Indigenous Cultural Wellness Facilitator, Office of Indigenous Initiatives & Student Health and Wellness

Job ID:                        OR-23-05

Job Title:                    Indigenous Cultural Wellness Facilitator

Department:               Office of Indigenous Initiatives & Student Health and Wellness

Campus:                     Orillia, ON

Status:                        Part-Time, Contract

Job Category:            Non-Union

Date Posted:              May 18, 2023

Closing Date:            Open until filled *review of applicants will begin May 29, 2023

Why Lakehead University?

At Lakehead University we challenge the conventional to provide a university experience that’s far from ordinary.  Lakehead's Orillia campus is a thriving academic community in which you can make a real difference as part of our team.  Your unique ideas will be respected and encouraged. Because we are small and mighty, your commitment to innovation and collaboration are essential.  Lakehead Orillia is located in the heart of Ontario's Lake Country, offering year-round opportunities for recreation, culture, and heritage.

Lakehead is a comprehensive University with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research.  For the third year in a row, Lakehead University was included in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Lakehead is the highest ranked university in the world with under 10,000 students. Lakehead is the highest ranked university in the world with under 10,000 students. Maclean’s has once again included Lakehead University among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in the magazine’s 2023 University Rankings.

About this Job

At Lakehead University, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives offers a variety of services, connections to resources and referrals for all students. Student Health and Wellness provides a range of counselling options, health services, and wellness programs so that you can get the most out of your Lakehead Experience.  Both departments work as part of the Orillia Student Affairs team, where we work collaboratively with other Orillia campus services to meet student’s specific needs. 

Reporting to both the Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator and the Student Wellness Coordinator on the Orillia Campus, the Indigenous Cultural Wellness Facilitator will coordinate, facilitate and deliver various cultural initiatives (i.e., spiritual guidance, cultural teachings and ceremonies) to provide Indigenous ways of knowing on health and wellness to Indigenous students and the Lakehead University community. The Indigenous Cultural Wellness Facilitator will work with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Student Health and Wellness at the Lakehead Orillia campus to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging space that fosters success for Indigenous learners.

Job Duties

• Actively engage with students on campus  through various cultural initiatives (i.e., spiritual guidance, cultural teachings and ceremonies), classroom visits, tabling, one-on-one appointments, etc. to identify student needs and address accordingly.
• Create a welcoming learning environment that is a safe space for All Our Relations. 
• Actively participate as a member of the Student Programming Committee on the Orillia Campus (i,e., attend meetings, plan events, collaborate, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Turtle Island Student Circle and other student groups to support programming.
• Partner as necessary with community organizations and act as a liaison to build capacity and increase presence on the Lakehead Orillia Campus.
• Contribute to the development of an annual programming plan for the Orillia campus to generate awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures through planning, implementation, and collaboration with other students and staff on the plan.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and passion for supporting a positive student experience
• Indigenous cultural knowledge holder
• Comprehensive understanding of culture of Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Indigenous Ways of Knowing, experience, heritage, language, history, and knowledge.
• Keen interest in Indigenous peoples and educational development
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail applications, CMS  
• Valid Driver’s License and a good driving record, reliable vehicle
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and community engagement
• Completion of Feather Carriers: Leadership for Life Promotion or equivalent is an asset or willingness to learning the Miikaans Teachings through this culturally appropriate training.
• Exceptionally strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent networking and relationship management skills

Candidates will be asked to provide cultural credentials and references from their Elders and/or cultural teachers; including documentation of credential(s).

Working Conditions

• Varying hours and days of work to accommodate travel, events and school/fair visits
• Office environment

What do We Offer?

Lakehead University has a commitment to supporting employees and providing opportunities for flexible and diverse work arrangements.  We are proud to share the Alternate Work Arrangement Guideline as a step to creating innovative schedules that work for our employees to promote a quality work-life balance.  Please inquire with the hiring manager if this position is eligible for an Alternate Work Arrangement. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to this Google Form and attaching your cover

letter and resume in word or PDF format.

If you are experiencing any issues with the Google Form, please email careers@lakeheadu.ca for assistance.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.  Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements