Elder Kookum - FNFAO - Competition 2026-083

Manitoba Chiefs; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Manitoba Chiefs is seeking a part-time Kookum to work with First Nations families in the Reunification Homes. You will provide culturally appropriate support to meet spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs, aiming for healthy families to care for their children and communities.

You will collaborate to set goals, empower families, facilitate workshops, and connect families with resources while maintaining strong community relationships and attending weekly meetings.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education required; college/university education preferred.
• Knowledge of First Nation issues related to child welfare, justice and health.
• Ability to speak a First Nations language is a strong asset.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops.
• Demonstrate problem solving and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Able to work flexible hours and travel when requested.
• Criminal record and child abuse registry checks required.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle may be needed.

Responsibilities

• Work with First Nations families in Reunification Homes to meet spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs.
• Develop short- and long-term goals to strengthen family units.
• Empower families to be positive role models and build social supports.
• Provide advice and support to help families access community resources.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with community members.
• Demonstrate trauma-informed, strength-based approaches in practice.
• Attend weekly meetings and assist with workshops.
• Support planning and management of families and wellness activities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Inter-personal skills

Workshop facilitation

Problem solving

Time management

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Travel ability

Cultural awareness

Education

Grade 12 education

College or university education preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Competition # 2026-083

Category: Part Time

Closing: Open Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Children and Families, the Kookum will work directly with First Nations families in the Reunification Homes. The Kookum will provide culturally appropriate support to families to ensure their spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs are met. The goal is to ensure that we have healthy families to care for their children, families, and Nations.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Ensure that the services and environment of the Reunification Homes align with the First Nation values and practices;
• Work with families to develop short- and long-term goals that will strengthen the family unit and ensure long term success;
• Empower families to be positive role models for other families;
• Provide advice and support to families to help build their personal and social support systems;
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist families in meeting their needs independently;
• Ability to build and maintain long lasting, respectful relationships with community
• Provide ongoing support to families who need assistance in meeting their needs in specific areas of their life;
• Demonstrate and apply understanding of the intergenerational trauma caused by colonization, the Residential Schools and Sixties Scoop era and the child welfare system;
• Practice from a trauma-informed and strength-based perspective to empower families from place of empathy and compassion;
• Incorporate culturally appropriate intervention skills and teachings within the work;
• Attend weekly meetings;
• Support the planning and management of families;
• Provide one on one support and facilitate bi-weekly staff wellness activities to promote self care and support staff wellness;
• Ensure clear communication with families and staff within the office;
• Assist with the development and implementation of workshops; and
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Grade 12 education required. A college or university education is preferred;
• Knowledge of First Nation issues related to the child welfare system, justice and health services;
• Ability to speak a First Nations language is a strong asset;
• Excellent verbal, written and inter-personal communication skills;
• Experience facilitating workshops;
• Demonstrate problem solving and organizational skills;
• Ability to use Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Knowledge of management, organizational and planning principles;
• Be able to follow office procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of First Nations people and Nations;
• Able to work flexible hours and travel upon request;
• Applicants to provide criminal record and child abuse registry checks; and
• Possess a valid Class 5F Driver's License and vehicle, ability to work flexible hours, and travel upon request.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com