Land Based Healing Worker

Eskasoni Health Centre • Eskasoni 3, NS

57d • Onsite

About The Position

Eskasoni Mental Health expanded its mental health services to include a Land Based Healing program. This program enhances the mental health department by offering cultural ways of healing, as well as land-based therapy. The goal of this program is to provide cultural education, cultural support and to develop unique approaches to therapy using two-eyed seeing. Reporting to the Land Base Healing Team Lead, we are seeking a Land Based Healing worker to offer land-based healing by incorporating the land to heal while using a two eyed seeing approach. The Land Based Healing worker will be responsible for building sacred fires, teepees, wigwams, harvesting and picking of Mi’kmaq medicines, sweat grass and food. The Land based Healing worker will also build sacred trails, accessing the water area at the health center and teaching the community traditional practices including language and Mi’kmaq teachings.

Requirements

• High school diploma (minimum required)
• Ability to speak and understand Mi’kmaq is an asset
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, and social media
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, including confidentiality and discretion
• Willingness to learn from Elders and community members
• Experience working in a Mi’kmaw community preferred
• Experience working with individuals across the lifespan (all ages)
• Knowledge of traditional Mi’kmaw approaches to health and wellness
• Understanding of ceremonies and practices (e.g., sweats, sacred fire, Seven Sacred Teachings, Two-Eyed Seeing approach)
• Knowledge of constructing teepees, sweat lodges, and maintaining sacred fires
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaw medicines, including harvesting and use (e.g., sweetgrass)
• Possession of traditional knowledge related to land-based healing approaches
• Creativity in applying traditional techniques to support healing for individuals and groups

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree or college diploma considered an asset
• Experience supporting or facilitating land-based or culturally grounded programming is an asset

Responsibilities

• Works as part of a team to deliver traditional land bases healing to clients and the community
• Leads in the building and upkeeping of a garden of traditional food
• Leads in the building and teachings of sacred fires, teepees & wigwams
• Harvests and pick Mi’kmaq traditional Medicine, sweetgrass and food
• Share your traditional knowledge and teachings to help strengthen connections to culture, community and wellness
• Assist team in planning land-based activities (fishing, preparing fish, harvesting medicine etc.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED