Giiwedin Anang Council Assistant Trainee

Organizational Overview:

Aboriginal Legal Services was established February 21, 1990. ALS was formed following a needs assessment by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. With approximately 75 dedicated employees, Aboriginal Legal Services is headquartered in Toronto and operates nearly a dozen satellite offices across Ontario. Over the years ALS has becomes a nationally recognized leader in the development of Indigenous-led justice programming and in test-case litigation. Indigenous People require equitable treatment in the justice system, access to the legal and related resources within the justice system, as well as understanding of the system and their options. The support required includes advocacy in all areas of the law as well as alternatives which can break the cycles of recidivism and dependency which is all too prevalent. These alternatives are more effective when they are community controlled and are based on the traditional cultural norms and values of the Indigenous community.

 Position Summary:

The Giiwedin Anang Council has been on a steady increase in the services provided to Aboriginal families in the GTA. The Giiwedin Anang Council is a Ministry of Children and Youth Services funded Aboriginal approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution. We are funded to help resolve disputes between families in our community and CAS, utilizing members of the local Aboriginal Community to participate in Traditional Talking Circles. Most times this is NCFST. The Council has worked with 6 other regional CAS.

 Duties and responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating Key programming support required, including the scheduling of the functions related to the GAC programs in the Toronto and Peel region, the Dreams from Growing Children Parenting Program, and the Giiwedin Anang Civil facilitator.
• Central Intakes for the program – coordinate scheduling Central Intakes and referrals to the program.
• Assist in coordinating monthly ceremonies, including the weekly sacred fires, monthly releasing ceremonies, sweats, feasts, naming ceremonies and welcoming home ceremonies.
• Assist in scheduling Talking Circles when required.
• Assist and coordinate community meetings, stakeholder meetings and other networking opportunities for the council.
• Assist in planning presentations for the Program Manager.
• Assist in coordinating Giiwedin Anang Civil Family Circles, (Non child welfare disputes)
• Assist and consult with Elders.
• Assist in coordinating ALS Sweat Lodge and Tipi teachings.
• Assist and coordinate Council Volunteer training opportunities.
• The Giiwedin Anang Council Administration Assistant will assist the Program Manager, with all four programs such as Dreams from Growing Children, Giiwedin Anang Toronto, Giiwedin Anang Peel and Giiwedin Anang Civil programs.
• Must be comfortable with high levels of conflict and trauma
• Willingness to take on new tasks and be open to new approaches.
• Candidates should have the ability to perform self-care and be attuned to sensitive situations.

Qualifications:

• Experience in combining contemporary and traditional counselling approaches to individuals facing multiple barriers, including: poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental health imbalance, trauma survivors, and criminal justice involvement;

 To Apply:

To apply to this job posting, please submit your cover letter and resume with “Giiwedin Anang Council Assistant Trainee” in the subject line to hrgeneral@aboriginallegal.ca or fax it to (416) 408-1568.

Potential candidates must be First Nations, Inuit or Metis and reside within the GTA. Candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training.

Aboriginal Legal Services is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

To request accommodation, please email Nazaninn@aboriginallegal.ca.We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.