Indigenous Program Coordinator Trainee

Reports to: Program Director

Application Deadline: Friday March 14, 2025, at 11:59PM

NOTE: This position is only for people who identify as Indigenous. It is funded by Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training in partnership with Service Canada.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Natural Curiosity (NC) is a donor-funded education program created in collaboration with Indigenous educators and partners. The Natural Curiosity Program addresses a critical link between environmental and Indigenous education, supporting all educators to authentically respond to the calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We enable educators to transform their practice and create generations of lifelong learners with the experiences and perspectives necessary to tackle the environmental challenges of the 21st century. To date, we have disseminated best practices in our groundbreaking educator resource, Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry, distributing 17,000+ copies internationally (38,000+ copies including both first and second editions). We have also engaged 17,000+ educators across Turtle Island in professional learning programs to improve the quality of environmental education in the public school system.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Natural Curiosity, in partnership with ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, is offering Aki Kinomaagewinan; Anishinaabe Place-Based Learning for Educators program. This program brings together an intergenerational learning community to engage in land-based learning, focusing on Anishinaabe knowledge of the land, language, traditional teachings, and principles of reciprocity. We are seeking a dedicated Indigenous Program Coordinator to support the coordination and delivery of this impactful project.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Indigenous Program Coordinator will play a key role in the coordination, planning and delivery of the Aki Kinomaagewinan program. This position requires a motivated individual who is passionate about Indigenous education, land-based learning, and community engagement.

The successful candidate will work closely with Natural Curiosity program staff to create a culturally supportive and effective learning environment for all participants. The Project Coordinator will also manage logistics, organize events, and support project evaluation efforts.

The Indigenous Program Coordinator will also support the introduction, implementation, and use of Natural Curiosity and inquiry-based teaching with an Indigenous lens in schools and across the province and country.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support with Aki Kinomaagewinan: Anishinaabe Place-Based Learning for Educators project

• Coordinate the planning, delivery, and logistical aspects of the Aki Kinomaagewinan project, including workshops, events, and land-based activities at the Humber Teaching Lodge.
• Collaborate closely with ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency to manage the use of the Humber Teacher Lodge and surrounding space and coordinate fire keepers and youth participants.
• Build and maintain relationships with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, and community partners to support the project’s intergenerational learning model.
• Develop and implement project timelines, budgets, and event schedules, ensuring all activities align with the program’s goals and funding requirements.
• Organize and oversee all aspects of event delivery, including coordinating transportation, catering (utilizing local Indigenous caterers), supplies, and resources.
• Support the professional development of Indigenous youth by facilitating “real-world” learning opportunities during program activities.
• Collect and analyze participant feedback through surveys and focus groups to inform future program offerings and ensure continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and documentation for project evaluation, funder requirements, and future grant applications.

General Support of the Natural Curiosity Program:

• Taking on delegated administrative and creative tasks to support the Program Director on a weekly basis which include but are not limited to:
• Writing emails and letters
• Writing and editing promotional content, social media, etc.
• Researching best practices
• Coordinating annual contests and award submissions
• Assisting with donor stewardship activities such as the annual report, fundraising and board meetings
• Assisting with creating and executing presentations
• Conference and workshop planning

Support Professional Learning Opportunities:

• Support the planning, coordination and execution of annual online webinars, workshops, and coaching groups

EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES DESIRED

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop strong professional relationships with colleagues
• Exhibits a high level of commitment, initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask, organize, manage time and work independently
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Strong understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, land-based learning, and community engagement practices
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers in culturally safe and respectful ways.
• Familiarity with social media & online communication strategies (webinar and website management a definite asset)
• Video making and editing skills an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS

 This position will be primarily remote, and on-site as needed. “On-site” refers to the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study that is part of the University of Toronto (45 Walmer Rd). There will also be some on-site work at the Humber Teaching Lodge. The Program Coordinator will have access to ongoing training and mentorship from senior staff to support their professional development. Must reside within the GTA.

 Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Full-Time, April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026

Rate of Pay: $25.00/hour

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are asked to submit a complete application including: a CV and a cover letter in one file addressing the above requirements to naturalcuriosity@utoronto.ca by March 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM. This position will begin on April 14, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026.

NOTE: This position is only for people who identify as Indigenous. It is funded by Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training in partnership with Service Canada.