Indigenous Cultural Coordinator

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Director of Ongomiizwin Education, this permanent, full‑time position is responsible for providing comprehensive administrative, logistical, and cultural coordination support to the Elders‑in‑Residence and Knowledge Keepers in the delivery of educational, ceremonial, and community‑based activities. The incumbent coordinates schedules, prepares resources, supports meetings and student engagement, and ensures Elders are fully prepared to participate in teaching, research advisory committees, and community initiatives.

The role also plans, organizes, and delivers culturally relevant programs, workshops, ceremonies, and events across Ongomiizwin Education, manages logistics and financial processes related to events and honoraria, and fosters relationships with Indigenous communities, institutional partners, and internal stakeholders to advance Indigenous cultural integration.

• Provides daily support to the Elder‑in‑Residence and Knowledge Keeper, including planning, resource preparation, evaluation, and meeting assistance.
• Participates and assists in the coordination of all cultural activities of Ongomiizwin Education.
• Monitors and updates all Elder‑in‑Residence appointments, activities, and assignments.
• Accompanies the Elder to meetings locally and across Canada.
• Ensures the Elder is fully equipped and prepared for participation in Research Advisory Committees, cultural and community activities, and other engagements.
• Attends all Ongomiizwin cultural activities and workshops.
• Accommodates evening and weekend commitments as required.
• Assists in the coordination of cultural activities, workshops, and events.
• Provides monthly and annual reports on all activities.
• Maintains proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Liaises with university departments and units, as well as external Indigenous organizations and governments, to develop personal contacts.
• Supports all Ongomiizwin events, including providing program and workshop support for Rady staff and students.
• Researches best practices for cultural integration through culturally responsive methods.
• Collaborates with Indigenous communities both on and off campus to foster a strong sense of identity and pride.
• Advises on best practices for integrating Indigenous culture and responds to inquiries.
• Collaborates with campus units and external community partners to promote and deliver programming and workshops.
• Develops and facilitates activities that promote the celebration of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures.
• Manages and coordinates key events, including cultural workshops, Sweat Lodge preparation sessions, and Sweat Lodge ceremonies.
• Maintains appropriate files, forms, records, databases, archival data files, and distribution lists.
• Leads the coordination of events, sessions, and consultations.
• Assesses program performance using culturally responsive methods and recommends improvements to the Director.
• Supports ceremonial gatherings and provides any required assistance.
• Leads the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences community in delivering relevant cultural workshops in collaboration with units, departments, deans, and directors.
• Consults with internal stakeholders to increase awareness and ensure Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge are considered in service delivery.
• Attends meetings and contributes to integrating Indigenous worldviews into processes, policies, and committees.
• Initiates, facilitates, develops, and maintains respectful relationships with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences community, the U of M community, and external Indigenous community partners.
• Ensures all forms and materials submitted to the Director are complete and accurate.
• Codes and submits requisitions for payment of expenses, petty cash, purchase requisitions, and travel forms.
• Processes financial statements for university credit cards and concurs expense claims.
• Prepares and tracks honoraria, travel costs, or appropriate remuneration for meeting and event attendees.
• Manages preparation and logistics for events, including pre‑approvals, travel arrangements, reimbursement of…