kahkiyaw ayisiyinowak ka wahkotot – “All people, especially traditional peoples, are related” – kahkiyaw is a new and ground-breaking Aboriginal-led and community-based program created to significantly improve the lives of Aboriginal children, youth, and families in the Edmonton Area Children & Family Services Authority (CFSA).

Kahkiyaw is being delivered in partnership by Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Boyle Street Community Services, two community organizations with a long and successful history of serving Aboriginal people in Edmonton. Working closely with CFSA Central Neighbourhood Centre, and using the Collaborative Service Delivery (CSD) model, the program will provide a continuum of services to improve the outcomes for Aboriginal children and families in our city. The program compliment each other with balancing Western practice and tradition Indigenous perspective.

Circle Keeper

The role of a circle keeper is a facilitator, coordinator, liaison, mediator, & knowledge keeper.

As we understand from a ceremonial way of knowing and doing, we relate the role as an oskpewis(helper). This person is opening and welcoming and creates a safe space for all people. The elders speak about this person as a “worthy helper” or that they see the good in them. The helper is willing to learn and serve at ceremony like the circle keeper does with the families and partners in our program. The people in this partnership is made up of a team which includes family wellness worker, case worker, community agencies, indigenous communities/nations, family members or natural supports.

Job Description

• facilitation, mediation, & conflict resolution.
• Facilitating, planning and coordination of family group conference, sharing circle, healing circles & closing ceremony
• Establishing strong relationships with families and children.
• Ability to research, seek and develop family connections.
• Connecting and honoring families of who they are and where they come from.
• Circle Keepers also have knowledge, awareness or interest of indigenous culture and traditions. This includes working with a diverse population.
• Effective communicator
• Ability to work with database, reporting, MS office and technologies

Education & Experience

• Life experience as indigenous knowledge keeper or helper is an asset
• Post secondary Degree or diploma is an asset and relevant life experience will be seen as equivalent
• Having your own vehicle for transportation is a must. Financial compensation is granted.
• Experience working with indigenous & non-indigenous families is an asset.
• Current (within 6 months) Criminal Record check and Child & Family Intervention check, and Driver’s Abstract (without outstanding issues) is required prior to starting employment.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary will be discussed at interview.
• Monthly auto allowance.
• Paid sick and wellness days after 3 months’ probation.
• Extended Health Benefit (50/50 cost sharing) after 6 months’ employment.

Start Date

This position is to start immediately.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: hr@bentarrow.ca

COVID-19 Notice: Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Employees who cannot be fully vaccinated on the basis of a protected legal ground (e.g. medical, religious) may request an exemption. Please note that this policy applies to all employees, including new hires, and volunteers. If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption.