Indigenous Programming Coordinator Trainee

The Indigenous Program Coordinator Trainee will be supporting Indigenous-centred programming in the Parkdale community. This programming will include growing and supporting the Indigenous community with growing traditional medicines (tobacco, sage, sweetgrass), non-traditional medicines (such as bee balm and lavender), and edible plants (cooking sage, mint, corn, beans, and squash for example) at the Dunn Garden (245 Dunn Ave). Additionally, the Program Coordinator Trainee will organize Traditional Arts workshops, events, and ceremonies in partnership with other Indigenous-led initiatives. An Indigenous mentor (s) will support this individual, and be involved in community outreach, administration, budget management, event/workshop organizing, and will participate in multiple sites in Parkdale/High Park which includes the Dunn Garden and other Indigenous-centred initiatives.

The Coordinator Trainee, Indigenous Program is a capacity building and support opportunity for a First Nations, Inuit or Metis person residing in the GTA. The Coordinator Trainee will provide leadership and support to the Indigenous-centred programming such as earthworking, program activities, outreach, networking, and training/education through the Dunn Garden in Parkdale and other networking activities.

West Neighbourhood House is actively seeking applications from Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, women and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Applicants with lived experience as a participant of West Neighbourhood House programs, or related programming from similar organizations, are also strongly encouraged to apply.

West Neighbourhood House will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment & selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of a safe, generative, and healing earthworking space primarily for Indigenous people at the Dunn Garden, as well as participate in other restorative and land stewardship initiatives.
• Plan and develop the Dunn Garden local Indigenous groups and volunteers (e.g. support planting and earthwork initiatives, off season upkeep/maintenance and scheduling, etc.).
• Arrange and facilitate workshops in tandem with the Dunn Garden
• Create an outreach plan to engage more Indigenous peoples, including inviting them to the work.
• Support administrative components in bringing in Elders and facilitators and ensuring cultural protocols are in place.
• Social Media outreach and engagement, both creation and ongoing.
• Create and maintain partnerships that bolster ceremonial, children, and youth programming and earthworking.
• In partnership with West NH staff, increase settler and organization awareness regarding Indigenous perspectives and issues through dialogue and professional development workshops.
• Event planning, including booking, payments, set up, and maintaining contacts etc.
• Supervise volunteers.
• Basic expense tracking /bookkeeping, contract/partnership creation for program activities and events, and supports/builds capacity among participants in the financial aspects of program activities as needed.
• Be trained and develop skills to write funding grants, final reports, and track project work.
• Along with the Greenest City Manager, liaise between and share information with both West NH and Indigenous partners and initiatives.
• Embody and promote anti-racist, anti-oppressive, equity-seeking practice in all aspects of work, including with participants, community members, volunteers, neighbours, staff, stakeholders, networks, and others.
• Participate in activities of the Greenest City Program and of West NH in general, and other duties as required. (This is the part about participating in staff meetings, events of the House etc. which could be good opportunities to outreach, raise awareness etc.)

Qualifications:

• Indigenous knowledge and awareness
• Experience in earthworking.
• Experience working in vulnerable communities using trauma and anti-harm informed approaches.
• Ability to work within and outside of Indigenous community.
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative and work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Willingness to be in a mentee role and build-in succession planning.
• Time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Project management/coordination skills and willingness to enhance them as needed.
• Social Media savvy
• Administrative experience/abilities
• Computer skills such as in mac os, adobe creative suite, Microsoft office, website upkeep and social platforms and/or demonstrated ability to be trained as needed.
• Flexibility in scheduling and ability to work evenings and weekends (irregular)

Status:          Full-Time, Contract to Mar 31, 2025, possibility of two-month extension

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: 35 per week

Rate: $22.54 per hour

Unit: Community Programs and Social Change

Immediate Supervisor: Manager, Greenest City Program in collaboration Indigenous mentor (s)

Posting Date: July 10, 2024

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Note:     Potential candidates must be First Nations, Inuit or Metis and reside with the GTA. Candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. For applicants to register they should contact [email protected] to set up an appointment with an employment advisor. They will need their resume and completed client registration form. Another form will be provided during their appointment.

Hiring Committee

588 Queen St. W.

Toronto, ON

M6J 1E3

[email protected]