Ehkinoomaage in Sagamok, Ontario at Sagamok Anishnawbek

JOB SUMMARY:

Ehkinoomaage (Traditional Knowledge Teacher/Keeper) is responsible for developing, delivering, and supporting Anishinaabe Aadziwin program and services to students, staff, families and community in cultural practices, values and histories through ceremonies, teachings and mentorship aiming to strengthen Anishinaabe identity.

Ehkinoomaage (Traditional Knowledge Teacher/Keeper) will function within Sagamok Anishnawbek Education system and contribute to the accomplishment of the strategic priorities to integrate Anishinaabe Aadziwin.

Role:

Anishinaabe Aadziwin is a fundamental source of strength, Ehkinoomaage (Traditional Knowledge Keeper) is a key resource in providing cultural support to programming in ways that will enhance the strengths of students, families, staff, and community.

Ehkinoomaage will be involved in sharing Anishinaabe worldview, history, values, and practices through storytelling, ceremonies (smudging, drumming), traditional arts, and guiding cultural protocols to strengthen Anishinaabe identity and provide culturally appropriate support for student wellness, acting as a bridge between traditional ways of knowing and doing in educational settings. They will guide culturally safe program development ensuring respectful engagement to integrate Anishinaabe knowledge into program delivery.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities

• Cultural Education & Training: Teach traditional values, beliefs, history, languages to students, families, staff, and community members.
• Program Development: Co-develop and implement a culturally appropriate program and evaluation mechanism for the Land-based and Visiting Elders for students, families, staff, and community. Engage in learning and incorporating Anishinaabemowin within programs.
• Ceremonial Guidance and Protocol: Lead with ceremonies like smudging, drumming, pipe ceremonies, and blessings.
• Facilitating Circles: Conduct Talking Circles and Sharing Circles to foster dialogue and understanding.
• Cultural Protocol: Advise on respectful protocols for communication, events, and community engagement.
• Mentorship: Provide cultural grounding and build trusting relationships with students, families, staff and community.
• Resource Development: Create a cultural resource for consistent, culturally relevant programming.
• Community Connection: Liaise with community and inter-departments to promote Anishinaabe Aadziwin
• Reporting: Manage all documentation and statistics including the submission of regular monthly reports to Anishinaabemowin Manager

Key Skills & Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of Anishinaabe Aadziwin teachings; history, creation story, worldviews and have adopted a lifetime commitment to learning Anishinaabe Aadziwin and wisdom in the teachings according to their respective traditions.
• Carry traditional knowledge and teachings in one or more specific areas: traditional plants, medicines, and wellness teachings; traditional arts, songs, dance; hunting and harvesting practices.
• Experience with ceremonial practices and protocols.
• Follow the Seven Grandfather teachings as it relates to the position
• Ability to build strong, respectful relationships.
• Understanding of cultural competency, humility, and safety.
• Ability to understand and speak Anishinaabemowin is a definite asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) prior to employment.
• Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Compliance with Sagamok Anishnawbek policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics is mandatory.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A diploma or degree in Indigenous studies or a similar field of study an asset.
• Experiential knowledge of Anishinaabe Aadziwin, ceremonies and teachings. demonstrating Anishinaabe Aadziwin wisdom and balance offering guidance, leadership, and support social interactions which embody cultural teachings, principles, and values.
• Experience developing and delivering culturally relevant learning programs in an educational setting.
• Experience working with Anishinaabe people, organizations, and communities
• Experience providing cultural teachings and facilitating cultural ceremonies

REQUIREMENTS:

• Provide an acceptable Canadian Police Information Centre Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS)
• Class G Ontario Driver’s Licence and have access to a vehicle
• $1M automobile insurance coverage
• First Aid & CPR certified
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to form effective working relationships
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge in using computer systems and applications including Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt to new systems
• Must be willing to work flexible hours on occasion, including weekends, evenings as required.

Attn: Human Resources

Sagamok Anishnawbek, P.O. Box 2230, Sagamok, Ontario, P0P 2L0

Fax: (705) 865-3307

By: Until filled.

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