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Indigenous Cultural Activity Worker, Traditional Healer Program

Full Time Position

Location: Thompson, MB

TheIndigenous Cultural Activity Worker at Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) supports the Traditional Healer Program (THP) by facilitating access to traditional healing and ensuring cultural protocols are followed.

The Indigenous Cultural Activity Worker provides essential support, and guidance to Indigenous clients, and families by incorporating traditional ways of knowing, ceremonies, and cultural teachings into programming. This role fosters a culturally safe and grounded healing environment

This individual is also to be available for consultation and guidance regarding questions related to Indigenous traditions and ceremonies.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Co-coordinate traditional cultural services and ceremonies with MKO THP Manager and THP Team.
• Follow traditional protocol and involve Thompson MB Elders.
• Co-develop with manager, plan and follow through with an annual and monthly calendar of events and activities.
• Cultural events/ ceremonies.
• Facilitate & attend biweekly healing sessions at the Healing Space and local sweat lodge ceremonies.
• Coordinate & attend traditional ceremonies for the MKO Wellbreity Centre.
• Coordinate and attend traditional seasonal feasts and celebrations.
• Assist MKO THP to build a network of cultural safety for ceremony, and aid in reintroducing traditional practises within first nations and urban areas.
• Work closely with the MKO programs to collaborate working towards community spiritual wellness.
• Liaison with MKO THP MICS & Elders, traditional resources, and community administration to ensure correct protocol is practised at hosted events.
• Maintain an inventory of ceremonial items for use.
• Working with THP Manager & Team to attain approvals and purchase items when required.
• Assist & Attend Drum group sessions on a biweekly basis.
• Assist in coordinating Indigenous teachings/activities for the Mystery Lake School Division students and staff.
• Coordinate Tipi teachings during spring & summer season.
• Coordinate cultural land-based teachings with communities.
• Create and help facilitate a youth cultural activity group.
• Coordinate and attend cultural ribbon skirt/shirt making.
• Responsible for maintenance, transportation, usage and storage for all equipment and supplies used in event/ceremonies & cultural activities.
• Participate in MKO events and provide cultural support.
• Assist in maintaining the grounds at the Residential School Monument.
• Maintain an appropriate record and information system and ensure that confidentiality is a priority.
• Be able to provide a monthly reporting summary.
• MKO is political advocacy organization that works to represent the leadership and member First Nations. All staff at MKO may be given other duties as assigned that enable MKO to fulfill the mandate and responsibility to its member communities.

Education and Experience

• This position aims to honor traditional qualifications, which are based on oral culture, experience, and guidance from Elders/Healers/Knowledge Keepers rather than solely on academic credentials.
• A blend of traditional cultural grounding, ceremony connection and foundational administrative skills.
• Lived experience and knowledge about traditional Indigenous ways of knowing and teachings.
• Minimum Grade 12 Diploma or Equivalency.
• Experience providing traditional Indigenous teachings, guidance, and mentorship.
• Experience providing traditional Indigenous ceremonies and prayer.
• Deep understanding of traditional medicines, protocol, and healing methods.
• Safety Oriented, Ability to create a safe space for survivors of trauma.
• Emergency First Aid and CPR.
• Adaptability to work within a structured professional environment while maintaining cultural authenticity.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required.
• Possess a valid Full Manitoba driver's license and have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Able to lift and move heavy objects.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be able to provide a satisfactory and current Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable sector check), Child Abuse Registry Check, and Adult Abuse Registry Check.

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) by 4:00 pm on August 5, 2026.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Preference will be given to qualified First Nations applicants; applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their resume or cover letter. No phone calls will be accepted.

Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). MKO is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that provides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, Indigenous, and human rights for citizens of the 26 sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatory to Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Please visit our website at mkonation.com