Cultural Resource Coordinator (CRC)

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Employment Type: Full-time

Annual Salary: $45,000–$50,000

Benefits: NRNC Employee Benefits Package

Schedule: Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as required

Reports To: Health Manager

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

About Niagara Regional Native Centre

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) is an Indigenous community-based organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and families throughout the Niagara Region.

Through culturally grounded programming, advocacy, education, and community partnerships, NRNC promotes Indigenous identity, cultural continuity, self-determination, and wholistic wellness.

Our approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We strive to create welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe spaces where Indigenous children, youth, families, and community members can strengthen cultural connections and thrive.

About the Cultural Resource Coordinator Program The Cultural Resource Coordinator (CRC) Program strengthens access to Indigenous cultural knowledge, traditional teachings, ceremonies, cultural resources, and land-based learning opportunities within the urban Indigenous community.

The program supports cultural continuity, identity, healing, and intergenerational knowledge transfer by connecting community members with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, traditional resource persons, and culturally grounded activities.

While children, youth, and families are a primary focus, the program contributes to the cultural well-being of the broader Indigenous community and supports the integration of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices throughout NRNC programming.

Position Summary

Niagara Regional Native Centre is seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, and community-oriented Cultural Resource Coordinator to coordinate and deliver culturally grounded programming and cultural resource services throughout the Niagara Region.

Reporting directly to the Health Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating cultural activities, traditional teachings, ceremonies, and intergenerational learning opportunities.

The Cultural Resource Coordinator will work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, traditional resource persons, families, community members, and NRNC staff to ensure the respectful transmission of Indigenous cultural knowledge and the delivery of meaningful cultural programming.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of Indigenous cultural values, community protocols, traditional knowledge systems, and the importance of cultural identity in supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Key ResponsibilitiesCultural Programming and Direct Community Support

- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate culturally grounded activities, teachings, and learning opportunities for Indigenous children, youth, families, and community members.
- Organize and facilitate talking circles, teaching circles, healing circles, and other culturally appropriate gatherings.
- Support the delivery of traditional teachings, ceremonies, and cultural activities in collaboration with appropriate Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and traditional resource persons.
- Promote positive cultural values, respectful relationships, cultural identity, and community belonging.
- Facilitate opportunities for Indigenous language learning, revitalization, and cultural knowledge transfer.
- Coordinate traditional medicine education, including teachings related to identifying, harvesting, growing, caring for, preparing, storing, and respectfully using traditional medicines, where appropriate.
- Organize traditional food education, including teachings related to harvesting, growing, preparing, preserving, and understanding traditional foods.
- Support cultural learning through traditional arts, crafts, storytelling, singing, drumming, and other community-based activities.
- Acquire, organize, maintain, and respectfully care for cultural teaching materials, educational resources, and traditional items.
- Ensure cultural programming reflects appropriate protocols, the diversity of Indigenous traditions, and the needs of community members.

Cultural Coordination and Community Events
- Coordinate access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and traditional resource persons for cultural teachings, ceremonies, community events, and program activities.
- Support the planning and delivery of traditional dancing, singing, drumming, seasonal celebrations, community feasts, and cultural gatherings.
- Organize cultural and social evenings, Elder gatherings, Elder appreciation activities, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing opportunities.
- Coordinate cultural mentorship activities connecting Elders and Knowledge Keepers with children, youth, and families.
- Develop and deliver land-based learning opportunities, including traditional harvesting, fishing, medicine picking, and other culturally appropriate activities.
- Coordinate opportunities for traditional arts, crafts, cultural demonstrations, and community learning.




- Assist with the planning and implementation of new cultural services and initiatives that respond to community needs.
- Ensure cultural activities are appropriately planned, safely delivered, accessible, and respectful of cultural protocols.

Cultural Resource Development and Knowledge Transfer
- Develop and maintain positive, respectful, and reciprocal relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, traditional resource persons, and Indigenous communities.
- Maintain an appropriate directory of cultural resources, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community contacts, subject to consent and confidentiality requirements.
- Support respectful intergenerational transmission of Indigenous knowledge, teachings, values, and practices.
- Assist other NRNC programs in integrating culturally grounded approaches into program planning and service delivery.
- Support cultural awareness, cultural safety, and cultural competency within NRNC.
- Provide guidance to staff regarding appropriate cultural resources, community engagement, and protocols within the scope of the Coordinator's knowledge and responsibilities.
- Recognize and respect that cultural knowledge belongs to the appropriate communities and Knowledge Keepers and must not be shared without permission.
- Promote culturally respectful practices that acknowledge the distinct traditions, histories, and identities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Community Partnerships and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with NRNC program staff to develop and implement culturally grounded activities that support the organization's mandate.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with Indigenous organizations, community partners, educational institutions, and service providers throughout the Niagara Region.
- Support initiatives that strengthen cultural awareness, cultural safety, and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
- Participate in community meetings, working groups, cultural events, workshops, and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
- Provide cultural resource support to internal programs and community initiatives in accordance with organizational priorities.
- Assist in the development of cultural protocols, collaborative agreements, and culturally appropriate practices when directed.
- Represent NRNC professionally and respectfully in all community and organizational interactions.

