Cultural Advisor
Your Opportunity:
Description:
Being the first and only Indigenous pediatric healthcare program in North America, the Awasisak Indigenous Health Program strives to meet patients' and families' unique and complex needs. Reporting to the Team Lead/Manager of Awasisak Indigenous Health Program, the cultural advisor assists in development, delivery, and evaluation of activities identified as priorities of the Awasisak program. This position provides spiritual, mental and emotional guidance for Stollery pediatric patients and families through direct provision of spiritual, educational and cultural support. Including counseling, coordinating and delivering ceremonial healing events on a regular and patient-requested basis, including (but not limited to) smudging, prayers, other medicinal ceremonies to facilitate healing. The advisor is a role model, coach, mentor, guide and connector. This position provides a wide range of cultural support to all program areas within the Stollery. The position is available to provide support, guidance, advice, education, and encouragement to all Stollery staff, volunteers, children, youth and their families and communities. To assist in fulfilling AHS vision: Healthy Albertans, Healthy Communities, Together, the advisor works to facilitate a positive, respectful, and culturally appropriate environment, while breaking down stigmas, and systemic barriers. The advisor works within consultation the Awasisak team and Stollery staff to address issues on the units, supporting families and educating staff on cultural beliefs and values enhancing an environment of cultural awareness and safety. Respecting the historical impacts of colonization, the beauty of traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, the diversity of many beliefs among Indigenous peoples, and the complex western medical approaches to health.
- Acute Care Alberta:
- Primary Care Alberta: N
- Recovery Alberta: N
- Classification: Advisor
- Union: Exempt
- Unit and Program: Awasisak Indigenous Health Program
- Primary Location: Stollery Children's Hospital
- Location Details: As Per Location
- Negotiable Location: Within Edmonton Zone
- Employee Class: Regular Full Time
- FTE: 1.00
- Posting End Date: 14-JUL-2025
- Date Available: 05-AUG-2025
- Hours per Shift: 7.75
- Length of Shift in weeks: 2
- Shifts per cycle: 10
- Shift Pattern: Days
- Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
- Minimum Salary: $30.00
- Maximum Salary: $51.54
- Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable
Traditionally earned understanding of Indigenous cultural beliefs, values, customs, traditions, healing ways, ceremonies, traditional medicines and protocols. Guided ongoing development with Traditional Elders over the course of many years. Learning about Indigenous cultural identity that is recognized by other Indigenous people and is respectful in a health care environment. Knowledge of how to respond to diverse cultural needs of a wide variety of Indigenous people. Knowledge about the effects of colonization and residential schools, including intergenerational trauma. Openness to continually learning. Ability to guide and support individuals in their desires and efforts to embrace their Indigenous values and traditions.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Bachelor or master’s level of Social Work, Sciences, or Indigenous Studies required/equivalency will be considered. Understanding of and sensitivity to the experiences of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada, and the impact of the legacy of Residential Schools and the “Sixties Scoop” upon them is essential. Three years' experience in a social or health services organizations developing and delivering cultural programs and services. Experience working with Indigenous people, organizations and communities. As a bona fide occupational requirement, and under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered. We encourage Indigenous candidates to self- identify. Knowledge of local Indigenous history and experience in local Indigenous culture. Ability to travel across Alberta; occasionally in remote areas with no public transport. Experience working with Indigenous children, youth and their families. Experience facilitating group training. Experience executing a program or project with multiple interdependent partners. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners in a respectful and collaborative manner. Broad knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures within Alberta High degree of cultural competence as it relates to working with Indigenous people.
Preferred Qualifications:
Indigenous programming or health care certificate. Experience with all four stages of the life cycle within the medicine wheel. Courses or experiences in understanding and treatment of generational trauma. Ability to understand and speak Cree, Dene or any other Indigenous language in Treaty 6 or 8 territory is a definite asset.
Please note:
All postings close at 23:59 MT of the posting end date indicated.
Security Screening:
A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with AHS.
Healthy Albertans. Healthy
Communities. Together.
We’re passionate about what we do. Our team of skilled and dedicated health care professionals, support staff, and physicians promote wellness and provide health care every day, all across Alberta.
Everything we do at AHS reflects a patient and family centred approach; it’s about putting patients’ and families’ experiences, priorities and trust first.
We are an equal opportunity employer. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
