Cultural Practitioner (Contract)

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the position of Cultural Practitioner (Contract) in the Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Department.

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am – 4:30pm

Location: 328 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON

Posting Date: April 22, 2026

Posting Closes: May 6, 2026

Summary: Reporting to the Manager, Specialized Services, the Cultural Practitioner is a key member of the Mental Health Team, providing culturally safe, client-centered support grounded in Indigenous Knowledge, ceremonies, and traditional practices. This role helps integrate traditional healing approaches alongside Western clinical services to support the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of clients, families, and community members. Working collaboratively with Elders, Traditional Healers, Knowledge Keepers, clinicians, and staff, the Cultural Practitioner facilitates ceremonies, shares cultural teachings, supports cultural programming, and helps strengthen cultural awareness across the team, all while working in alignment with applicable legislation, organizational policies, and the mission, beliefs, and vision of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being Services.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and deliver traditional healing, cultural programming, and ceremonies for clients, families, and community members.
• Provide cultural and spiritual support through practices such as smudging, drumming, singing, sharing circles, and teachings.
• Support Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers in preparing and facilitating ceremonies and culturally grounded activities.
• Develop and lead workshops, teachings, and programs that promote cultural wellness, identity, and healing.
• Provide one-to-one and group-based cultural support in clinical, community, and ceremonial settings.
• Work collaboratively with clinicians and the Mental Health Team to integrate cultural perspectives into care and wellness planning.
• Serve as a cultural resource for staff by offering guidance on Indigenous approaches to health, healing, and wellbeing.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Elders, community partners, and service providers, and represent the program at community events and wellness initiatives.
• Promote awareness of traditional healing services and support understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation, case notes, and service records in accordance with organizational and community standards.
• Follow health and safety requirements, identify and report risks or incidents, and help ensure safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all participants.
• Participate in ongoing professional, cultural, and team-based learning while upholding organizational policies, confidentiality, and professional accountability.

Qualifications:

• Strong traditional knowledge grounded in direct learning with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Traditional Healers, and family or community teachings.
• Diploma in Social Services, Indigenous Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and cultural knowledge.
• Experience supporting cultural programming and traditional healing in health, wellness, or community settings.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• Minimum $1,000,000 automobile liability insurance.
• Clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check.

What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness.
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community.

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation gives hiring preference to qualified Indigenous applicants, with first preference given to qualified Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Band Members. Applicants who wish to be considered under this preference are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, three work-related references, photocopies of education documents to: human.resources at cottfn dot com OR 320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0. Please indicate “Cultural Practitioner” in your application. We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request (by email to human.resources@cottfn.com) for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As a federally regulated employer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is not required to include compensation ranges in job postings. Depending on the nature of the recruitment and the position, we may choose to share salary or pay band information in the posting or during the early stages of the process. Compensation is always discussed with candidates during recruitment to ensure clarity and alignment with their expectations and experience.