Culture Manager

Department: Culture

Reports to: Director of Social Development

Location: Apitipi Anicinapek Nation and surrounding areas

Employment Type: Full-Time, 35 hours per week, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends

Compensation: To be determined based on qualifications and experience

Position Summary

The Culture Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, administration, development, and evaluation of cultural programs, cultural revitalization initiatives, language preservation efforts, and traditional wellness activities within Apitipi Anicinapek Nation.

The Culture Manager provides strategic leadership to the Cultural Department and ensures cultural programming reflects the traditions, teachings, values, and priorities of Apitipi Anicinapek Nation. Working closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, staff, leadership, and external partners, the Culture Manager promotes cultural identity, intergenerational learning, community engagement, and traditional ways of knowing.

The Culture Manager is responsible for supervising Culture Department staff, managing cultural initiatives, developing partnerships, and ensuring the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

-         Department Leadership and Strategic Planning

o   Provide leadership and direction for all Cultural Department programs, services, and initiatives

o   Develop annual work plans, goals, priorities, and strategic objectives that align with community needs and Nation priorities

o   Assess community cultural interests and identify opportunities for growth, revitalization, and community engagement

o   Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement initiatives

o   Support the preservation, promotion, and transmission of cultural teachings, language, values, and traditions

o   Ensure cultural programming is culturally appropriate, inclusive, and responsive to community needs

-         Program Development and Service Delivery

o   Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of cultural programs and services

Key Responsibilities (cont.)

o   Support cultural programming for children, youth, adults, families, and Elders

o   Promote land-based learning, traditional teachings, language revitalization, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings

o   Support the delivery of sharing circles, teachings, workshops, and community-based cultural activities

o   Promote the Seven Grandfather Teachings and traditional values throughout departmental programming

o   Support community healing, wellness, and cultural reconnection initiatives

-         Staff Supervision and Development

o   Provide supervision, mentorship, and performance management for Culture Department staff

o   Support and guide the Culture Department personnel

o   Coordinate staff work plans, schedules, and program responsibilities

o   Promote professional development and training opportunities

o   Foster a collaborative, respectful, and culturally grounded work environment

-         Elder and Community Engagement

o   Work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, ceremonial leaders, and traditional resource people

o   Support the inclusion of Elders and cultural experts in community programming and planning

o   Ensure cultural protocols are respected and followed throughout departmental activities

o   Promote intergenerational learning opportunities and cultural knowledge sharing

o   Encourage community participation in cultural activities, traditional teachings, and cultural celebrations

-         Partnerships and Community Collaboration

o   Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous organizations, cultural groups, educational institutions, and community partners

o   Collaborate with internal departments to incorporate cultural components into programs and services

o   Represent AAN at meetings, conferences, cultural events, and regional initiatives

o   Advocate for resources and opportunities that support cultural preservation and community wellness

o   Support community, regional, and national Indigenous cultural celebrations and events

-         Administration and Financial Management

o   Develop and manage annual Culture Department work plans and budgets

o   Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible management of departmental resources

o   Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and funding reports as required

o   Present departmental updates to the Director of Social Development, leadership, and community as required

o   Maintain accurate records, program statistics, inventories, and documentation

o   Ensure compliance with funding agreements, organizational policies, and reporting requirements

-         Perform other related duties as requested by the Director of Social Development

Qualifications

-         Diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Education, Social Services, Cultural Resource Management, or related field; equivalent combinations of education, cultural knowledge, lived experience, and work experience will be considered.

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Qualifications (cont.)

-         Minimum five years of cultural knowledge and experience working with Indigenous communities, children, youth, adults, and families.

-         Minimum three years of experience coordinating cultural programs or working within cultural and traditional environments.

-         Supervisory or management experience is considered an asset.

-         Extensive knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, teachings, ceremonies, and protocols

-         Knowledge of land-based education, traditional wellness, and community cultural development

-         Experience working withing a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is preferred.

-         Knowledge of local language revitalization efforts and cultural teachings is preferred.

-         Experience writing funding proposals and managing projects is preferred.

-         Strong leadership, facilitation, organizational, and communication skills

-         Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word)

-         Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.

-         Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

-         Knowledge of Powwow, Round Dance, drum, and ceremonial protocols is considered an asset.

-         Experience working respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and ceremonial practitioners.

-         Accepted recent Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check

-         Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle

Working Conditions

-         Full-time position with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel required.

-         Combination of office, community, outdoor, and land-based work environments

-         Participation in cultural events, ceremonies, community gatherings, and traditional activities

-         Frequent interaction with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, staff, and external partners

-         Additional hours may be required to support cultural programming and community events.

Core Competencies

-         Cultural Leadership

-         Strategic Planning

-         Program Development and Evaluation

-         Indigenous Cultural Knowledge

-         Community Engagement

-         Staff Supervision and Mentorship

-         Partnership Development

-         Communication and Facilitation

-         Budget and Resource Management

-         Ethical and Professional Conduct

Supervises

-         Culture Coordinator

-         Land-Based Coordinator

-         Elders Liaison

-         Culture program Support

-         Any additional Culture staff, students, contractors, or program personnel assigned to the department.

Email: [email protected]