Program Planning, Administration, and Reporting
- Develop and maintain annual program work plans, monthly activity calendars, and cultural programming schedules.
- Coordinate program resources, supplies, transportation arrangements, and other logistical requirements.
- Maintain accurate program records, attendance information, activity summaries, and administrative documentation.
- Collect and submit statistical information in accordance with NRNC and applicable Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) reporting requirements.
- Prepare and submit program reports, activity summaries, and other documentation within established deadlines.
- Maintain confidential participant records and safeguard sensitive information in accordance with applicable legislation and NRNC policies.
- Assist with program budgeting, purchasing, expense tracking, inventory management, and resource allocation as directed.
- Participate in program monitoring, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Complete administrative duties, including timesheets, mileage records, expense reports, and purchase requisitions.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and organizational activities as required.
- Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned by the Health Manager.

Health, Safety, and Skilled Accountability
- Ensure cultural activities and community programming are delivered in accordance with NRNC health and safety policies.
- Identify and address potential safety concerns associated with ceremonies, gatherings, transportation, and land-based activities.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
- Respect the cultural, spiritual, and personal autonomy of all participants.
- Promote a welcoming, non-judgmental, inclusive, and culturally safe environment.
- Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, sound judgment, and respect for colleagues and community members.
- Follow organizational policies, reporting procedures, and workplace expectations.

Qualifications and ExperienceEducation
- A minimum two-year college diploma or university degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Service Work, Community Development, Education, Cultural Studies, or a related discipline is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education, traditional cultural knowledge, lived experience, and demonstrated professional experience may be considered.

Cultural Knowledge and Experience
- Strong knowledge and understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, histories, traditions,



and contemporary issues.
- Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous cultural teachings, ceremonies, values, and community protocols.
- Experience facilitating cultural activities, traditional teachings, community gatherings, or land-based programming.
- Experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, Elders, and community members.
- Understanding of cultural safety, cultural continuity, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and wholistic wellness.
- Knowledge of Indigenous languages, traditional medicines, traditional foods, or land-based practices is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with the Friendship Centre movement and OFIFC-funded programming is considered an asset.
- Experience establishing respectful relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community cultural resources is an asset.
- Understanding of Indigenous historical and contemporary experiences, including colonialism, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and community resilience.

Skills and Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver culturally appropriate workshops, gatherings, and community events.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and administrative skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent written communication, documentation, and report-writing abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related digital systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and professional discretion.
- Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, accountability, cultural respect, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse Indigenous communities and cultural traditions.
- A collaborative, compassionate, adaptable, and non-judgmental approach to community service.

Additional Employment Requirements
- Valid Ontario Class G driver's licence and access to reliable transportation for work-related travel.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment.
- Willingness to obtain or maintain Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
- Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support ceremonies, community gatherings, and program activities.
- Willingness to participate in relevant professional development, cultural learning, and training opportunities.
- Ability to travel throughout the Niagara Region and occasionally beyond for program activities or training.
- Commitment to NRNC policies, cultural protocols, privacy requirements, and workplace health and safety standards.

Compensation and Benefits Annual Salary: $45,000–$50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Niagara Regional Native Centre offers:

- NRNC employee benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training.
- A supportive, inclusive, and culturally grounded workplace.
- Opportunities to participate in cultural activities, traditional teachings, ceremonies, and community events.
- A collaborative team environment committed to Indigenous cultural continuity and community wellness.
- Meaningful employment supporting the cultural well-being of Indigenous individuals and families throughout the Niagara Region.

Indigenous Hiring Preference and Equal Opportunity Employment Niagara Regional Native Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

As an Indigenous-led organization serving Indigenous communities, NRNC recognizes the importance of Indigenous representation, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community connections.

In accordance with applicable provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, including sections 14 and 24 where applicable, preference may be given to qualified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants.

NRNC welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and is committed to maintaining an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment process.

Reasonable accommodation is available throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

- A current résumé outlining relevant education, qualifications, cultural knowledge, and professional experience.
- A cover letter describing their interest in the Cultural Resource Coordinator position and experience supporting Indigenous cultural programming and communities.
- Contact information for two professional references.

Please submit applications to:

Daniel Harrison

Programs Manager

Niagara Regional Native Centre

Email: [email protected]

Email Subject: Application – Cultural Resource Coordinator (CRC)

Application Deadline: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Applications will be reviewed as received. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Niagara Regional Native Centre thanks all applicants for their interest in contributing to Indigenous cultural continuity, community connection, and wholistic well-being throughout the Niagara Region.

Pay: $45,000.00-$48,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Cultural Resource Coordinator (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
🏢 Niagara Regional Native Centre
📍 Niagara-on-the-Lake