FT Cultural Educator

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has extended its services in the field of early learning and child care. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC is the operator and licensee of Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre.

Nshwaasnangong offers culturally-relevant licensed childcare and early years programming to families in the London and Middlesex area. Programs will support families to play and have fun together, strengthen relationships, connect with other families and early childhood professionals. The Centre offers licensed Child Care for 88 children ages 0-6, early years, and family programs that reclaim Indigenous languages, teachings, and values. Nshwaasnangong is the place to connect to all of the opportunities offered for families, including ceremonies and land-based learning opportunities.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Centre Manager the Cultural Educator will act as a collaborator to other Nshwaasnangong staff in the delivery of culturally relevant programming in accordance with the Nshwaasnangong Program Statement. This position will provide support in planning, preparing, and delivering culturally relevant programming and language lessons to the children that are coordinated with the monthly moon phases and weekly classroom program activities. This position will be required to be out in the community, which includes indoor and outdoor environments in all seasons.

This position will have direct contact with knowledge keepers, Elders, drummers, singers, dancers, etc., and access them as resources for the programs. This position will encourage children, youth, and their caregivers in accessing other healthy lifestyle and culturally appropriate programming as applicable.

Requirements

· Post-secondary of Indigenous studies diploma/degree or appropriate combination of education and experience accepted

· Early Childhood Education Diploma or Child &Family Worker Diploma as asset

· Knowledge of the Indigenous histories, cultures, values, creation stories, and language of the Indigenous population in the London area

· Training and experience in a field that relates to the needs of children with differing abilities/diagnoses

· Knowledge of legislative requirements for working in a licensed childcare setting

· Knowledge of theories and practices applicable to the children’s mental health field and special education

· Demonstrates a commitment to working in an inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to diverse needs and challenges

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Ability to work collaboratively with Nshwaasnangong leadership, front-line educators and outside community partners and organizations

· Able to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner

· Excellent organizational and time management skills and takes initiative.

· Ongoing involvement with Indigenous culture and traditions, comprehensive knowledge, understanding and awareness of Indigenous traditions, ceremony, teachings, and practices.

· Understanding of the barriers and issues facing Indigenous individuals.

· Access to reliable transportation;

· Valid “G” driver’s licence, auto insurance and clean driving history an asset

· Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies

· First Aid and CPR Certificates

· Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment

· Up to date immunizations and records

Responsibilities

· Integrates Indigenous culture and language throughout Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre programs both in childcare and EarlyON

· Plans, prepares, and delivers culturally relevant programming and language lessons to the children that are coordinated with the monthly moon phases and weekly program plans.

· Organizes traditional programming, such as feasts, ceremonies, socials, and centre wide community meals while arranges the attendance and participation of Elders and community resources.

· Organizes planting, maintaining, harvesting, and preserving of the Community Garden with the classrooms involvement and invites Elder for the Planting Ceremony.

· Encourages program participants, their caregivers, and staff to participate in cultural and traditional events verbally and through social media advertising.

· Collects, organizes, and gathers Indigenous resources, materials etc.

· Maintains list of Cultural Items on site.

· Assists Elders on evenings when programming and/or ceremonies take place.

· Assist in providing and/or coordinating traditional and cultural training for staff.

· Adheres to and is responsible for the completion of reporting requirements required by funding agencies and/or the Director of Nshwaasnangong, Centre Manager, Family Centre Supervisor or Childcare Program Supervisor.

· Works with families to ensure family’s specific needs are met and plans for successful outcomes.

· Ensures children will be provided with a safe and supportive environment that is culturally relevant and culturally appropriate which will help children develop socially, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

· Works as a team member, striving to create a healthy and happy atmosphere of caring, growth, learning, stimulation, creativity, and respect, utilizes the seven Grandfather Teachings.

· Fosters and maintains a positive relationship with Elders in the community.

· Fosters and maintains positive and productive relationships with the children, parents/caregivers, family, community, professionals, and co-workers.

· Promotes Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre at public relation events and acts as a liaison between community agencies and Nshwaasnangong programs as appropriate.

· Demonstrates knowledge and adheres to the Child Care Early Years Act, 2014, Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre Personnel Policies and Procedures.

· Attends all Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre staff meetings and encourages cultural practices be integrated at each meeting/event i.e., opening ceremony.

· Maintains a clutter-free and organized workspace.

· Maintains the work area, materials, supplies, learning resources and equipment in a clean, safe, orderly manner, responsibilities include sweeping, de-cluttering and dusting as needed.

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@soahac.on.ca.