Indigenous Knowledge Keeper

REACH Community Health Center is seeking an experienced Indigenous Knowledge Keeper who is deeply committed to health, well-being, and the social determinants of health. This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who brings both innovation and a strong connection to community, and who is guided by a desire to support collective wellness and long-term change.

Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers play a central role in Indigenous communities; they are teachers within and beyond their communities. Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Advisors are not self-taught individuals. They have been gifted with their respective teachings by other Elders or Knowledge Keepers, typically over years of mentorship and teaching. These teachings are held as sacred knowledge and vary from each respective knowledge source. Ideally, permission has been given for individuals to share what they have learned. Once the Keepers are felt to have learned and understood the knowledge and have made it a part of their own lives, it is accepted that they can now deliver these learnings and teachings to others.

Position Summary

The Indigenous Knowledge Keeper (IKK) supports our work with Indigenous communities we serve. The IKK will focus on integrating Indigenous perspectives in the actions and services that REACH provides therefore solidifying our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. This requires passing down essential teaching related to Indigenous values, traditional practices, and ceremonies – while fostering a more robust understanding of the Indigenous community among staff and board members. The Knowledge keeper is someone who can bridge these relationships, provide an institutional assessment of our work, and develop a Reconciliation Action Plan with measurable goals to guide us forward. These initiatives will also provide the foundation for seeking permanent funding to support Indigenous clients, patients, and the broader community.

The IKK takes initiative to integrate Indigenous perspectives and educate non-Indigenous staff about cultural safety and best practices when working with Indigenous patients. They act as a cultural bridge to overcome barriers in accessing Dental and Medical care and help Urban Indigenous peoples heal by rediscovering their culture and identity.

Responsibilities:

Assists clients and their families in navigating health care and social services systems and provides referrals to REACH services and external community resources.
Will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with HEED Managers.
Provides outreach services to engage Indigenous community members in REACH programs and services.
Provides individual support based on referrals from other REACH programs, including Urgent Primary Care and Medical. Advocates for clients in a range of external settings with diverse service providers.
Supports the work of Elders in Residence.
As part of the management team, the IKK works collaboratively with our integrated teams to develop and implement programs that:
Address the social injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples, particularly the loss of culture, language, and spirituality, by supporting healing and reconnection with culture and identity among Urban Indigenous communities.
Contribute to the development of inclusive internal policies related to human resources and operations, ensuring they reflect Indigenous values and ways of knowing.
Integrates Indigenous cultural health promotion practices into REACH.
Creates trusting relationships within the organization and in the community.
Highlights of Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous peoples and a deep understanding of the historical and current challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
Familiarity with Indigenous-led services and agencies, and experience working in collaboration with them.
Knowledge of regional Indigenous cultures, including traditional healing practices and beliefs.
Understanding of reconciliation efforts at both the local and provincial levels.
Experience engaging with a wide range of community members, including youth.
A degree or diploma in social work or related social science field, along with 2-3 years of experience in a health or community setting – or equivalent combination of education/experience is also an asset.
Knowledge and experience in health promotion, particularly in areas related to mental health and substance use is also an asset.
About REACH

Established in 1+6+, REACH is a Community Health Centre with a history of primary care innovation. REACH is dedicated to providing high-quality integrated health care in East Vancouver to families and individuals of all ages. We focus on clients with complex social, mental, or physical needs. REACH uses an interdisciplinary approach to care within our medical, dental, pharmacy, UPCC, and Health Equity and Engagement.

REACH employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and ongoing employment (COVID-1+ vaccine doses as required by BC Provincial Government guidelines), subject to any medical or other human rights grounds.

Posting is open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those candidates selected for interviews.

Preferences will be given to the applicants of Indigenous descent.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00-$38.50 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress
Dental care
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Extended health care
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision care
Application question(s):

Are you able to provide us with your COVID-1+ Proof of Vaccination?
Work Location: In person