Nehbookaat Gehnwehndung – Traditional Knowledge Keeper Full-time Permanent Position

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre is seeking the full-time services of a Nehbookaat Gehnwehndung (Traditional Knowledge Keeper). With direction, the Traditional Knowledge Keeper provides Indigenous culturally based holistic healing approaches and practices that address the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects of healing and health of individuals and families. The Traditional Knowledge Keeper is responsible for providing traditional healing services, prescribing traditional medicines, holding traditional ceremonies and gatherings, and other traditional supports that align with Anishinabek values, practices and spirituality. The Traditional Knowledge Keeper facilitates or supports the development and provision of ongoing cultural safety training for inter-professional team members (both internally and externally), supports the increased integration and cross referrals between traditional and western healing and health practices, and works closely with other traditional resources including the Fire and Lodge Keeper.

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre is comprised of a multi-team of health care professions providing community-based services through the use of a holistic approach that integrates both traditional and western healing methods. Our unique team includes: Primary Care and Allied Health Services, Mental Health & Addictions Services, Health Promotion and Traditional Healing and Cultural Services. Services are offered on-site and community based (through the Manitoulin Island District First Nations Health Centres). The Traditional Knowledge Keeper will report to the Anishinabe Aadzawin Manager.

Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, from time to time, exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage and cedar, may occur within the work setting.

NTHC is an inclusive employer. Accommodation is available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Duties:

• Provide traditional healing services to community members and their families/caregivers throughout the life cycle
• Provide ongoing traditional healing services in the areas of assessment, traditional medicine education, holistic support for individuals, families, caregivers, treatment using traditional herbal medicines and other traditional remedies.
• Promote physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health and wellbeing through the provision of traditional ceremonies and practices.
• Teach and holistically support clients on individual, family and group basis.
• Work collaboratively with the inter-professional team and partners, including case conferencing and referrals, to ensure clients holistic health needs are being met through both traditional and western wellness practices.
• Ensure safety is maintained between the use of traditional and western medicines.
• Provide ongoing healing services on a regular basis both in-house and within the Manitoulin Island First Nation health clinics and Espanola location.
• Maintain and oversee a current inventory of traditional medicines and other traditional supplies as relevant to practice.
• Perform administrative duties in support of the program’s goals and objectives
• Complete or oversee charting of client visits, ensuring timely records maintained and reviewed for follow care as required.
• Participate in development of traditional protocols and policies to improve practices as needed.
• Participate on the Traditional Advisory committee and ongoing staff meetings as required.
• Participate in organizational events including strategic planning or review, quality improvement activities, annual general meeting, staff wellness, etc.
• Engage with inter-professional team members and external partners to promote and improve access to traditional services
• Work with and support the Fire and Lodge Keeper in supporting healer activities, including gathering and preparing traditional medicines, preparing and carrying out ceremonies, supporting cultural safety workshops, maintaining sacred fires and cleaning spaces, and growing in their overall traditional abilities and gifts.
• Lead organizational integration, quality improvement, and cultural safety
• Support the Anishinabe Aadzawin Manager in assessing and providing cultural safety needs of the organization and its health partners
• Participate in research relevant to traditional programming with community partners

Qualifications:

• Is a recognized Healer within Anishinabek communities, preferably local
• Proven experience in giving traditional medicines to those seeking traditional healing.
• Proven ability to provide requested support to individuals and/or groups using traditional teachings and practices
• Extended experience in offering traditional healing ceremonies
• Extended experience working and being mentored by an experienced traditional healer/healers who use traditional medicines and other traditional healing practices
• Deep knowledge of regional Indigenous teachings and traditional practitioners
• In development, an understanding of how western medicines interact with traditional medicines
• Proven ability to effectively lead and mentor from a traditional perspective
• Proven ability to develop and deliver cultural safety training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize and schedule
• Ability to speak Anishinabemowin, preferred
• Knowledge of the traditional resources available within the Manitoulin Catchment area, preferred
• Ability to act as a role model of living the good life through the Seven Grandfather Teachings
• Valid Class G driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check required
• Experience working within Electronic Medical Records, preferred

Submission Pre-requisites:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, three (3) work-related letters of reference, copy of registration, a current vulnerable sector check, a copy of valid driver’s license and driver’s abstract. Please mark correspondence as “Confidential”. Submissions will be accepted by mail, facsimile, or email.

Deadline: On-going until the position is filled

Attn: Human Resources
Noojmowin Teg Health Centre
Postal Bag 2002, Hwy. 540
Little Current, ON P0P 1K0

T: (705) 368-0083 ext. 235
F: (705) 368-2229
E: info@noojmowin-teg.ca
W: www.noojmowin-teg.ca

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