Elder/Knowledge Keeper

An Elder/Knowledge Keeper at Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services works in collaboration with the Cultural Resource team. You are responsible for guiding our children, youth, families, member First Nations, Agency staff, and external partners on their cultural journeys.

What you will do

• You will visit with families, meet with children and youth, listen to their concerns, and provide them cultural guidance, teachings, ceremony and knowledge.
• Act as a resource to provide cultural guidance to ensure the Agency consistently provides relevant and culturally appropriate services.
• Assist in the development of cultural plans, that reflect supporting the connection to one’s cultural identity for children, youth, families, communities, and staff.
• Provide training/learning opportunities for Agency staff and cultural partners about cultural practices, teachings, ceremonies, and traditions that workers can implement in their day-to-day practices.
• Provide cultural support and guidance on all agency meetings and gatherings to guide discussions and decisions.
• You will document the good work you do with families in a transparent and concise manner.

Who you are

You are a compassionate First Nation, Métis or Inuit who is recognized and respected by your community. You lead by example, living a quality life that embodies our values, the Seven Grandfather teachings. You have a comprehensive understanding of our traditional Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including ceremonies, protocols, healing, medicines, the land, water, animals, seasons and all life. 

You may have a Bachelor of Social Work, or an Indigenous Studies degree, are working towards one, or you feel you possess the necessary cultural knowledge, skills and lived experience required for this role.

You have experience working alongside families in crisis. You are an excellent communicator who values openness, honesty and transparency. You are knowledgeable about the child welfare system, and you wish to improve the overall well-being of our children, youth, families, communities and Nations.

Who we are

We are a welcoming team of diverse peoples who each play an integral role in our service model and delivery. We consider ourselves helpers. Regardless of the role we carry, from front-line to administrative support, we honour our agency’s name: Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag which means to look after and to always keep children at the centre of our thoughts.

Together we will be

A team of Indigenous and Indigenous Ally professionals who lead with our hearts and minds. Together, we will transform child welfare to improve outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, families, communities and Nations.

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We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free environment for all of our candidates and employees. Should you, at any time, have an accessibility need or have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources by phone at (705) 295-7135 or by email careers@binnoojiiyag.ca

*Note: The full salary range is the total earning potential for this position. Increases are awarded based on your annual performance review.

All the benefits for you and your family

Apply Today!

If you have any questions about the Elder/Knowledge Keeper position, please contact Layla Dounoukos, HR Supervisor at ldounoukos@binnoojiiyag.ca or (705) 295-7135.

Feel free to email a copy of the completed application form, your resume and any other relevant materials to Layla Dounoukos at ldounoukos@binnoojiiyag.ca by 4:30pm on Friday, May 23^rd, 2025.

Job Application Form

What current employees have to say about this role