Cultural Outreach Coordinator

About Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary

Nestled in the heart of the Calgary Metropolitan area, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) stands as a beacon of hope and support for Aboriginal peoples. As a dedicated non-profit organization, AFCC is driven by a passionate mandate to weave together social, cultural, educational, and employment services, fostering a strong and vibrant Indigenous community.

AFCC plays a vital role in the everyday lives of its members, offering a diverse array of services that speak to the needs of our community. From nurturing care for our children and compassionate support for the elderly to aiding those facing hardships and homelessness, AFCC is there at every turn. The Centre acts as a bridge to cultural and spiritual enrichment, providing crucial access to traditional practices and wellness resources. With a commitment to empowerment, AFCC facilitates referrals for essential needs such as housing, food, and clothing, while also championing the pursuit of education and skill development through various training programs. This commitment helps to cultivate a resourceful and resilient Aboriginal community, where individuals are encouraged to thrive.

The non-profit family at AFCC embodies the values we hold dear, reflecting who we are, where we find solace, and how we extend a helping hand to one another in times of need. Recognized as a community leader, AFCC advocates vigorously for Indigenous social and cultural services, serving not only as a vital resource for its members but also as a collaborative partner for Indigenous service agencies at the local, provincial, and national levels. Together, we forge a path toward a brighter future, fostering connections, resilience, and unity within our community.

Position Summary:

The Cultural Outreach Coordinator – Housing is a full-time role that supports Indigenous community members in navigating housing access and pathways, while ensuring connection to culture, protocol, and supportive relationships. This role centers dignity, relational accountability, and cultural safety while building meaningful partnerships with housing providers, Nations, service agencies, and community-based supports.

Key Responsibilities:

Housing Access Navigation

• Assist community members with rental applications, housing program referrals, income support / benefits related to housing stability
• Support advocacy with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies
• Provide systems navigation related to local housing resources

Cultural Programming

• Integrate culturally appropriate practices, protocols, and ceremony into outreach
• Support the building of belonging and community connection
• Honour diverse Indigenous teachings, Nations, and ways of knowing

Data, Documentation, & HMIS

• Maintain accurate tracking of visits, referrals, follow-up actions, and outcomes
• Support HMIS data entry as applicable (training provided)
• Participate in internal reporting, evaluation, and program measurement

Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with shelters, housing agencies, Nations, service providers, and community partners
• Maintain strong working relationships to support referrals and housing access pathways
• Participate in community tables, working groups, and partner meetings when appropriate

Qualifications:

• Experience working with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous culture, ceremony, protocol, and teachings
• Knowledge of housing navigation supports, landlord relations, or systems navigation is an asset
• Ability to work with high compassion, confidentiality, professionalism, and boundaries
• Strong verbal communication and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in documentation, note taking, and basic computer literacy (Word, email, data entry)
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Indigenous language knowledge considered an asset
• Knowledge of Treaty 7 Nations, urban Indigenous community realities, and traditional knowledge keepers/resource networks is considered a strong asset.

Working Conditions:

• This is a part-time contract role offered at 24 hours per week
• Office, community-based, and outreach environments
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments depending on community needs
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is an asset