Indigenous Cultural Support & House Coordinator (ICS–HC)

The Indigenous Cultural Support & House Coordinator supports Tree Sprout Haven in delivering culturally grounded, trauma-informed care for Indigenous children/youth. Drawing from lived experience, community knowledge, and cultural teachings, this role strengthens Indigenous presence within the home, guides culturally safe practices, and ensures daily operations reflect respect, belonging, and connection to Indigenous identity. This role bridges cultural insight with practical coordination, helping staff understand Indigenous perspectives while supporting the smooth functioning of the home.

What you'll do

Cultural Support & Indigenous Presence

• Provide cultural insight, lived experience, and Indigenous worldview to guide daily operations.
• Support children/youth in reconnecting with identity, culture, and community through storytelling, land-based activities, and traditional teachings (within comfort and capacity).
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous partners to bring cultural programming into the home.
• Offer guidance to staff on culturally safe interactions, trauma-informed approaches, and Indigenous relational practices.
• Help ensure the home environment reflects Indigenous values, symbols, and teachings.

Youth Support & Mentorship

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with children/youth, especially Indigenous youth navigating identity, trauma, or system involvement.
• Share lived experience in a supportive, appropriate manner to help children/youth feel understood and less alone.
• Participate in case discussions to provide cultural context and insight into youth needs.

House Coordination

• Support daily routines, schedules, and household organization.
• Assist with meal planning, cultural food preparation (if comfortable), and home environment upkeep.
• Help coordinate appointments, activities, and transportation as needed.
• Monitor children/youth engagement, safety, and well-being within the home.

Community & DFNA Liaison Support

• Participate in meetings with DFNAs, Nations, and Indigenous partners as requested.
• Provide cultural context during discussions about children/youth placement, programming, or care plans.
• Support Tree Sprout Haven’s commitment to Indigenous readiness and cultural accountability.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the House Lead, Elder/Cultural Mentor, and Director to integrate Indigenous perspectives into policies, routines, and programming.
• Help identify cultural gaps and recommend improvements.

Qualifications (Experience-Based, Not Academic)

Required

• Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
• Lived experience within foster care, group home, or child welfare systems.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous culture, community values, and intergenerational impacts.
• Ability to provide cultural insight and support youth with empathy and respect.
• Strong relational skills, grounded presence, and ability to connect with children/youth.

Preferred (but not required)

• Experience working with Indigenous youth or families.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed practices.
• Knowledge of local Nations, Elders, and cultural supports.
• Ability to participate in cultural activities or storytelling.

Employment Details

• Position Type: Full-time (Commencement upon full operation).
• Compensation: Salary-based, aligned with experience and role scope.
• Reports To: House Lead & Director of Client Services
• Works With: Elder/Cultural Mentor, House Lead, Youth Support Workers

Training Provided

• Trauma-informed care
• Indigenous cultural safety
• Group home operations
• Documentation and reporting basics