Indigenous Cultural Safety and Education Lead Contract NEW

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

This role is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.

Position Vacancy: Truth and Reconciliation

Position: Indigenous Cultural Safety and Education Lead – Temporary Full Time – until Approximately March 2027

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday – Hybrid

Posting Period: September 14, 2026 – September 28, 2026

Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)

Position Summary:

The Indigenous Cultural Safety and Education Lead plays a key role in supporting Waterloo Regional Health Network’s (WRHN) commitment to providing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and relationship-based care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients, families, and communities.

As a member of WRHN’s Indigenous Health & Reconciliation Team, the Indigenous Cultural Safety and Education Lead will develop a comprehensive Indigenous education proposal for the organization in collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Circle and partners across healthcare, education, and community. The Lead will take a strengths-based and relational approach — recognizing where the organization is on its learning journey. This role will also identify priorities and develop approaches that advance understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories, cultures, and experiences; strengthen relationships; and embed Indigenous perspectives into care, policy, and practice.

This role also supports facilitation, coaching, and cultural events that honour Indigenous values and foster a deeper understanding of reconciliation and partnership across WRHN.

Position Requirements:

This position is intended for First Nations, Inuit, and/or Metis candidates whose lived experience will support Indigenous education and cultural safety initiatives. As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be asked to complete an Indigenous identity confirmation process.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Indigenous Studies, Health Sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 2 years’ experience working directly with Indigenous communities, preferably within healthcare, social services, or education settings focused on Indigenous health and wellness.
Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, adult learning, facilitation, and capacity building within Indigenous or cross-cultural contexts.
Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and frameworks for Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism in health education.
Strong understanding of Indigenous health contexts, including traditional healing practices, colonial impacts on health, and barriers within healthcare systems.
Proven ability in communication, advocacy, and community engagement, including collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous organizations.
Ability to navigate and bridge Indigenous and Western systems — working respectfully within institutional structures while upholding Indigenous ways of knowing, relationship, and reciprocity.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
Collaborate with Communications to create accurate and culturally respectful internal and external communications related to Indigenous health, cultural safety, and Truth and Reconciliation initiatives
Any other duties as required by organizational needs
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working within hospital or regional health system environments.
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate education programs through a two eyed-seeing lens
Proven ability to build new systems and processes, including policy development, program evaluation, and reporting.
Experience coordinating or supporting cultural events, ceremonies, or teachings in partnership with Elders and community.

Application Instructions: (for questions, please email [email protected])

EMPLOYEES OF WRHN MIDTOWN & CHICOPEE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.
WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.