Indigenous Engagement Specialist

Position Overview

This position reports to the Shared Health Indigenous Health Director Provincial Partnerships and supports Shared Health's commitment to culturally safe, trauma informed, and relationship-based engagement with Indigenous peoples; First Nation, Inuit and Métis. The Indigenous Engagement Specialist works to ensure Indigenous perspective, lived experience and knowledge systems are meaningfully integrated into health planning, public and patient engagement, quality improvement and in the decision – making processes. Through collaboration with Indigenous partners, organizations and internal health team, the Indigenous Engagement Specialist facilitates respectful engagement that honors Indigenous protocol, values, and self-determination and harmonious relationships, balance and equity with all partners. Applying an Indigenous worldview to health operations, accreditation standards and service delivery, the role strengthens partnership's, advances reconciliation and trauma – informed practices and supports improved health outcomes for Indigenous peoples across Manitoba.

THIS IS A DESIGNATED INDIGENOUS COMPETITION THAT IS OPEN TO INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS. Proof of ancestry will be requested, and those selected for an interview will be asked related questions. We invite applicants to self-identify in their cover letter and/or resume.

Experience

• 5 years of experience using public engagement tools, such as virtual engagement and focus groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of public and patient engagement in health care decision-making, planning, and quality improvement.
• 3 years of experience managing and facilitating a variety of diverse internal and external relationships and partnerships.
• Experience working with provincial Indigenous organizations and agencies such as First Nations, Tribal Councils, Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Métis Federation, Urban Indigenous Associations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
• Experience with, or knowledge of, applying an Indigenous lens to health operations and exploring ways to provide culturally safe care and to offer traditional Indigenous healing practices as part of health services delivery.
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities, services, and challenges alongside Indigenous culture, protocols, traditions, and values, both within communities and organizations in Manitoba.
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities and practices, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, protocols, traditions, values, and rights to self-determination.
• Understanding of applying the standards established by Accreditation Canada (AC) and the Health Standards Organization (HSO) from an Indigenous lens.
• Experience in or knowledge of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the relationship between ISC and the Manitoba health care system.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication and collaboration, adept at building relationships with Indigenous partners.
• Skilled in developing and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Experience in Manitoba’s public health care system and services.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Post-secondary diploma or certificate in relevant field such as social sciences, healthcare, quality improvement, business, public engagement or public administration.
• Completion of Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism training.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) designation is considered an asset.
• Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle for travel.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of Indigenous languages is an asset.
• Strong and culturally relevant communication, interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (2015) and Manitoba’s Path to Reconciliation Act (2016).
• Understanding and commitment to the articles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for truth and reconciliation.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism actions, inquests and reports, e.g., Jordan’s Principle, Joyce’s Principle and Brian Sinclair Inquest.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ethical principles and cultural protocols in interactions with Indigenous partners and organizations.
• Knowledge or familiarity with Indigenous health issues, population health, and health status of citizens in Manitoba.
• Knowledge of the Manitoba health care system, federal health care system, provincial and federal governance, and leadership models.
• Working knowledge of, or experience working with, Indigenous governments, partners, organizations and communities at a service level and structures within Manitoba.
• Thorough knowledge of Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the Internet.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to handle multiple priorities and competing demands.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May require to lift items up to 25 lbs. on occasion.