Job Description

Position Title: Knowledge Keeper

Position Details

Part-time - approximately 45 hours bi-weekly Mondays to Friday, occasional weekends as needed Days and evenings (flexible) Wages will be determined based on experience and qualifications There will be a three-month probationary period.

About Us

Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) is a non-profit, charitable organization that operates four community justice programs: El'dad Ranch, Touchstone, Open Circle, and CoSA. These programs support people with intellectual disabilities, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and those who are currently, or have been previously, incarcerated. IJC is committed to restorative justice practices, which honour the community and foster a sense of belonging.



IJC supports many Indigenous and culturally diverse participants. As an organization, we aspire to have a workforce that is representative of the diversity within our communities. We value diversity and aim to foster an inclusive work culture where everyone's contributions and professional development matter.

The Position

The Knowledge Keeper will play a central role in supporting IJC's commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed care by providing traditional Indigenous therapeutic practices rooted in the Circle of Care model. This part-time role involves working directly with supported individuals and program staff to deliver individual and group-based healing through ceremonies, teachings, and land-based activities.



Reporting to the Associate Director of Case Management, the Knowledge Keeper will also provide leadership in the development and integration of cultural practices across IJC programming, while offering staff guidance and mentorship in incorporating Indigenous worldviews into daily work.

What you will do

Therapeutic Services

Deliver individual and group sessions rooted in Indigenous practices, including:

o Sharing circles

o Cultural ceremonies (sweat lodges, naming, smudging)

o Storytelling and traditional teachings

o Land-based healing activities such as medicine picking, gathering grandfathers

o Emotional and spiritual support, including crisis response

Collaboratively develop individual healing and support plans aligned with cultural values and supported individual goals alongside the Case Management Team. Foster personal growth, spiritual connection, and cultural identity for individuals receiving supports. Support individuals in addressing trauma and substance use through culturally relevant practices.


Cultural Leadership at IJC

Develop and communicate cultural services schedule across IJC. Develop and implement cultural resources and tools for use across IJC programs. Facilitate cultural learning opportunities and train staff and supported individuals on ceremonies, teachings, and traditions. Ensure IJC services, meetings, and events respect Indigenous cultural protocols. Build relationships with community Elders and traditional helpers. Mentor others in cultural knowledge (e.g., acting as a Skabe). Connecting individuals at IJC to other cultural groups and events in community.


Mentorship and Support for Supported Individual Helpers

Provide ongoing guidance, mentorship, and coaching to supported individual helpers, supporting their personal growth and cultural development. Share traditional knowledge and teachings to help supported individual helpers strengthen their roles in community healing and knowledge sharing. Foster a supportive learning environment grounded in respect and cultural humility. Encourage supported individual helpers to develop skills in facilitating circles, ceremonies, and land-based activities under appropriate guidance. Model and promote wellness, self-care, and accountability within cultural and healing practices. Collaborate with the Case Management Team to ensure supported individual helpers are integrated into cultural programming in a safe and meaningful way.


Administration and Reporting

Maintain detailed records including session attendance and participation. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports summarizing therapeutic observations, outcomes and recommendations. Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and committee work as needed. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all IJC privacy, documentation, and safety standards.


Financial Management

Maintain accurate and organized financial records related to cultural services, ceremonial supplies, land-based activities, and supported individual supports in accordance with program budget. Research, source, and purchase cultural and ceremonial items in a respectful and appropriate manner, ensuring alignment with traditional protocols and participant needs. Track expenses and provide financial updates to the leadership team as required.

Qualifications

Required

Recognized as an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Keeper with deep understanding of Indigenous healing practices. Minimum of 3 years experience delivering cultural programs and services. Understanding of the intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop. Experience supporting individuals with complex needs, including those affected by trauma, addictions, or houselessness. Demonstrated cultural competency and knowledge of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Ability to lead or facilitate traditional ceremonies and land-based teachings. Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Willingness to mentor others in cultural knowledge (e.g., acting as a Skabe). Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all IJC privacy, documentation, and safety standards.


Assets

Ability to understand or speak a traditional Indigenous language. Experience with restorative justice, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive frameworks. Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities or FASD. Experience managing or advising on culturally safe program development.

Conditions of Employment

Must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search Satisfactory Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check Valid Class 5 Driver's License and acceptable Driver's Abstract Completion of any required IJC training Adherence to all IJC policies and procedures

Benefits Include

Employee and Family Assistance Services Paid Sick Leave

Location - Steinbach and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Possible travel to land-based or community sites.

How to Apply:

Please submit your application and a letter of interest outlining your experience with traditional teachings, cultural practices, and your approach to supporting individuals on their healing journeys. Include any relevant experience leading ceremonies, mentoring others, or developing culturally grounded programming.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process.



We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.