Elder/Knowledge Keeper

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Elder (Cultural Support Worker) will work across programs within the Family Violence Program portfolio, including the Family Violence Prevention (FVP), Healing Our Spirits (HOS), and Warriors Against Violence (WAV) programs. This role provides culturally grounded guidance, traditional knowledge, and spiritual support to individuals, families, and program participants.

The position ensures services are delivered in a way that honours Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, while promoting healing, cultural connection, and community wellness. This position is rooted in cultural leadership and spiritual care, helping to create a culturally safe and supportive environment for individuals impacted by violence and trauma .

A DAY IN THE LIFE- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cultural & Spiritual Guidance

• Provide culturally safe and spiritually grounded support to individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, grief, and substance use.
• Offer traditional teachings, ceremonies, and cultural protocols (as appropriate and within the Elder’s knowledge and comfort).
• Support participants in reconnecting with cultural identity, traditions, and community.
• Create and support healing circles, talking circles, and cultural gatherings across programs.

Multi-Program Cultural Support

• Provide cultural and spiritual support across: Family Violence Prevention (FVP), Healing Our Spirits (grief, loss, and toxic drug crisis support), & Warriors Against Violence (men’s healing and behavioural change programming)
• Support culturally grounded interventions for participants at various stages of healing and wellness.
• Offer guidance to program staff on culturally appropriate approaches to client care and programming.

Ceremony & Land-Based Healing

• Support access to ceremony, including: smudging, brushing off, on the land ceremonies, cultural crafts and art, and prayer and spiritual guidance.
• Participate in and support land-based programming and cultural activities.
• Help facilitate safe and respectful spaces for cultural healing practices.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with program staff, facilitators, and caseworkers.
• Support staff in integrating cultural practices into programming and service delivery.
• Participate in team meetings, program planning, and community events.
• Encourage community healing and involvement through culturally relevant teachings and gatherings .

Advisory & Protocol Support

• Provide guidance on the use of traditional knowledge and cultural protocols when engaging with individuals, families, and community members.
• Support the development of culturally safe policies, practices, and responses to trauma and violence.
• Ensure respect for diverse cultural practices across Nations, families, and communities.

Support for Participants & Families

• Offer one-on-one cultural or emotional support to participants, as appropriate and requested.
• Help foster safe, strength-based, and culturally grounded spaces for individuals to share their experiences.
• Support families in reconnecting with traditional teachings and cultural identity.

Ongoing Learning & Reflection

• Collaborate with the team to support continuous learning in: trauma-informed practice, decolonization, and Indigenous worldviews.
• Participate in reflection, ceremony, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS – WHAT YOU BRING TO KAFS:

• Recognized as an Elder or Knowledge Keeper by your Nation or community.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous teachings, culture, and spiritual practices.
• Experience supporting individuals and families through healing, trauma, and recovery.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate compassion and respect.
• Willingness to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Basic ability to support documentation and referrals as required.

WORK SCHEDULE & ENVIRONMENT:

• Two (2) days per week of on-site work at KAFS (Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm)
• Additional hours may be available based on programming needs
• Combination of office, community, and land-based programming
• Participation in events, ceremonies, and community gatherings

Benefits

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Compensation: $33/hour

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).