AKWE:GO Program Coordinator

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Employment Type: Permanent, 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: Daniel Harrison, Programs Manager

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

About Niagara Regional Native Centre

Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) is an Indigenous community-based organization committed to enhancing the quality of life of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and families throughout the Niagara Region.

Through culturally grounded programs, advocacy, education, and community partnerships, NRNC promotes Indigenous cultural identity, community connection, self-determination, and wholistic well-being.

Our work recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. We strive to provide welcoming, culturally safe, and inclusive spaces where Indigenous children, youth, families, and community members can thrive.

About the AKWE:GOProgram The AKWE:GO Program is a culturally grounded program designed to support urban Indigenous children between the ages of 7 and 12.

The program provides individualized and group-based supports that strengthen cultural identity, encourage healthy development, promote positive relationships, and address the social, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of Indigenous children.

Through cultural activities, child advocacy, educational assistance, recreational opportunities, land-based learning, and family engagement, the AKWE Program supports children in developing confidence, resilience, and a solid sense of belonging.

Position Summary

Niagara Regional Native Centre is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and culturally knowledgeable Program Coordinator to coordinate and deliver the AKWE:GO Program.

Reporting directly to the Programs Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating culturally responsive programs and services for Indigenous children ages 7–12 and their families.

The Program Coordinator will collaborate with families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, schools, community organizations, and other NRNC programs to provide comprehensive support addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of participating children.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, sound professional judgment, and a commitment to Indigenous cultural continuity, child development, and community wellness.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Planning, Coordination, and Delivery

- Coordinate and deliver the AKWE:GOmProgram in accordance with NRNC policies, program objectives, approved work plans, and applicable funding requirements.
- Develop and implement culturally grounded individual and group programming that promotes Indigenous identity, self-esteem, resilience, leadership, and positive decision-making.
- Plan educational, recreational, cultural, social, and land-based activities appropriate to the developmental needs of participants.
- Organize and facilitate homework clubs, tutoring opportunities, literacy activities, and educational enrichment programming.
- Coordinate March Break and summer camp programming, including activity schedules, supervision, participant engagement, and safety planning.
- Develop monthly program calendars, activity plans, and participant engagement strategies.
- Facilitate activities promoting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
- Encourage positive peer relationships, effective communication, conflict resolution, and social development.
- Monitor program outcomes and adapt activities to respond to participant needs.
- Ensure programming remains accessible, inclusive, culturally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of Indigenous children and families.

Child Advocacy and Family Support
- Develop positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with participating children and their families.
- Identify individual participant needs through appropriate assessments, family engagement, and ongoing communication.




- Develop individualized support plans and establish achievable goals for participants when appropriate.
- Provide advocacy and support to children and families when interacting with schools, children's services, and community organizations.
- Participate in case conferences and collaborative service planning as appropriate.
- Assist families with referrals to relevant NRNC programs and external community services.
- Support children experiencing educational, social, behavioural, or developmental challenges through appropriate programming and referrals.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and adhere to child safeguarding, confidentiality, and privacy requirements.

Cultural Programming and Community Engagement
- Incorporate Indigenous cultures, traditions, histories, values, and teachings into program planning and delivery.
- Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural resource persons to facilitate culturally meaningful learning opportunities.
- Organize activities involving traditional arts, storytelling, Indigenous languages, drumming, singing, seasonal teachings, and land-based learning where appropriate.
- Support intergenerational programming connecting children with Elders, families, and community members.
- Promote Indigenous cultural identity, community belonging, and cultural continuity.
- Respect the distinct cultures, protocols, and traditions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

Community Partnerships and Collaboration
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with schools, Indigenous organizations, social service agencies, and community partners throughout the Niagara Region.
- Work collaboratively with other NRNC programs to provide coordinated, wholistic services.
- Promote awareness and accessibility of the AKWE Program among eligible children and families.
- Represent NRNC professionally at community meetings, events, training opportunities, and relevant networks.
- Participate in collaborative initiatives that strengthen services for Indigenous children and families.

Administration, Reporting, and Accountability
- Develop and maintain program work plans, activity calendars, attendance records, participant files, and administrative documentation.
- Complete accurate program statistics, service records, and required reports.
- Ensure program reporting complies with NRNC procedures and applicable Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) requirements.
- Submit reports and program documentation within established deadlines.
- Maintain confidential participant records in accordance with privacy legislation and organizational policies.
- Assist with program budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and resource coordination.
- Participate in program evaluations, monitoring activities, and continuous improvement processes.
- Attend staff meetings, professional development activities, and organizational events.
- Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned by the Programs Manager.

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

Experience and Knowledge
- Experience working with Indigenous children and families in a community-based, educational, recreational, or social service setting.
- Understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, histories, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Knowledge of Indigenous child development, cultural identity, and wholistic wellness.




- Demonstrated ability to plan and facilitate culturally responsive programming.
- Experience in child advocacy, individualized support, referrals, and family engagement.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, positive behaviour support, and culturally safe service delivery.
- Experience coordinating recreational activities, camps, cultural programming, or community events is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with the Friendship Centre movement and OFIFC program reporting requirements is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to establish supportive relationships with children, families, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Effective written communication, documentation, and report-writing skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet reporting deadlines.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, accountability, and discretion.
- Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to respond appropriately to challenging situations using respectful and trauma-informed approaches.

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 evenings and weekends.
- Willingness to participate in relevant training and professional development.
- Commitment to NRNC policies, cultural protocols, confidentiality obligations, 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.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- A supportive, inclusive, and culturally grounded work environment.
- Opportunities to participate in cultural activities, traditional teachings, and community events.
- A collaborative team environment focused on community wellness.
- Meaningful opportunities to support Indigenous children 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 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, and professional experience.

A cover letter describing their interest in the AKWE:GO Program Coordinator position and their experience supporting Indigenous children and families.

Please submit applications to:

Daniel Harrison

Programs Manager

Niagara Regional Native Centre

Email: [email protected]

Email Subject: Application – AKWE:GO Program Coordinator

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 the well-being of Indigenous children and families throughout the Niagara Region.

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

Work Location: In person

📌 Akwe:go Program Coordinator (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
🏢 Niagara Regional Native Centre
📍 Niagara-on-the-Lake