;
• good organizational, planning and presentation skills;
• demonstrated oral and written communication skills (including computer skills); excellent interpersonal skills to deal effectively with a wide variety of people;
• deep understanding and experience of Indigenous culture, values, and perspectives as well as traditional and contemporary health care practices, and wholistic health and wellbeing; ability to speak and understand Anishinaabemowin a definite asset;
• experience working in an Indigenous organization; understanding and/or willingness to learn of Indigenous culture and values;
• proof of immunization in compliance with policy requirements is mandatory;
• valid drivers’ license, own vehicle and willingness and ability to travel required;
• criminal records check and current drivers’ abstract required;
• commitment to ongoing training and professional development relevant to job requirements; and positive attitude and capacity to act as a healthy lifestyle role model

Salary: $56,886- $74,224 with excellent benefits, including HOOPP pension plan. Salary is based on education and experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 23, 2026

Cultural Healing Support Worker Email: [e-mail]

Website: WNHAC.org

Fax: [phone]

Phone: (888) MYWNHAC

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted. As an Indigenous employer we encourage First Nations, Inuit, and Metis applicants to apply.

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and will provide accessibility accommodations as part of the application process upon request.