Indigenous Cultural Support Worker

Bissell Centre's Thrift Shop; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health maintenance days

Extended health, dental, and vision

Life insurance

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Staff events & discounts

Job summary

Bissell Centre is seeking a Cultural Support Worker to join the Indigenous Engagement team. The role focuses on guiding participants to engage with Indigenous culture, language, and worldview through 1-on-1 conversations, workshops, and groups, within a trauma-informed, culturally safe framework.

You will coordinate access to traditional ceremonies and elder teachings, while supporting a welcoming environment and collaborating with staff to advance community connections and cultural safety.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Native Studies (or related field) with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.
• Working knowledge of Indigenous languages is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies, and worldview.
• Familiar with land-based teachings and medicine.
• Lived experience is an asset.
• Sound working knowledge of TRC’s Calls to Action.

Responsibilities

• Advance Indigenous engagement practices within the organization.
• Provide direct and indirect supports to participants to learn and connect with Indigenous culture.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment in collaboration with staff.
• Coordinate access to traditional resources, ceremonies, Elder teachings, or land-based practices.
• Represent the program on inter-agency coalitions and partnerships.

Skills

Indigenous languages (asset)

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Diploma/degree in Native Studies or related field

Job description

Driven by a vision to eliminate poverty in our community, Bissell Centre’s data-driven approach is rooted in a deep belief in the dignity, strength, and potential of every individual. Through compassion, optimism, and strong relationships, our prevention and stabilization strategy and programs empower people by supporting our community to secure housing and build sustainable livelihoods. Our community comes from all walks of life, and so does our team—united by a shared commitment to create real, lasting change. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for a Cultural Support Worker to join our dedicated Indigenous Engagement team as we journey with the Community towards an elimination of poverty. If you’re ready to bring your heart to a fast-paced, collaborative environment, join us in making an impact in our community.

How You’ll Make an Impact?

The purpose of this role is to advance Bissell Centre’s ability to acknowledge, initiate and embrace Indigenous engagement, practices and protocol within the organization, this role will provide both direct and indirect supports/direction to participants to learn, acknowledge, support a greater connection to Indigenous culture, language, and worldview through 1-on-1 conversations, group workshops, drop-in activities, sharing circles, and regular practice of Indigenous ceremony.

The Cultural Support Worker will ensure participants have the support they need to fully engage with their Indigeneity or explore aspects of Indigenous culture that will be helpful to their successes. They will work with staff to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

• Implement a holistic process that empowers participants, reflects Indigenous world view, and provides participants with the tools and skills they need to better engage with Indigenous culture.
• Identify and provide access to traditional resources and materials that support the cultural identity of participants.
• Offer consistent emotional and cultural guidance, ensuring participants feel supported through a trauma-informed and culturally safe framework.
• Facilitate meaningful reconnections between participants and their home nations, helping to bridge gaps created by displacement or systemic barriers.
• Coordinate and advocate for participant access to traditional ceremonies, Elder teachings, and land-based cultural practices.
• Represent the program or agency on relevant inter-agency coalitions, partnerships, and collaborations.

What You’ll Bring?

• A Diploma or Degree in Native Studies (or equivalent) or other related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role. An equivalent combination of training and lived experience may be considered.
• Working Knowledge of Indigenous languages would be an asset.
• An advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and world view.
• Familiar with land-based teachings and medicine.
• Lived experience will be considered an asset.
• Sound working knowledge of TRC’s Calls to Action.

Why Choose Bissell Centre?

At Bissell Centre, we believe meaningful work starts with a supportive and inclusive culture. We value individuality, are guided by strong values, and are committed to supporting staff growth and wellbeing. We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that reflects our commitment, including:

• Paid Vacation of 3 weeks upon hire and 4 weeks after one-year continuous service with Bissell Centre.
• Health Maintenance Days (in addition to vacation)
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Health Spending Account
• Life insurance and ADD for you and your dependents
• Benefits coverage during maternity/parental leave
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (supporting mental and physical wellbeing)
• Staff events, committees and celebrations
• Exclusive employee discounts, including TELUS and Bell mobility plans, recreation centre memberships, Costco membership, CIBC banking perks, Perkopolis, Fresh Prep, and more
• Paid time off for optional general holidays

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Application Deadline: September 30th, 2026