Job Description

JOB POSTING #2025-099-01
CONTRACT POSITION
Archway Community Services Administration
 Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper Consultant
Wage: $35.00 to $40.00 per hour
Contract position:  20 hours per week, Monday to Friday  
(3-year contract) 

Provide Cultural Guidance to Archway’s Active Role in Supporting Truth and Reconciliation 

Location:  Abbotsford

On Site

Job Summary:

The Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper Consultant provides cultural guidance and support to Archway’s Board, staff, volunteers and clients to ensure that Indigenous perspectives, values and priorities are at the forefront of Archway’s implementation of the Strategic Plan, policies and practices.  Additionally, the Consultant will coordinate and direct the Agency’s Indigenization of services in conjunction with the Indigenous Matters Committee to continue developing and enhancing Indigenous cultural practices, and to identify and put into practice the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action most relevant to the work at Archway.    

We are looking for someone who:

• Is recognized and respected by their community and who has a learned understanding of Indigenous world views and traditional teachings.
• Has acquired lived experience, cultural/lived wisdom, cultural knowledge and understands the barriers faced by Indigenous populations – Sto:lo First Nation, urban Indigenous, and Metis in Abbotsford. 
• Has two years of experience in a social service organization, developing and delivering cultural programs and services, facilitating events and ceremonies, as well as working with Indigenous populations in Abbotsford, organizations and communities.
• Has training and/or education as it relates to Indigenous practices and communities.
• Has knowledge of the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
• Has strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with the local First Nations, urban Indigenous, Metis communities, clients, Agency staff, Board members and other rights and title holders.
• Has the ability to facilitate talking circles, teachings and ceremonies.
• Has strong organizational and time management skills; able to balance and manage competing projects and priorities. 

NOTE:

• This position may be required to work in a stressful environment, dealing with participants in crisis and/or challenging situations.  The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure while managing concurrent activities, including time-sensitive responsibilities, is an ongoing expectation of this position.  The incumbent must also be able to de-escalate stressful situations.
• The use of a personal vehicle may be required for program-related driving.
• A valid BC Driver’s License and satisfactory driver’s record may be required. 
• A satisfactory Criminal Records Check is a condition of employment.

Our Offer

• Wage:  $35.00 to $40.00 per hour
• A contract position at 20 hours per week, availability Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. 
• Three-year contract. 

Your Role:

The Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper Consultant contributes by:

• Assisting the CEO with the interpretation and review of Archway’s organizational/departmental policies and procedures, providing recommendations for change to further support and respond to Indigenous priorities.
• Developing and maintaining a cultural development plan to support the Indigenous Matters Committee’s strategic plan that builds upon existing evaluations, reports and promising practices to guide the Agency in providing a culturally safe, appropriate and high-quality approach to service delivery.
• Identifying the specific Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation report which are relevant to Archway’s vision and mandate. 
• Teaching, educating and inspiring the Agency, Board, staff and clients regarding Indigenous history, culture, traditions, practices and cultural preservation.
• ·       Providing mentorship, support and direction to Board members, staff and volunteers on key issues of concern for the Indigenous populations – Sto:lo First Nations, urban Indigenous and Metis in Abbotsford.   
• ·       Offering consultation and training to Agency staff and volunteers to support and guide the development and implementation of program and/or client cultural plans.   
• Providing territorial/land acknowledgements and welcome greetings at Archway meetings and events.  Collaborating with Agency staff to prepare events to ensure the inclusion of appropriate cultural protocols.
• Liaising with programs supporting the development, alongside other Indigenous elders, of cultural plans for Indigenous clients. 
• Developing partnerships with Indigenous service providers, families, bands and community leaders.  Representing Archway in the community, including at meetings, networking opportunities and cultural events.
  • Providing Archway Management with guidance and support in hiring Indigenous talent and in supporting Indigenous employees. 
  • Developing and delivering cultural safety and humility training for all Agency staff, new hires, and Board members to address inequities and raise awareness of racism, systemic discrimination, intergenerational trauma and lateral violence, and stigmas in order to create an environment where Indigenous populations: Sto:lo First Nation, urban Indigenous, and Metis in Abbotsford are respected and provided with services in a safe manner, without discrimination.

This position is a great fit for an Indigenous elder and knowledge keeper/cultural advisor who is able to share their learnings, and teach/educate Archway staff, Board, volunteers and clients on Indigenous history, culture, beliefs and practices to support Truth and Reconciliation.   

Closing date is February 03, 2025.

TO APPLY
Interested applicants are to reference Posting #2025-099-01 in the subject line.
Please submit your cover letter and resume to:
Email: jobpostings@archway.ca 

        Subject: Job Posting #2025-099-01 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

 We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional and unceded territory of the St?:ló people. St?:ló territory extends from the mouth of the Fraser River to Boston Bar. Locally, this includes the Matsqui First Nation and Sumas First Nation. We give them thanks for sharing their land and resources with us.