Position Title: Cultural Coordinator
Location: Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS), Vancouver, BC
Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Unionized Contract (12 Months)
Wage: $31.00 – $36.00 per hour
Reports To: Executive Director
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
The Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. VAHS supports the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of Indigenous peoples through holistic, culturally grounded programs and services. Our work centres Indigenous identity, belonging, and healing while fostering culturally safe and inclusive environments for community members.
Position Summary
The Cultural Coordinator leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of cultural programming across VAHS sites. This role promotes cultural safety and connection to Indigenous identity through traditional teachings, ceremony, and land-based activities.
Working within a multidisciplinary health and social service environment, the Cultural Coordinator helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and regulated Cultural Room space. The role supports trauma-informed de-escalation, proactive communication with staff and leadership, and collaborative program delivery aligned with VAHS values.
This is a full-time, non-unionized contract position for twelve (12) months. The successful candidate will be required to sign an employment contract prior to starting and will participate in Manager’s Meetings.
Key Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Delivery
• Develop and submit a monthly Cultural Events Calendar according to established internal timelines
• Coordinate cultural ceremonies, workshops, land-based programming, and traditional teachings
• Schedule staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and contractors for cultural activities
• Ensure program logistics, materials, and space requirements are organized in advance
• Track attendance and participant engagement
Data Collection & Reporting
• Collect and maintain accurate program data including attendance, participant feedback, and outcomes
• Contribute to internal reporting and external funder reporting requirements as needed
• Support program evaluation and continuous quality improvement initiatives
Cultural Room Leadership & Safety
• Provide active supervision and coverage of the Cultural Room during lunch hours, staff breaks, and periods of increased participant need
• Maintain a welcoming, culturally grounded, and respectful environment
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally based de-escalation strategies when responding to participant needs or challenging situations
• Remain present, observant, and responsive to support participant regulation and safety
Collaboration & Communication
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners to support culturally safe programming
• Maintain proactive communication with Administration, Clinic teams, and Leadership regarding programming schedules, shared spaces, and operational impacts
• Support cross-program collaboration to strengthen culturally safe service delivery
• Represent the Cultural Department at Manager’s Meetings
Community Engagement
• Maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, partners, and cultural networks
• Assist in addressing cultural concerns or conflicts with professionalism and cultural humility
Operational Expectations
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and the ability to meet internal deadlines and organizational priorities
• Maintain clear, respectful, and proactive communication across departments
• Exercise sound judgment and professionalism within a busy urban Indigenous health setting
• Balance independent initiative with collaborative teamwork
• Uphold confidentiality and maintain cultural humility in all interactions
Qualifications
• Deep understanding and lived experience of Indigenous cultures, protocols, and teachings
• Strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities
• Experience coordinating cultural or community-based programming
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience scheduling staff and contractors
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Commitment to confidentiality, cultural humility, and respectful workplace practices
Assets:
• Experience with trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and urban Indigenous realities
• Conflict resolution and/or de-escalation training or experience
• Experience working with individuals with complex needs
• Valid driver’s license and/or willingness to travel for land-based programming
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter addressed to:
Carrie Humchitt, Executive Director
Subject Line: Cultural Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.