JOB POSTING – Indigenous Coordinator

Project Title: Re-building Indigenous Culture and Language around Good Food: Cooking in the Nest (CITN). This is a partnership project between the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest (KILN), the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC), and Loving Spoonful (LS). KILN’s purpose is to promote revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures in the Kingston and surrounding community.

The Role
The Indigenous Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of a project that brings Indigenous language learning and good food together in biweekly Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest sessions.CITN sessions will take place primarily on the land in fall 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The position is 11 hours bi-weekly for 17 sessions (11 hours spread over a 2-week time period for planning and implementation), from September 2020 to June 2021. CITN sessions take place biweekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings. The Coordinator will be compensated at $18.75/hour. The Coordinator will report to a Partnership Circle comprised of Loving Spoonful, Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest and Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle.

The Ideal Candidate will:

  • Understand the importance of Indigenous language revitalization to the Indigenous community;
  • Have excellent relationship building skills;
  • Create welcoming spaces for all ages to learn language and try new things;
  • Have strong planning & collaboration skills and be very comfortable working independently;
  • Have experience creating goals and timelines to guide their work

Responsibilities include:

  • Attending planning meetings with KILN and LS to plan out the project;
  • Creating a work plan and adapting as needed with support and oversight from project partners;
  • Coordinating language nest sessions (identifying and booking land-based or indoor space for sessions, creating posters, coordinating fluent speakers, distributing taxi chits, etc.);
  • Transporting materials and supplies to KILN sessions;
  • Coordinating the logistics, development, and printing of a language-based foraging calendar;
  • Creating and implementing system compliant with COVID-19 requirements and to track
    attendance;
  • Assisting with evaluation and reporting; implementing system to collect feedback, monitor outcomes, and take photos;
  • Keeping accurate and complete budgetary records;
  • Coordinating and attending Partnership Circle meetings;
  • Working closely with the LS Community Kitchens Coordinator;
  • Working closely with the KILN leaders;
  • Other duties as assigned

Experience

  • Involvement in the local Indigenous Community
  • Program coordination experience
  • Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous cultures and histories; Indigenous health and wellbeing; and the urban Indigenous experience considered an asset

Competencies

  • Knowledge of and interest in Indigenous community development, language & cultural
    revitalization;
  • Ability to inspire and enthuse people about Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditional foods;
  • Fostering a safe and inclusive environment among a diversity of community members;
  • Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal);
  • Strong networking and partnership building skills;
  • Proven ability to work with volunteers or community members in a leadership capacity;
  • Strong organizational, time management, and computer skills;
  • Ability to work independently and under guidance

Other Requirements

  • Commitment to a flexible schedule as weekend work is required;
  • Ability to transport KILN materials from site to site as needed;
  • Work from home or office setting can be negotiated;
  • Preference may be given to applicants with a valid driver’s license and vehicle.

Assets

  • Second language learner or speaker of an Indigenous language;
  • Participation in KILN or other language revitalization activities;
  • Experience in community development or Indigenous community volunteerism;
  • Experience in harvesting of Indigenous Traditional food systems or gardens;
  • Knowledge of Kingston & Area Indigenous food systems

Disclaimer

Because of the changing nature of work and work to be done, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Closing Date:
Interested applicants may forward their resume and cover letter in confidence to Maureen Buchanan at maureenbuchanan1958@gmail.com no later than 5pm on September 4th, 2020. Interviews will be set for September 10 & 11th, 2020.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from candidates of diverse race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

We will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please include them with your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.