Position Title: ASCD Knowledge Keeper
Department: Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) – Cultural Programming
Reports To: Director, IEY & ASCD
Status: Part-time (may increase to full-time based on program needs)
Starting Wage: $36.58 per hour
Benefits: Eligible after a 3-month probation period

About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

The Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside. For over 30 years, VAHS has delivered community-based health and family services firmly rooted in cultural identity, community connection, and holistic wellness.

Position Summary

The ASCD Knowledge Keeper provides cultural teachings, traditional skills, and oral knowledge to children and families within the ASCD program. This role fosters cultural identity, community connection, and overall wellness through Indigenous ways of knowing and being. The Knowledge Keeper works closely with ASCD staff, childcare partners, Elders, and families to offer respectful and culturally grounded programming for children ages 0 to 12.

Core Responsibilities

  • Facilitate cultural teachings such as beading, sewing, carving, medicines, storytelling, drumming, songs, language, and land-based learning

  • Share teachings that support cultural identity, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging

  • Engage children in developmentally appropriate and respectful ways

  • Support land-based learning, seasonal teachings, and community events

  • Collaborate with Elders, ASCD team members, and childcare partners

  • Model cultural humility, respect, inclusion, and professional conduct

  • Contribute to a culturally safe and welcoming environment for children, families, and program staff

Expectations When Working With Children (0–12 Years)

Knowledge Keepers are expected to:

  • Engage at the child’s level, using gentle and age-appropriate communication

  • Maintain a calm, respectful, and focused teaching environment

  • Recognize that many children require additional support and adapt to their unique learning needs

  • Model cultural sensitivity in all interactions with children, families, and staff

  • Create an inclusive, non-judgmental learning space that supports all abilities

  • Maintain professionalism, as actions reflect the ASCD program and our Lead Agency (VAHS)

  • Be open to ongoing learning; training and courses relevant to early years work may be encouraged, such as the YWCA’s 20-hour “Responsible Adult Course”

Knowledge Keeper Pedagogy

This role is guided by Indigenous principles of teaching and learning, including:

  • Respect for each child’s spirit and learning journey

  • Relationship-based learning led by storytelling, language, land, and shared experience

  • Hands-on learning that honours community knowledge and the teachings of the land

  • Cultural safety that recognizes the diverse lived experiences of Indigenous families

Qualifications

  • Must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)

  • Recognized by community as having teachings or cultural knowledge to share

  • Experience supporting or teaching children or families in respectful cultural ways

  • Ability to adapt teachings for children with varying developmental needs

  • Comfortable teaching in a casual, community-focused environment

  • Valid Class 5 driver’s license is an asset

Work Environment

  • Work takes place at 717 Princess Avenue, childcare centres throughout Vancouver, and community/outdoor learning spaces

  • Part-time hours with potential to increase based on program needs

Compensation and Benefits

  • Starting wage: $36.58 per hour

  • Eligible for employee benefits after a three-month probation period

  • Cultural mentorship, training support, and professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Applicants are welcome to introduce themselves in a format of their choice. Written resumes, personal letters, audio recordings, or video introductions will be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to share their teachings in the way that feels most natural.

Please send applications to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: ASCD Knowledge Keeper Application