Youth Engagement Worker and Elder Helper - Prince Albert, Canada - Sturgeon Lake Health Centre

Description

oskāyak (Youth) Engagement Worker and oskāpēwis (Elder's Helper)

nāpēw (Male Role)


Job Description:

The oskāyak (Youth) Engagement Worker is responsible for implementing various oskāyak programing directed by the Program Manager and in consultation with oskāyak at pakitahwākan sākahikan (Sturgeon Lake First Nation).

The Engagement Worker will work with oskāyak and young adults to provide quality programs to be developed to engage and empower the oskāyak at SLFN to have fun and be safe in a positive environment where all oskāyak and young adults feel belonging so they can learn the skills needed to live meaningful and productive lives as they learn to develop and share their gifts with others.

The oskāpēwis is a resource to the nation.

oskāpēwis is a helper to Elders in ceremony but is often expected to perform work beyond the call of normal duty.

Special privileges are granted to the oskāpēwis that enable him to be effective in the service to Elders and to the Nation.

It is the case that the oskāpēwis not only works for the spiritual purposes and Nation functions but also for the higher purpose of sustaining nēhiyaw (Cree) knowledge and the well-being of the people.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the oskāpēwis pursues specialized training and knowledge that is often acquired through intense self-development, personal sacrifice, and apprenticeship with kēhtēyak (Elders) and Knowledge Keepers.

In this way, the oskāpēwis gains and works with utmost integrity.

oskāpēwis are committed to work for and behalf of what is right and good for the people of the Nation.

The oskāpēwis knowledge must be used in the service of others and must never be used to do wrong to anyone.

A title of honor. The oskāpēwis is given this honor by the knowledge keepers, Elders, and spiritualists of the Nation. The main role of the oskāpēwis is to sustain nēhiyaw knowledge and achieve miyo-āyāwin of the Nation.


Essential Functions:
The oskāyak (Youth) Engagement Worker

• Work with local oskāyak in planning a program, and coordinating and promoting oskāyak, young adult, and family programming
• Specific needs that will be addressed using a strengthbased model include sense of belonging, unresolved grief, building strong healthy relationships within the family, personal health practices and coping skills, decision making, problem solving etc.
• Cultural teachings and ceremonies, language classes, and proper protocols
• Engage and empower oskāyak to learn leadership through opportunities to foster development of strong selfesteem.
• Work handson in the programs, activities, and special events as needed.
• Provide quality interaction to members, volunteers, and participants.
• Work "with" volunteers and staff and oversee daily operations of the project.

The oskāpēwis

• The nīkinān oskāyak Centre will have an oskāpēwis that promotes and maintains cultural observances such as Teachings, Pipe Ceremonies, and other spiritual practices for the Nation's youth.
• The oskāpēwis works towards the vision of nīkinān and the Traditional Health program under the guidance of the Elder Advisory Council and the Traditional Health Committee
• To support the nīkinān staff in creating nēhiyaw (Cree) cultural competency in the workplace

Responsibilities:

• To work under the guidance of the Elder Advisory Council and the Traditional Health Committee. Their work will be overseen by the Program Coordinator.
• To work in fulfilling the vision and direction of the Youth Centre and Traditional Health Program
• The oskāpēwis models very strict rules of cultural conduct, following the teachings of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• The oskāpēwis must always be under the guidance of an Elder or Elders who oversee progress
• The oskāpēwis, as apprentices, must not try to perform the role of Elders without the Elder's consent
• To prepare Youth Centre and Health Centre ceremonial functions under the guidance of an Elder or Knowledge Keeper
• To be of physical service to the Elders Advisory Council in meetings and functions of ceremony
• To ensure the maintenance of ceremonial and cultural supplies for Youth Centre and Health Centre use
• To work for Nation good as directed by Elders Advisory Council and Traditional Health CommitteeRequirements
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License and clean driver's abstract
• A resident of pakitahwākan sākahikan (Sturgeon Lake First Nation)
• Cree speaker, an asset
• Experience working with oskāyak, young adults, and families.
• Demonstrated ability to provide and role model quality lifestyle, and effectively work with others.
• Must be selfdirected and detail orientated.
• Demonstrated organization and communication skills
• CPR, AED, First Aid and ASIST certifications required within 60 days of hire
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations
• Basic computer skills
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about working with os