Cultural Program/Events Planner

About this position

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is not only an award-winning Health Access Centre, but it is also a cultural hub for Indigenous people living in Ottawa. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

The Role

The Cultural Program/Events Planner is part of a two-person Culture Team that is supported by Wabano’s Housing Department. While this may seem like an odd pairing, Wabano’s Housing Department is one of the longest standing departments within Wabano and excels at integrating culture in their services. Wabano is beginning the process of re-imaging and re-visioning it’s cultural program, and is looking for a motivated, creative and organized person to help bring the vision into reality.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Housing, the Cultural Program/Events Planner produces memorable activities and events from conception through to completion. To ensure that we reach the largest number of community members as possible, Wabano’s cultural events and activities are generally in the evening and the occasional weekend. As such, this role works from 11:30am – 8:00pm most days, coordinating all of the moving parts to ensure programs/events run smoothly, including:

• Brainstorm and research cultural topics and activity ideas to align to a seasonal calendar;
• Identify and hire traditional knowledge keepers and cultural facilitators (including Elders, dancers, beaders, drummers etc.) that align to the topics chosen;
• Support traditional knowledge keepers and cultural facilitators:
  • pre-event: ensuring travel is booked, getting bios, answering questions
  • during event: helping with set-up, trouble-shooting on-site;
  • Post-event: taking down/cleaning-up; ensuring payment is made and gifting occurs.
• Organize facilities and details (such as decor, food, entertainment, transportation, location) to create a place of belonging for all attendees;
• Work with Wabano’s Communication Team to create PR for the activities/events (promotional materials, website updates, social media posts);
• Maintain a cultural calendar of events that coincides with traditional seasonal activities;
• Engage volunteers to support programming and community development;
• Collaborate with other Wabano departments in the delivery of joint cultural programming and activities;
• Produce program reports and evaluations, and input into database system;
• Attend cultural events in the community (i.e. Pow Wows) to identify potential facilitators and guest speakers for programs and promote Wabano programs;
• Maintain database of contacts for guest speakers (including Elders, dancers, beaders, drummers etc.); and
• Maintain cultural supplies inventory.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Must be of First Nation, Inuit or, Métis descent (please self-identify).
• Proven experience as an Events Planner or Organizer.
• Ability to work evenings (11:30 am – 8:00 pm most days) and some weekends (usually one per quarter).
• Knowledge of some Indigenous cultural teachings, protocols and ceremonies (you do not need to be an expert, we are looking for people who understand cultural practices to some degree through lived experience and who are also willing/excited to learn).
• Advanced organizational and coordination skills with the ability to handle multiple assignment
• Demonstrated ability in working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Problem solving ability with sound judgement.
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Clear criminal reference check to work with vulnerable population.

Assets:

• Cultural skills, for example: beading, traditional dancing, drumming etc.
• Certification in Events Planning.
• Experience providing cultural workshops, activities, programs or other Indigenous events;
• Post-secondary completion in a relevant field (i.e. Indigenous Studies, Communications, Social Sciences.
• Proficiency with social media.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency with Canva.

Salary:

Range of $65,000.00 – $68,000.00  per year + Benefits

Why Work for Us:

 You would be a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment. Additionally, you would have access to:

• Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment;
• Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• A Defined Benefit Pension Plan/ Employee Pension Plan with an equal contribution by Wabano (HOOPP)
• An Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Spending Account
• Four (4) weeks paid vacation time

Application Details

 Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.