The Land Based Healing & Wellness Mentor will deliver culturally appropriate trauma informed healing and wellness opportunities for youth involved in the justice system.  Reporting to the Kakiskinawtahitonan Youth Justice Initiative Program Coordinator, the Land Based Healing & Wellness Mentor will support youth in exploring their culture and identity through traditional land-based teachings, activities and ceremony.  As part of a collaborative team, the Land Based Healing & Wellness Mentor will work with local Knowledge Keepers and Elders to promote a positive self-identity and sense of belonging contributing to their successful reunification and reintegration to family and community.

 

·         Work collaboratively with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to support the transmission of traditional knowledge, ceremony, and healing by planning and facilitating land-based wellness activities for youth; strengthening the youth’s connection to self, family, community and nation.

·         Participate in the creation of the youth’s healing/wellness plan and perform a lead role in implementation to ensure consistent cultural supports and interventions.

·         Build and maintain positive relationships with youth and families by attending, participating and supporting community events and activities with a focus on prevention and holistic wellness.

·         Utilize a strength-based approach to promote a strong positive self-identity and sense of belonging by focusing on the cultural and spiritual needs of the youth.

·         Support the youth reintegration path with family and community by role modelling and supporting positive lifestyle and self-management skills.

·         Provide culturally appropriate guidance, counselling and mentorship by sharing knowledge of traditional culture, language, teachings and practices.

·         Transport and accompany youth/parents/caregivers to activities and ceremonies as needed.

·         Engage in behavior management, intervening in crisis situations as needed.

·         Observe, assess and document youth engagement by maintaining accurate and objective notes and files as necessary.

·         Demonstrate an active commitment towards professional growth and development through active participation in training, workshops, etc.

·         Perform all other duties as assigned to engage and support MKO programs and member nations (MKO is political advocacy organization that works to represent the leadership and member First Nations.  All staff at MKO may be given other duties as assigned that enable MKO to fulfill the mandate and responsibility to its member communities).

 

·         Knowledge and experience in traditional livelihood activities (i.e. fishing, trapping, hunting, harvesting, canoeing, snowshoeing, etc.) 

·         Knowledge of traditional teachings, ceremonies and protocols/cultural norms including experience participating in or facilitating ceremony alongside youth, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.

·         In depth knowledge and understanding of the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma in Indigenous families and communities; including the ability to recognize and respond to symptoms of trauma in any situation or setting.

·         Demonstrated connection/membership to a First Nation community.

·         Training and experience working from a trauma-informed perspective.

·         Experience working with and supporting youth and families.

·         Experience living and/or working in First Nation or northern communities.

·         Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and/or environment.

·         Case management experience from a holistic worldview that considers and incorporates all aspects of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

·         Education, training and/or experience in individual and group counselling.

·         Proficient computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point, GIS and Outlook.

·         Travel to northern and remote First Nation communities, and the ability to work flexible hours as required.

·         Ability to travel by air, road, boat, skidoo and other means as necessary.

·         Experience working in Indigenous or Northern Communities.

·         Possess a valid Manitoba driver’s licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

Produce a satisfactory criminal record, child and adult abuse registry and vulnerable sector checks 

Salary is dependant upon qualifications and experience

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) by 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2024 to:

 

Human Resources at [email protected]

 

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Preference will be given to qualified First Nations applicants; applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their resume or cover letter.  No phone calls will be accepted.