Enikwenimaaged (Indigenous Cultural Support Early Years)

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto invites applications for a part-time Mdewgaan Lodge caregiver, providing culturally grounded support to Indigenous mothers and children.

Working 14 hours per week on weekends (Sat 11AM-7PM and Sun 11AM-7PM) at 222 Carlton St., Toronto, the role is a unionized one-year contract with a clear mission to integrate land-based and traditional healing practices.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school (GED).
• 1-2 years experience in a supportive Indigenous community role.
• Indigenous lived experience is required and valued.
• CPR and First-Aid certificate or willingness to obtain before start.
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check required.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the role of Enikwenimaaged to meet family needs.
• Provide a safe, secure, and culturally appropriate setting for residents.
• Work within the Lodge to establish trusting relationships with mothers and children.
• Act as a culturally appropriate maternal role model.
• Provide cultural programs, including on-the-land activities.
• Support cultural programs with Knowledge Carriers and facilitators.
• Ensure programs include on-the-land experiences.
• Assist residents with maintaining cultural goals while at the Lodge.
• Ensure space and equipment are maintained and organized.
• Provide updates to the Clinical Team regarding families as requested.
• Represent Native Child and Family Services of Toronto at community level.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Indigenous experience

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Hours: 14 hrs/wk. Sat and Sun 11AM-7PM

Range: $24.89-$38.26 per hour

Location: 222 Carlton St., Toronto

Classification: Part-time- 1 year Contract

Position: Unionized

Summary:

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.

Mdewgaan Lodge (mi-day-gaan / medicine lodge) serves Indigenous women with young children who are struggling with addiction issues and mental health challenges related to complex trauma and poverty, and who are either homeless, precariously housed, or at risk of homelessness. The program stems the flow of children into child welfare, breaking down historical cycles, and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system. Our services are trauma-informed and holistic, utilizing Traditional Healing, Traditional Counselling, and Land-based Cultural Programming combined with mainstream clinical interventions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Mdewgaan Lodge this position will:

• Undertake the role of “Enikwenimaaged” as traditionally defined by Indigenous culture with the focus on meeting the needs of the family.
• Provide a safe, secure, and culturally appropriate setting by ensuring that residents abide by the rules and expectations of the Mdewgaan Lodge.
• Work within the Mdewgaan Lodge to establish in-depth trusting and nurturing relationships with mothers and their children to ensure they are treated as the Creator’s special gifts.
• Act as a Culturally appropriate maternal role model to mothers and children in the Mdewgaan Lodge.
• Provide cultural programs, considering interest, age and ability of participants.
• Work with Knowledge Carriers and facilitators to support cultural programs and protocols.
• Ensure programs include “on the land” experience.
• Assess and address the cultural needs of the mother’s and their children in the Mdewgaan Lodge.
• Assist residents on an individual basis with maintaining their cultural goals while at the Mdewgaan Lodge.
• Ensure that equipment, inventory, and supplies are maintained and protected.
• Ensure that the physical space of the program is clean and organized.
• Provide Culturally appropriate support to the Mdewgaan Lodge Clinical Team regarding the needs of the families.
• Provide verbal and written updates regarding the mother’s and children in the Mdewgaan Lodge as requested.
• Represent Native Child and Family Services of Toronto at community level.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

• Completion of high school (GED).
• Must have 1-2 years of experience working in a supportive role within the Indigenous community.
• Must have Indigenous lived experience. Strong understanding and practice of Indigenous approaches to healing, including land-based practices and cultural knowledge is required.
• Knowledge of the resources available for Indigenous peoples with respect to issues such as homelessness, addictions, and mental health.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; organizational skills; initiative, and respect for confidentiality.
• Current CPR and First-Aid certificate or willing to complete prior to commencement of employment.
• Pass a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
• Demonstrated understanding, and commitment to, integrating the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Mission and values into practice, service, and relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of workplace Health and Safety practices and understanding of an employee’s responsibility under current legislation.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, to maintain effective communication and working relationships, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, tact, sensitivity and build strong internal relationships.

Closing Date: Nov 18, 2026.

We thank you for your interest, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.