Job Posting: Cultural Mentor

Job Type: Full-Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Campbell River, BC

Salary: $35.00 – 40.00 per hour

We are Xwémalhkwu, or Homalco, and we are known as “the people of the fast-running waters”. Our connection to our lands and waters forms part of our identity and informs our responsibility to our lands, waters, and people. We have lived in concert with our natural surroundings for millennia in Bute Inlet, the Discovery Islands and Campbell River.

JOB SUMMARY

Our health centre is responsible for providing health and social services to our community members within a timely manner, as well as working alongside external partners such as Island Health, First Nations Health Authority, etc.

Homalco First Nation is developing a Day Program to support χʷɛmaɬkʷu (Homalco) members on their self-defined journey with substance use. The program embodies a Two-Eyed Seeing approach - integrating both Indigenous and Western healing methodologies.

Reporting to the Health Director, the Cultural Mentor coordinates and facilitates group activities and workshops focused on restoring wellness through connection to culture, community, and land. This position plays a key role in supporting participants’ healing, identity, and cultural reconnection through traditional, land-based practices.

The Cultural Mentor works collaboratively with the Clinical Counsellors and program team to co-create and deliver a program and workplace which is trauma-informed and grounded in culture and harm reduction, that supports χʷɛmaɬkʷu members personal growth.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Group Facilitation & Mentorship

- Deliver group activities and workshops for participants focused on cultural practices, traditional teachings, life skills, and pathways to wellness
- Integrate appropriate cultural and land-based healing methods (e.g., ceremony, storytelling, drumming, teachings, gardening, carving, beading, arts, cedar brushing, water or forest connection, etc.) into therapeutic work
- Support participants in developing personal wellness and safety care plans alongside the clinical counsellors, ensuring cultural safety and self-determination
- Ability to recognize and build upon clients' existing strengths, knowledge, gifts and resilience.
- Ability to connect traditional teachings with clients' lived experiences and pathways to wellness
- Conduct case management and follow-ups, maintaining consistent contact and monitoring participant progress

Program Development & Collaboration





- Work collaboratively with the Clinical Counsellors and Health Team to design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic activities, group sessions, and healing circles
- Ensure that cultural safety standards are met within the development of program tools, protocols, and procedures
- Participate in weekly team meetings and case reviews, providing input from a cultural and holistic healing perspective
- Build and maintain relationships with χʷɛmaɬkwu (Homalco) community members, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and external partners to support cultural continuity and collaboration
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, technical writing, and active listening

Ethical Standards

- Maintain confidentiality and privacy of participants in alignment with HFN Policies and ethical standards
- Demonstrate ongoing professional development and self-care practices, respecting the emotional and spiritual demands of the role
- Strong conflict resolution negotiation, and teamwork skills to bridge gaps between clients, and/or staff or departments

Traditional knowledge and teachings

- Understanding of the importance of First Nation sovereignty, Creation stories, ancestral knowledge, spiritual teachings and traditional ways of understanding life
- Knowledge of local plants, animals, traditional foods and/or harvesting practices an asset
- Familiarity with cultural practices such as prayer, brushing, smudging, sweats, sacred medicines, drumming/shaker, ceremony preparation and other community-specific practices
- Ability to follow cultural and ceremonial protocols and recognize when a practice should be facilitated by an Elder, Knowledge Keeper or traditional Healer

Relationship, belonging and community

- Strong ability to build trusting, respectful and authentic relationships with clients, community members and staff while also maintaining skilled boundaries
- Ability to create a welcoming environment where clients feel safe to participate and connect
- Ability to support clients to reconnect with their Indigenous identity, family, community, culture and traditional ways





Professional & Lived Experience

- Knowledge of traditional healing, ceremony, and Indigenous wellness frameworks
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed and compassionate mental health care
- Familiarity with harm-reduction principles
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team blending Indigenous and Western approaches
- Robust communication, empathy, and facilitation skills
- Prior experience working or volunteering in the mental health field is considered an asset

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

- Experience developing and delivering workshops centered around mental health and substance use
- Experience working in Indigenous Communities
- Experience performing Indigenous traditional ceremonies and prayer
- Experience working in or with Indigenous communities, particularly in the realm of wellness
- Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and/or environment
- Demonstrated knowledge and confidence in role modeling peer and family support
- Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Experience utilizing an electronic medical record, EMR
- Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required
- Perform all other duties as assigned
- Preference will be given to Indigenous Peoples

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

- Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle
- Valid First Aid certificate
- Ability to provide and maintain a clear vulnerable sector criminal record check

BENEFITS:

- Extended benefits package, including dental, extended health care and life insurance
- Three weeks’ paid time off for vacation annually
- Paid time off during Christmas closure (Aligns with School District 72)
- Pension plan and contribution matching available
- Continued learning and development opportunities

TO APPLY:

Email resume and cover letter to: Shaylene Harry, HFN Health Director [email protected] with subject line “Cultural Mentor”

Closing date: October 19, 2026 @ 4:30pm

Applicants of Homalco and/or Indigenous ancestry are encouraged to apply.

Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Cultural Mentor (Campbell River)
🏢 Homalco First Nation
📍 Campbell River