Cultural Liaison/Advisor

Makivik Corporation; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Makivvik Corporation is seeking a trauma-informed program facilitator to develop culturally grounded programming for women and children in a new Inuit-specific shelter in central Montreal. You will provide one-on-one culturally informed support and integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles into ISPs and service delivery.

The role requires a background in Social Work or related field, strong knowledge of Inuit culture, and the ability to train staff, support recruitment, and build partnerships

Qualifications

• Fluency in Inuktitut is required.
• Experience in trauma-informed, culturally grounded community work is essential.
• Ability to design and facilitate group sessions and cultural activities.
• Experience guiding non-Inuit staff in culturally safe practices is preferred.
• Knowledge of IQ principles and Inuit culture strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate culturally grounded programming and activities for women and children.
• Provide one-on-one, culturally informed support to shelter residents.
• Integrate IQ principles into ISPs and service delivery.
• Guide staff on culturally safe practices and provide mentorship.
• Support onboarding and training related to Inuit culture, trauma, and community context.
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding of Inuit staff.
• Advise leadership on culturally responsive policies, service delivery, and approaches.
• Participate in case conferences where cultural expertise is required.
• Build relationships with Inuit community organizations in Montreal, Nunavik, and the North.
• Support reintegration and transition planning for women returning to northern communities.
• Ensure the shelter environment reflects Inuit culture and values.
• Identify and address gaps related to cultural safety within services.
• Provide input into strategic planning and program evaluation.
• Be available to travel, as requested.
• Perform other related duties.

Skills

Fluency in Inuktitut

Community engagement

Trauma-informed approach

Group facilitation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, or related field

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Makivvik, the trusted political organization with a rich history of representing the Inuit of Nunavik since 1978. Through Makivvik and our subsidiaries, Makivvik has created opportunities for Nunavik Beneficiaries and those who live in Nunavik, today more than 500 Nunavimmiut are employed within the Makivvik network in our offices and subsidiaries.

Makivvik Corporation is supporting the development of a new trauma-informed, culturally safe, Inuit-specific shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Located in central Montreal, the shelter aims to address critical gaps faced by Inuit individuals in accessing safe and stable housing during times of crisis.The shelter will provide wraparound services with a strong focus on safety, healing, and reconnection to culture and community.

As part of this initiative, a new non-profit organization may be established to oversee the shelter and future urban-based services. Please note that employees of the shelter may become a part of this newly created entity under Makivvik.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate culturally grounded programming and activities for women and children
• Provide one-on-one, culturally informed support to shelter residents
• Integrate cultural elements and approaches into Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff on culturally safe and responsive practices
• Support onboarding and training related to Inuit culture, trauma, and community context
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding of Inuit staff
• Advise leadership on culturally responsive policies, procedures, and service delivery approaches
• Participate in case conferencing where cultural expertise is required
• Build and maintain relationships with Inuit community organizations in Montreal, Nunavik, and across the North
• Support reintegration and transition planning for women returning to northern communities
• Ensure the shelter environment reflects and respects Inuit culture and values
• Identify and address gaps related to cultural safety within services
• Provide ongoing guidance on culturally responsive service delivery
• Maintain accurate documentation in alignment with shelter policies and procedures
• Contribute to reporting on cultural programming outcomes and impact
• Provide input into strategic planning, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts
• Be available to travel, as requested.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the position or as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Fluency in spoken Inuktitut is required
• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, or a related field is considered an asset
• Equivalent lived experience, traditional knowledge, and demonstrated community leadership are highly valued
• 4-6 years of relevant experience in community-based, cultural, or social service settings
• Thorough and extensive knowledge of Traditional Inuit knowledge
• Deep understanding of Inuit culture, traditions, values, and community practices
• Ability to meaningfully integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles into programming and service delivery
• Strong understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts
• Trauma-informed, culturally grounded approach to support
• Knowledge of gender-based violence within Inuit communities
• Experience supporting women and children impacted by violence
• Strong relationship-building and community engagement skills
• Experience in community-based programming and cultural facilitation
• Ability to design and facilitate group sessions and cultural activities
• Ability to support and guide non-Inuit staff in culturally safe practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with frontline shelter staff and multidisciplinary teams
• Basic computer proficiency and documentation skills
  
• Security clearance is required.