Position Summary:
The Cultural Navigator will serve as a trusted bridge between medical care, cultural supports, and community systems for individuals accessing services. This position will walk alongside individuals throughout their care journey, offering guidance, advocacy, and culturally grounded support. This role provides a welcoming presence within service settings, helping individuals feel safe, respected, and supported as they connect to care.
The Cultural Navigator also supports cultural and spiritual wellbeing by creating space for ceremony, prayer, smudging, and connection to Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Beyond direct support to individuals accessing services, this role will also strengthen cultural safety within the organization by supporting cultural competency learning and knowledge of Indigenous practices and protocols.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a welcoming presence within service environments, greeting individuals and supporting them as they arrive;
- Support individuals in navigating health, social, housing, justice, and community-based systems;
- Accompany relatives to appointments or services when needed to reduce barriers and build trust;
- Advocate for relatives within systems to ensure they receive respectful and culturally safe care;
- Provide cultural and spiritual support through connection to ceremony, prayer, smudging, and cultural teachings;
- Connect individuals with Elders and Knowledge Keepers for guidance, healing, and cultural support;
- Support the development and delivery of cultural competency learning opportunities;
- Participate in workshops, lunch-and-learns, and teachings on Indigenous culture, language, ceremony, and protocols;
- Support the development and implementation of a Cultural Competency Charter or similar guiding framework;
- Act as a cultural resource to staff and partners on Indigenous protocols and culturally safe practices;
- Demonstrate behaviours and attitude that align with STC values as a place that is judgement free, accepting, compassionate and empathetic regardless of race, nationality, or economic standing;
- Participate in STC Accreditation and maintain best practices and quality improvement;
- Adhere to STC policies and procedures;
- Perform other related duties as defined and assigned on an as and when required basis.
Working Environment:
- Services provided in a community setting which may present many unknown variables;
- Exposure to clients who may have impaired judgment due to emotional distress, mental illness, withdrawal or intoxication;
- Flexible hours. Weekend, evening or holiday work may be required.
Physical Demands:
- Freedom of movement throughout office and community spaces
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
- Ability to walk with and accompany relatives between locations
- Driving and sensory demands\ Ability to take breaks as necessary
Health and Safety:
Rights: All Saskatoon Tribal Council employees have the right to information on potential hazards in the workplace, the right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety decisions, use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer and the right to refuse dangerous work.
Responsibilities: All employees must co-operate with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee; remain alert to changes or events that might affect client or employee safety; report safety issues, accidents or injuries immediately; follow safe work practices, including the use of PPE; and use their training and knowledge to help other employees work safely as well.
Education and Experience:
- Lived experience, cultural knowledge, and strong community connection are highly valued;
- Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field is an asset;
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in a community, health, or social service settings;
- Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous cultures, teachings, ceremonies, and protocols;
- Experience supporting individuals living with other complex health and social needs is an asset;
- Experience working alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners;
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel;
- Basic computer skills, including documentation and email.
Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous worldviews, cultural teachings, and protocols;
- Proven ability to build trust and work in a respectful and non-judgmental manner;
- Ability to provide culturally grounded education and facilitate group discussions or workshops;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills grounded in listening and relationship building;
- Cultural humility and ability to teach and model Indigenous protocols for others;
- Dependability: able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and complete documentation;
- Integrity: maintains confidentiality and adheres to organizational policies and ethical standards;
Other:
Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment
