Position Summary
Focus Area: Indigenous Youth Program Support (Temporary Support Role – Assisting Program Lead)
This position supports the CIHR / PHAC Research Chair in Applied Public Health, Indigenous Wellness and Health Equity at the University of Regina. The Student Research Assistant will contribute to Indigenous community-based wellness and youth programming while also supporting research, knowledge sharing, and grant-related activities related to Indigenous health equity, youth wellness, and community-led healing.
This position is part of the Roots to Wellness Research Collaboratory and supports community-based Indigenous wellness, youth, and research initiatives delivered through the Nanâtawihowikamik Healing Lodge & Wellness Clinic — a culturally grounded space rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, ceremony, relational care, and community wellness.
We are seeking a caring, reliable, and positive individual to assist the Program Lead in supporting the Indigenous Youth Pow Wow Dance and Regalia-Making Club. This role includes assisting with youth programming, sewing and regalia-making activities, event setup and restoration, and helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and culturally respectful environment for youth participants, families, and community members.
This role is intended to support Indigenous student mentorship, experiential learning, and capacity-building in Indigenous community wellness and research environments.
Responsibilities - Assist with setup and restoration of program and Lodge spaces for weekly and weekend youth activities
- Support care of the Healing Lodge and program spaces following culturally grounded practices that honour the Lodge as a community wellness and ceremonial space
- Attend and assist with Weekly Sewing Circles
- Assist during bi-weekly Regalia-Making and Pow Wow Dance classes on Saturday/Sunday
- Support youth with sewing machines, ribbon work, fabric preparation, and regalia-making activities
- Help facilitate activities, games, and youth engagement opportunities
- Provide encouragement, mentorship, and positive support to Indigenous youth participants
- Assist with transporting and lifting supplies such as sewing machines, program materials, and cases of water
- May include picking up pre-paid grocery or supply orders for youth programming activities
- Support a welcoming environment grounded in Indigenous community values, relational care, and wellness
- Assist with community-based research and knowledge-sharing activities connected to Indigenous youth wellness initiatives
- Support organizational and administrative tasks related to grant-funded projects and community programming
- May participate with the wider team on community-based wellness, research, knowledge-sharing, and grant-related initiatives
- May assist with research-related activities such as preparing materials, organizing supplies, supporting community engagement events, and contributing to knowledge mobilization activities
- Additional duties may be assigned based on program and community needs
Position Requirements
Qualifications - Indigenous undergraduate students with interests in Indigenous wellness, youth mentorship, culture, community programming, and/or community-based research are encouraged to apply
- Individuals with Indigenous language knowledge or experience are strongly encouraged to apply
- Strong respect for Indigenous teachings, protocols, and community values
- Positive, patient, and supportive approach to working with youth
- Comfortable working within a community-based youth program environment
- Interest in Indigenous wellness, culture, healing, community programming, and/or community-based research is considered an asset
- Basic sewing machine experience is an asset; training will be provided
- Ability to perform light-to-moderate lifting
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule based on program needs
- Strong relationship-building skills and willingness to support youth in a mentorship role
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required due to work with youth
What Students Will Gain - Experience supporting Indigenous community-based wellness and youth programming initiatives
- Exposure to Indigenous community-based research, grant development, and knowledge mobilization activities
- Mentorship opportunities within Indigenous health, wellness, education, and community leadership initiatives
- Hands-on experience in youth engagement, cultural programming, and relational approaches to wellness
- Opportunities to contribute to Indigenous-led community initiatives connected to the Roots to Wellness Research Collaboratory