Employment Opportunities
Program Manager - Traditional Wellness
Description
Position Summary
The Program Manager, Traditional Wellness provides leadership, administration, and operational
oversight for Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s Traditional Health and Wellness programming.
Working within an Anishinaabek worldview and culturally grounded framework, the Program
Manager supports the integration of traditional healing practices alongside western models of
care to promote wholistic wellness for individuals, families, and communities served by NTHC.
The Program Manager provides leadership and supervision to both the Traditional Team and the
Health and Wellness Team, ensuring coordinated, collaborative, and effective service delivery
across programs. The role oversees the engagement and coordination of Traditional Healers
Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Support Workers, and external contracts. This role supports
culturally safe care and ensures Anishinaabek teachings, healing practices, and ceremonies are
respected and integrated throughout NTHC programs and services to support wholistic wellness.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight of Traditional Wellness Services
• Provide administrative and operational leadership for Traditional Wellness program and
services.
• Provide supervision and leadership to both the Traditional Team and the Health and
Wellness Team.
• Support the respectful engagement of traditional knowledge holders while ensuring
appropriate cultural teachings, protocols, and community practices are followed.
• Ensure traditional wellness services are integrated appropriately with clinical and health
services provided by NTHC.
• Promote teamwork and communication between program areas to ensure seamless client
experiences and improved health outcomes.
• Oversee program operations, staffing support, and program planning for both teams.
Support Anishinaabek cultural leadership and traditional knowledge
• Promote and uphold Anishinaabek values, teachings, and cultural practices within
program delivery in consultation with TKKS and communities.
• Ensure cultural safety and respect for traditional healing practices within the
organization.
• Promote the revitalization and preservation of Anishinaabe cultural knowledge,
teachings, and healing practices.
• Support the incorporation of wholistic approaches to wellness that recognize the physical,
emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.
Program management, planning, and evaluation
• Assist with the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of
Traditional Wellness programs.
• Monitor program outcomes and ensure services align with organizational strategic
priorities.
• Oversee the development of required statistical reports including quarterly program and
funder reports.
• Collect and analyze statistical information related to program performance and outcomes.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives that enhance program effectiveness
and client experiences.
Administrative and operational responsibilities
• Participate in organizational strategic planning processes.
• Assist in the development and evaluation of policies, protocols, and procedures related to
Traditional Wellness services.
• Monitor program budgets and expenditures.
• Review staff reports and program updates and address accordingly with any revisions.
• Promote efficient program administration and data collection processes.
• Participate in partner and community meetings as required.
Partnerships and community engagement
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with community partners, First Nation
communities, and service providers.
• Promote collaboration between NTHC programs and external organizations delivering
wellness services.
• Participate in regional and community initiatives related to traditional healing and
Anishinaabek wellness.
Professional practice and development
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to Anishinaabek health, traditional
wellness, and leadership.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and best practices in culturally grounded
wellness care.
Other duties
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives and priorities as identified by leadership.
• Provide support to other programs or organizational activities where appropriate.
• Maintain flexibility to respond to emerging program needs, community priorities, and
organizational developments.
Requirements
Mandatory
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in health administration, social sciences, Indigenous studies,
or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Experience working with First Nations or Anishinaabek communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of Anishinaabek culture, teachings, and traditional healing
practices.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Class G driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
Preferred
• Experience leading traditional wellness or cultural programming.
• Experience working within an interprofessional health care team environment.
• Knowledge of the First Nation communities of Manitoulin Island.
• Knowledge of service providers within the Manitoulin Island catchment area.
• Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin.
Work Conditions
• Work is primarily based at the Columbus Satellite Office in Little Current.
• Travel is required to the NTHC Main Office and Espanola Satellite Office, as required.
• Occasional exposure to traumatic experiences of clients in crisis.
• Frequent interruptions within an office environment.
• Frequent sitting with occasional walking, bending, and movement within office or
community settings.
• Participation in community events, ceremonies, and cultural gatherings required.