Job Title: Cultural Programs Manager Reports To: Chief Operations Officer (COO), Administration Location: Culture Centre, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta Department: Administration Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Minimum Experience: Entry-Level
Who We Are
The Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) operates a professional government organization that supports a wide range of programs and services across education, administration, health, operations, and community-focused departments. MCFN maintains a collaborative, service‑driven work environment where employees contribute to effective internal operations, reliable service delivery, and the day‑to‑day functions that support the Nation’s organizational needs.
Our workplaces value cultural awareness, professionalism, confidentiality, and respect. Teams work together to maintain strong administrative practices, clear communication, and consistent service standards across all departments. MCFN employees play an important role in supporting organized, well‑run offices and ensuring that programs and services operate smoothly and efficiently.
Who You Are
You are a respectful, community-minded, and organized individual who is passionate about supporting and strengthening Mikisew Cree First Nation culture, traditions, language, and ways of knowing. You value building positive relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, youth, and employees, and approach cultural work with humility, respect, confidentiality, and a willingness to learn.
You are comfortable coordinating cultural programs, events, activities, and day-to-day logistics while managing multiple priorities and maintaining clear communication and organized records. You work well independently and collaboratively, seek guidance when appropriate, and bring strong relationship-building and organizational skills to the role. Knowledge of MCFN culture and the ability to speak or understand Cree are strong assets.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the revitalization, preservation, promotion, and continuation of Mikisew Cree First Nation culture, traditions, Cree language, cultural protocols, traditional knowledge, and ways of knowing.
- Coordinate and support cultural programs and initiatives that strengthen MCFN culture and encourage the intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge, language, teachings, and traditional practices.
- Work closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, leadership, and MCFN departments to identify cultural priorities and support culturally appropriate programming.
- Build and maintain respectful, reciprocal, and trusting relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, MCFN members, First Nations, Métis communities, and community partners.
- Facilitate relationship-building with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members using appropriate cultural protocols, including tobacco offerings where appropriate.
- Coordinate MCFN cultural events and activities, including Treaty Days, the GIR Elders Cultural Retreat, Pipe Ceremonies, MCFN ceremonies, naming ceremonies, traditional land acknowledgements, and other approved cultural initiatives.
- Develop and coordinate cultural and land-based activities that promote traditional knowledge, land stewardship, and traditional land-use practices, including foraging, fishing, harvesting, and other culturally appropriate activities while respecting family territories.
- Work closely with the MCFN Cree Language Program to support the revitalization, documentation, and intergenerational transmission of the Cree language through cultural practices, traditional teachings, and community values.
- Create and coordinate opportunities for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cree speakers, and cultural teachers to share knowledge with members, youth, families, and MCFN employees.
- Coordinate and support MCFN cultural awareness, history, cultural safety, and anti-racism education and training.
- Support internal teams in approaching community engagement with humility, respect, reciprocity, and appropriate cultural protocols.
- Support the inclusion of MCFN ways of knowing, history, cultural protocols, and community perspectives within organizational programs and initiatives.
- Support approved MCFN initiatives related to reconciliation, cultural safety, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
- Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of cultural programs and activities, including scheduling, participants, travel, accommodations, supplies, equipment, and other logistical requirements.
- Identify and procure resources and supplies required for successful cultural program delivery.
- Assist with developing and monitoring approved cultural program budgets, maintaining accurate financial records, and tracking expenditures against approved activities and available funding.
- Maintain accurate program records and prepare activity, budget, and progress reports for the COO.
- Coordinate and provide day-to-day support to employees, contractors, facilitators, volunteers, and others involved in cultural programs and activities.
- Provide recommendations to the COO regarding cultural programming, resources, community feedback, and opportunities to strengthen and revitalize MCFN culture.
- Ensure traditional knowledge and culturally sensitive information are handled respectfully and in accordance with appropriate cultural protocols and confidentiality requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
- Post-secondary education or training in Indigenous Studies, Cultural Studies, Community Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is considered an asset but is not required.
- A combination of education, relevant work experience, lived experience, cultural knowledge, volunteer experience, and community involvement will be considered.
- Knowledge of Mikisew Cree First Nation culture, history, traditions, community values, cultural protocols, and ways of knowing is considered a strong asset.
- Experience or involvement with cultural, community, land-based, language, youth, Elder, or wellness activities is considered an asset.
- Experience working with or supporting Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, First Nations, or Métis communities is considered an asset.
- Experience assisting with or coordinating community events, cultural activities, programs, meetings, travel, supplies, or other logistical arrangements is considered an asset.
- Experience with basic administrative duties, including maintaining records, preparing documents, scheduling, tracking expenses, or organizing program information, is considered an asset.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to use email, Microsoft Office applications, and other standard workplace technology.
- Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability and willingness to learn MCFN administrative processes, cultural programming requirements, budgeting practices, and reporting responsibilities.
- Ability to take direction from and maintain regular communication with the COO.
- Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, employees, leadership, and community partners.
- Previous management or supervisory experience is not required.
Other Requirements
- Strong knowledge and understanding of MCFN culture, traditions, community values, and cultural protocols is considered an asset.
- Ability to speak and understand Cree is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated respect for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, traditional teachings, cultural protocols, and culturally sensitive information.
- Ability to maintain confidential and culturally sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and own or have access to a reliable vehicle.
- Willingness and ability to reside in Fort Chipewyan and travel as required by operational and business needs.
- Willingness and ability to work after regular hours and/or weekends when required.
- Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule according to cultural, community, and operational requirements.
- Willingness to sign and comply with an Oath of Confidentiality.
- Must provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
- Ability to follow appropriate cultural protocols and seek guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, the COO, or other appropriate resources when required.
- Ability to establish and maintain respectful working relationships with MCFN members, employees, leadership, First Nations, Métis communities, and external partners.
- Ability to organize and coordinate multiple cultural programs, events, activities, deadlines, and priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Based in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.
- Work will take place in office, community, cultural, ceremonial, and land-based settings.
- Local and other required travel may be necessary to support Elders, cultural programs, ceremonies, community activities, and departmental responsibilities.
- The position requires participation in outdoor and land-based activities in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Work schedules may vary according to cultural, community, seasonal, and operational requirements and may include evenings, weekends, and work outside regular business hours.
- The position requires regular interaction with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, employees, leadership, and external partners.
- The position may involve coordinating and transporting program resources, supplies, and equipment associated with cultural and land-based activities.
- The Cultural Programs Manager is expected to carry out all responsibilities with respect for MCFN culture, community relationships, cultural protocols, confidentiality, and the sensitive nature of traditional and cultural knowledge.
MCFN Standard Closing Statement
In accordance with MCFN hiring practices, this position will be posted internally for a minimum of fourteen (14) days to provide qualified MCFN Members and internal candidates with the opportunity to apply. The MCFN Member priority period will end on November 12, 2026. Following the conclusion of the priority period, the posting will remain open until filled, and external candidates may be considered. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete security screening, which includes a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check.
Kinanâskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.
