Purpose:
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society (Bent Arrow) is a non-profit organization that provides unique programs and services to Edmonton’s urban Indigenous population. The organization was created in 1994 when Brad and Shauna Seneca identified the need for programming for Indigenous children and families based in traditional Indigenous values and teachings. This year we are celebrating our 30 anniversary, and we have grown as an agency where we have over 250 staff and 23 programs, but our mission remains to “build on the strengths of Aboriginal children, youth, and their families to enable them to develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally so they can walk proudly in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.”
The Role:
The Indigenous Programs Coordinator is responsible for delivering an Indigenous culture mentoring program in schools that Bent Arrow partners with, providing cultural teachings, activities, crafts, and games to children and youth in elementary schools, recruiting potential Indigenous mentors in the community, and connecting to Elders and Cultural Advisors to support the program. And assist with coordinating the Coyote Kids Weekly and Summer Camp Program with the Indigenous Programs Supervisor.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Report to Supervisor of Indigenous Programs; compile monthly program and statistic reports to Supervisor and Executive Director.
- Vast knowledge and understanding of First Nation, Metis and Inuit cultures, traditions, values, and practices is mandatory.
- Plan and implement cultural activities; invite and organize Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Advisors, and special guests to attend the mentoring program.
- Organize and supervise recreational activities, games, crafts, and outdoor education with an emphasis on Indigenous culture.
- Organize program logistics, liaising with the school and school staff, identifying children to be in the Coyote Pride program, getting registrations, finding a space, and maintaining a good relationship with the school and school staff.
- Responsible for recruiting, screening, and training of mentors (volunteers) and providing on-going support and training to the mentors.
- Assist Program Supervisor with the Coyote Kids Weekly and Summer Camp Program, as well as other after-school programs that we partner with; planning and organizing crafts, teachings, activities, supervision of children and camp staff, registration, logistics and other duties as required.
- Working knowledge of the various community agencies and resources available to Indigenous people within Edmonton.
- Active member and participant in Bent Arrow in-house committees, as required.
Competencies:
Essential:
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NCCI) Certificate
- Cultural Awareness Training Certificate
- First Aid Certificate
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Experience working with children and youth in community organizations or school environment.
- Exceptionally strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrates creativity, flexibility and comfort in working with diverse populations.
- Current (within 6 months) Criminal Record Check.
- Current (within 6 months) Child & Family Intervention Check.
- Must have reliable vehicle and class 5 license, as travel is necessary.
Qualifications:
Experience:
- 3 – 5 years minimum of relevant experience
Education:
- Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Development, Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Native Studies and/or other related field; work experience in these fields would be considered.
Start Date: This position is to start immediately. Contract position to March 31, 2026, with possible extension depending on funding.
Location: In person.
Job Type: Full-time
Posting End Date: September 14, 2025
How to Apply
You can send your cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,431.68-$49,803.26 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
