*Temporary 1-year position, with probable extension contingent on funding.
We are seeking individuals who is passionate about supporting people in the Downtown Eastside to find connection, community, and identity through the Cultural Wellness Program (CWP) at Kilala Lelum. This program provides Elder-led cultural wellness care to new and existing members of Kilala Lelum and the Downtown Eastside community (DTES) through a culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.
At Kílala Lelum we believe in cultural humility by learning from and respecting cultural practices and protocols from other Indigenous communities; especially those from our Host Nations (Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh). We seek to redefine the meaning of “medicine,” recognizing that healing is not limited to clinical care but also includes cultural, spiritual, emotional, and relational practices offering a two-eyed seeing approach.
If you are interested in sharing and growing your cultural gifts as well as supporting and being mentored by our Elders and Knowledge Holders, please read on!
Job Summary:
The Cultural Wellness Assistant (CWA) is an integral part of the Cultural Wellness team, working directly with the Indigenous Health Lead, Elders and Knowledge Holders, and Kilala Lelum’s community partners. The Cultural Wellness Program allows community members to experience culture-based wellness, health, and support through in-clinic programming (group and 1:1), land-based teachings, and access to traditional medicines in a clinical setting.
The CWA (0.6 FTE) performs a combination of duties to deliver cultural wellness care, including: acting as an Elders’ and Knowledge Holders’ assistant as well as facilitating and coordinating drop-in cultural circles, workshops, and outings. The CWA also performs a range of logistical support (ex: preparing and caring for medicines and cultural materials) and some basic administrative and communication duties (ex: data entry, replying to program enquiries, contacting vendors for program support, promoting cultural programming through email and social media, etc.)
Responsibilities:
CULTURAL SUPPORT
- Provide care, support, and assistance to our Elders and Knowledge Holders at Kilala Lelum.
- Ensure medicines are well stocked throughout the various locations at Kílala Lelum such as prayer ties, salves, teas, etc for Kilala Lelum to share with members.
- Maintain and care for healing spaces at Kilala Lelum, particularly shared spaces where medicines are grown or kept (ex: Hummingbird Room, Medicine Garden at Doris Fox Lelum, Elder’s Room).
- Work with other Kilala Lelum programs to extend cultural wellness engagement (ex: outreach program, MOP van)
- Establish relationships with new and existing Kilala Lelum members and the broader DTES community to provide culturally safe, kind, and empathetic support.
- With the Cultural Wellness (CW) team, strengthen relationships with the host nations of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh to recognize our responsibilities.
ELDER SUPPORT
- Build relationships with each Elder to determine what types of supports and assistance works best for them, including:
- Greeting them when they arrive onsite
- Preparing them for the day such as bringing tea or coffee
- Providing cultural materials and medicines such as salves, teas, prayer ties.
- Ensuring their rooms are clean and organized
- Assisting with Elder community outreach when time permits
CULTURAL EVENT & CIRCLE COORDINATION
- Assist with the planning, organization, delivery, and facilitation of cultural outings events, and ceremonies (ex: land-based teachings, medicine harvesting, and community gatherings) for members and staff.
- Facilitate cultural activities and circles.
- Coordinate guest facilitators and Knowledge Holders to host Cultural Wellness Program (CWP) circles and events and support them onsite.
- Plan the monthly CWP Calendar in collaboration with the Elders, Knowledge Holders, and the CW Manager.
- Maintain and keep inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for the CWP.
- Supporting the Canoe Coordinator with the Dream Canoe program and cultural activities related to the Dream Canoe program including supporting members on canoe outings, arranging meals and transportation for members, and other tasks as requested.
ADMIN
- Maintain and update inventory lists for CWP
- Reply to general inquiries about the CWP via email or phone
- Design and circulate posters promoting CWP offerings throughout Kilala Lelum and online
- Share CWP offerings with partner organizations
- Liaise with other Kilala Lelum programs to share CWP updates and events.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Familiarity working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders; knowledge of cultural protocols and Indigenous approaches to wellness.
- Experience leading and facilitating group sessions is considered a huge asset.
- Minimum of Post-Secondary Diploma or equivalent, with preference for social services, community health, or Indigenous studies. Equivalent learning experiences, especially in cultural spaces and relationships, are considered and encouraged.
- Minimum one year of work experience in a health or social service environment (ex: health centre, outreach, housing, community services) that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity.
- Desire to work with the residents of the DTES and bring cultural wellness services to people with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, including ongoing substance use.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to maintain good working relationships within the team and with community partners.
- Training and ability to manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques. Experience working with people with mental health and substance use is an asset.
- Excellent organizational skills and time management.
- Good computer skills with strong willingness to learn, including word processing, email, social media communication, posters, video conferencing, spreadsheets, and EMR.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
- Class 5 Drivers License an asset.
The Cultural Wellness program is guided and supported by KL’s Elders and Knowledge Holders; its goals are to create and foster connection to Indigenous communities, cultures, teachings, and traditional medicines. As such, preference will be given to Indigenous candidates who exemplify the qualifications and skills outlined above.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
Working Conditions:
Work will be performed primarily on-site at Kilala Lelum. The working schedule is generally three weekdays per week with some evening and/or weekend shifts for outings and events (approximately 1 per month) based on programming needs. Possibility of additional days per week to cover team absences or on an as-needed basis.
Supervision Provided:
This position is supervised by the Indigenous Health Lead and will receive support and mentorship from Elders, Knowledge Holders, Cultural Wellness Team, the Primary Care Co-Leads, and the HR and Administrative Lead.
Compensation:
- Wage is $29.29/hour in accordance with Kilala Lelum’s wage grid – plus extended health and dental benefits.
To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter by May 29th, 2026 to [email protected]. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule. Incomplete applications (those without cover letters) will not be considered.
Model of Care
