We are looking for a Full Time Indigenous Cultural Advisor to be a part of Fraser Health’s Aboriginal Health Program and ensure Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and approaches to wellness are honoured across the Fraser Region. Fraser Health Authority values diversity within the workplace. For this position, we also want to highlight that First Nations, Inuit, Metis ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for excellence in the position. Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. Our team of 43,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Effective October 26th 2021, all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? Like us on Facebook (@fraserhealthcareers), follow us on Twitter & Instagram (@FHCareer), or connect with us on LinkedIn (fraserhealthcareers) for first-hand employee insights.

Detailed Overview

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients/clients/residents and families:

The Indigenous Cultural Safety program, consisting of Elders and traditional cultural knowledge keepers, aims to ensure Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and approaches to wellness are honoured in the hospital and community settings in Fraser Health.

The Advisor provides guidance, personal consultation, active listening, counselling, support, and mentorship to clients, their families and employees; acts as a liaison between clients and Fraser Health staff and programs. The Advisor also provides guidance, mentorship and direction to Fraser Health staff and programs as requested, including the sharing of knowledge and protocol around ceremony and culture for stronger client interactions and supporting cultural events on site.

The Advisor may also provide a link between Aboriginal community members inclusive of First Nation, Metis and Inuit, Aboriginal organizations and Fraser Health staff and programs; works collaboratively with the Aboriginal Health Liaison in support of community members and Fraser Health staff and programs.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and personal consultation and an indigenous perspective for patients, clients, and their families as they work with their healthcare team regarding decisions about their health and wellness care plan; provides support for clients and/or families during their hospital stay.
• Shares teachings to patient, clients and their families about traditional knowledge in relation to health and wellness.
• Supports the right of patients, clients, their families and members of the healthcare team to receive services that honour the customs and traditions of First Nations, Metis and other Aboriginal peoples that they have consented to receive.
• Works with various members of the healthcare team to support patient, clients and their families in discharge planning.
• Provides access and/or facilitates ceremony and traditional wellness practices.
• Meets with patients, clients and families in hospital sacred and spiritual spaces, patient/client hospital rooms, and/or public spaces in Fraser Health facilities in the provision of Elder in Residence programs.
• Supports discussions between Indigenous patients, clients and their families and the assigned healthcare team.
• Supports relationships between First Nations, Metis and Aboriginal organizations and Fraser Health employees.
• Supports patients, clients and their families to increase their health literacy including their ability to gather and interpret information in ways that promote health; acts as a liaison between Aboriginal clients and healthcare staff when requested.
• Supports Cultural Safety program development through methods such as contributing to development and training curriculum and delivering course content.
• Attends and contributes at a variety of meetings including the Cultural Safety Committee meetings for the designated site(s) to enhance the experience of the attendees supporting cultural awareness and sharing experiences and wisdom of their past.
• Tracks and reports client interactions and prepares summaries for sharing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Demonstrated significant wisdom in areas of traditional health and wellness as recognized by their National and/or Aboriginal Family inclusive of demonstrated knowledge and ability to promote Indigenous protocols and ceremonies. Healthcare background/knowledge preferred.

Valid BC Driver's licence and possession of a personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills And Abilities

Demonstrates the LEAD capabilities of Leads Self, Engages Others, Achieves Results, Develops Coalitions and supports Systems Transformation.

Professional/Technical Capabilities:

• Demonstrated capacity to share wisdom and knowledge with patients, clients families and employees of Fraser Health.
• Demonstrated positive working relationships with community partners.
• Ability to promote, educate and learn with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to listen and the desire to foster the well-being of others.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.