Knowledge Keeper (multiple positions)

Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education; Northwestern Ontario, Red Lake; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

KOBE Safe Sober Site is seeking a Knowledge Keeper to support Indigenous students by providing cultural guidance, mentorship, and traditional teachings in a respectful environment. The role strengthens cultural identity, resilience, and belonging while collaborating with the Safe Sober Site team and community partners.

The Knowledge Keeper will promote land-based learning, ceremonies, and culturally grounded wellness practices, and serve as a positive role model for healthy choices and community

Qualifications

• Recognized Knowledge Keeper or community mentor within Indigenous communities.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, ceremonies, and holistic wellness approaches.
• Experience supporting Indigenous youth, families, and communities through mentorship, guidance, and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural guidance, mentorship, and traditional teachings to strengthen cultural identity and belonging.
• Offer non-judgemental emotional and spiritual support to students facing distress or personal challenges.
• Model healthy lifestyles, resilience, and community leadership to promote wellness and sobriety.
• Collaborate with Safe Sober Site team, Elders, and community partners to ensure culturally safe care.

Skills

Indigenous knowledge

Mentorship

Cultural guidance

Communication

Confidentiality & boundaries

Job description

The Knowledge Keeper supports the holistic well-being of students accessing the KOBE Safe Sober Site by providing cultural guidance, mentorship, and traditional teachings in a safe and respectful environment. Through the sharing of Indigenous knowledge, values, ceremonies, and cultural practices, the Knowledge Keeper helps students strengthen their cultural identity, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.

Working collaboratively with the Safe Sober Site team and other KOBE staff, the Knowledge Keeper contributes to culturally responsive care, promotes healing and wellness, and supports students in their educational and personal journeys.

Anticipated Schedule:

4 days on, 4 days off Rotation - 1 pm to 9 pm

Salary:

$30/hour

Cultural Guidance and Connection

The Knowledge Keeper will provide students with opportunities to strengthen their cultural identity and connection to Indigenous teachings, traditions, and values. This may include:

• sharing traditional teachings and knowledge
• participating in ceremonies and cultural activities
• supporting land-based learning opportunities
• encouraging respect, belonging, and community connection
• helping students reconnect with culture as part of their healing journey

Emotional and Spiritual Support

The Knowledge Keeper will provide non-judgemental, compassionate, and relationship-based support to students experiencing emotional distress, homesickness, mental health challenges, or personal struggles.

Supports may include:

• listening and mentorship
• spiritual guidance and traditional healing approaches
• prayers, teachings, and culturally grounded wellness practices
• creating a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment
• helping students build trust and positive relationships within the Safe Sober Site

Modeling Healthy Lifestyles

The Knowledge Keeper will serve as positive role models by demonstrating resilience, healthy living, cultural pride, and community leadership.

Their presence helps:

• promote respectful behaviour and healthy decision-making
• encourage sobriety and wellness
• strengthen students' confidence and sense of identity
• create a grounded and supportive atmosphere within the residence

Qualifications and Experience:

• Recognized and respected Knowledge Keeper, or community mentor within Indigenous communities
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, ceremonies, and holistic wellness approaches
• Experience supporting Indigenous youth, families, and communities through mentorship, guidance, and relationship-building
• Ability to provide culturally grounded emotional, spiritual, and wellness support to youth
• Understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma, mental health, substance use, grief, and community healing
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, families, Elders, and community partners
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries while providing compassionate support
• Experience participating in cultural programming, ceremonies, land-based activities, or traditional teachings is considered an asset
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel may be considered an asset
• Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check may be required in accordance with organizational policy

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of First Nations cultures, traditions, teachings, ceremonies, and cultural
• Understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and their effects on Indigenous youth, families, and
• Ability to build trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with students from diverse First Nations
• Strong communication, active listening, interpersonal, and mentoring
• Ability to provide culturally grounded guidance while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and
• Experience facilitating cultural activities, teachings, ceremonies, and land-based learning
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team while supporting a culturally safe and inclusive
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and student needs.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• An ability to adjust to changes
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Is patient and caring
• Ability to focus and concentrate over lengthy periods of time
• Team player
• Self-directed
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to meet the physical and emotional demands of working within a crisis and residential support environment
• Ability to deal with tact and sound judgment in oral and written communications with staff and the public
• The ability to coordinate and organize work
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to Indigenous peoples
• Ability to work effectively with staff, administration KOBE board, and First Nations