Employment Opportunity
Cultural Advisor – Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work
Position Type: One Year Contract
Position Status: New Position
Location: Remote
Reports To: Program Manager, Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work
Hourly Rate: $33.46/hr
About FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute)
FNTI is an Indigenous-owned and governed post-secondary institution dedicated to serving Indigenous learners. Established in 1985, FNTI has graduated over 4,000 students through certificate, diploma, and degree programs delivered in partnership with Ontario’s colleges and universities.
As a First Nation-mandated, not-for-profit, and registered charitable organization accredited by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC), FNTI delivers a range of post-secondary programming grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community connection. Through its community-driven and intensive delivery model, FNTI enables learners to remain connected to their families and communities while pursuing meaningful educational and career pathways.
Since the Indigenous Institute Act, 2017, FNTI has advanced the development of independently accredited degree programs, created by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people. Programming is delivered from its main campus in Tyendinaga on the Bay of Quinte, as well as virtually.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Dean, FNTI Programs, the Cultural Advisor has a key role in mentoring, teaching, knowledge dissemination, and cultural support for our learners. The incumbent will mentor as well through co-supporting and co-advising administration, coordination, research and community engagement. The Cultural Advisor will focus on these roles while always ensuring Indigenous Knowledge is a priority throughout the programs. The Cultural Advisor will support the strategic priorities of the institute while adhering to the Values, Mission and Vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide mentorship to learners in a cultural framework;
- Include Indigenous cultural practices and world-view in program and classroom facilitations / conversations;
- Co-support all learning outcomes (vocational, course and Indigenous) and deliver appropriate cultural teaching methodologies for meeting those learning outcomes and assessing learner success.
- Will provide medicines, healing and Indigenous leadership qualities to our learners during each course;
- Will provide ceremonies, traditional teachings that are appropriate to meeting the Indigenous learning outcomes;
- Implementing appropriate Indigenous protocols within the classroom and ensuring the cultural framework is followed (opening and closings, smudging, circles, drumming and singing and cultural practices);
- Ensure an Indigenous Pedagogy is implemented;
- Will mentor learners with cultural supports and assistance in a way that is meaningful to the learner.
- Attend teaching team and program meetings as required;
- Mentorship around Indigenous-focused curriculum and pedagogy that support course learning outcomes and ensure that they are conducive to learners needs;
- Mentorship in research conversations of Indigenous-focused curriculum development,
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
Required:
- A Degree or diploma in education or another related field; and
- 3 years’ experience working experience in a related field as it pertains to postsecondary institutions and Indigenous institutions; or
- A combination of education, training and experience which FNTI deems to be
Core Competencies & Skills:
- Advanced knowledge in the history and context of the Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Truth and Reconciliation process and report
- Practical experience working with Indigenous communities in the areas of community development/social work or related fields
- Ability to teach from an Indigenous epistemology
- Experience and interest in high quality teaching and curriculum development at the post-secondary level or equivalent experience as a trainer in industry
- Committed to excellence in teaching and learning and to work within a team environment
- Excellent organizational skills and time management skills to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to use sound judgement and discretion
- Above-average problem-solving skills with ability to be resourceful
- Ability to perform in a complex, highly sensitive environment while maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality
- Ability to act in a leadership role
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Engaging public speaking skills, active listening and facilitation skills
- Excellent written and oral communications
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Ability to produce quality written documentation for reports and proposals
- Awareness of lateral violence caused by colonization and recognize lateral compassion as a path to heal Indigenous nations
Conditions of Employment
- Willing and able to travel occasionally and work overtime as required.
- Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Ontario, Canada.
Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
FNTI is an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), applicants may request accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
To request accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected] with the job title and accommodation details.
FNTI provides preference to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry who self-identify.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting:
- A cover letter outlining interest and qualifications
- A current resume
Applications must be submitted online through the FNTI Careers site by April 24, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Posting Date:
April 8, 2026
Application Deadline:
April 24, 2026