Elder (Family Violence Program)

Highbridge Human Capital•Kamloops, BC

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Elder (Family Violence Program) role at Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) is dedicated to providing culturally safe and spiritually grounded support to individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, grief, and substance use. This position involves offering traditional teachings, ceremonies, and cultural protocols, and supporting participants in reconnecting with their cultural identity, traditions, and community. The Elder will also create and support healing circles, talking circles, and cultural gatherings across various programs, including Family Violence Prevention (FVP), Healing Our Spirits, and Warriors Against Violence. Additionally, the role involves supporting access to ceremonies, participating in land-based programming, and collaborating with program staff to integrate cultural practices into service delivery. The Elder will also provide guidance on traditional knowledge and cultural protocols, support the development of culturally safe policies, and offer one-on-one support to participants and families. Continuous learning in trauma-informed practice, decolonization, and Indigenous worldviews is also a key aspect of this role.

Requirements

Recognized as an Elder or Knowledge Keeper by your Nation or community
Deep understanding of Indigenous teachings, culture, and spiritual practices
Experience supporting individuals and families through healing, trauma, and recovery
Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate compassion and respect
Willingness to work collaboratively within a team environment
Basic ability to support documentation and referrals as required

Responsibilities

Provide culturally safe and spiritually grounded support to individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, grief, and substance use.
Offer traditional teachings, ceremonies, and cultural protocols (as appropriate and within the Elder’s knowledge and comfort).
Support participants in reconnecting with cultural identity, traditions, and community.
Create and support healing circles, talking circles, and cultural gatherings across programs.
Provide cultural and spiritual support across Family Violence Prevention (FVP), Healing Our Spirits, and Warriors Against Violence programs.
Support culturally grounded interventions for participants at various stages of healing and wellness.
Offer guidance to program staff on culturally appropriate approaches to client care and programming.
Support access to ceremony, including smudging, brushing off, on the land ceremonies, cultural crafts and art, prayer and spiritual guidance.
Participate in and support land-based programming and cultural activities.
Help facilitate safe and respectful spaces for cultural healing practices.
Work collaboratively with program staff, facilitators, and caseworkers.
Support staff in integrating cultural practices into programming and service delivery.
Participate in team meetings, program planning, and community events.
Encourage community healing and involvement through culturally relevant teachings and gatherings.
Provide guidance on the use of traditional knowledge and cultural protocols when engaging with individuals, families, and community members.
Support the development of culturally safe policies, practices, and responses to trauma and violence.
Ensure respect for diverse cultural practices across Nations, families, and communities.
Offer one-on-one cultural or emotional support to participants, as appropriate and requested.
Help foster safe, strength-based, and culturally grounded spaces for individuals to share their experiences.
Support families in reconnecting with traditional teachings and cultural identity.
Collaborate with the team to support continuous learning in trauma-informed practice, decolonization, and Indigenous worldviews.
Participate in reflection, ceremony, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.