Land-Based Healer

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

Position Summary

Reporting to the Mental Wellness Team Lead, the Land-Based Healer coordinates, provides, and promotes traditional health practices, knowledge, and beliefs of Musqueam healing and wellness to community members struggling with wellness challenges. Methods of treatment and healing focused on a return and reconnection to Musqueam land and cultural practices. The Land-Based Healer recognizes that struggles with substance use, and mental health can be supported through efforts to relearn, revitalize, and reclaim community member’s connection to Musqueam wellness practices. The Land-Based Healer will connect community members with various traditional healing solutions with skilled knowledge keepers within the community. This is a full-time, one-year term position.

Roles & Responsibilities

Land-Based Healing - Common Guiding Principles

• Focuses on culturally safe models of care and is viewed as an essential element of a quality health system
• Views Musqueam language and culture as foundational
• Fosters collaborations with a variety of healthcare programs available both in Musqueam and in the Greater Vancouver area
• Improves the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities through connection to Musqueam cultural practices and social supports
• Honors local strengths and resources, promotes self-determination and building expertise at home
• Targets multiple determinants of health (ex. language acquisition, cultural values, life skills, human-nature relations, ethics, and social cohesion)
• Fosters connection to Musqueam traditional territories and land-based values

Examples of Land Based Healing Initiatives include but are not limited to:

• Culture and language camps
• Traditional food harvesting projects with education around nutrition and wellness while supporting community berry picking, fishing, hunting, trapping, etc.
• Cultural activities for people struggling with wellness, helping them to spend time on the land
• Programs for Elder and youth knowledge transfer of traditional land uses such as the revitalization of ceremonial practices, rites-of-passage activities, reconnection to land/history/teachings, traditional medicine gathering, etc.
• Programs for teaching traditional birthing and parenting practices
• Programs for integrating local Musqueam healers into existing land-based activities
• Programs for revitalizing local indigenous ceremonies and celebrations on the land
• Hunting and fishing projects that support food security
• Coordinating and providing online classes and workshops on topics such as storytelling, drumming lessons, prayer, etc.
• Other related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as nutrition, counselling, drug and alcohol, public health, etc. Or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• Lived experience in cultural day-to-day activities and Musqueam ways of being
• At least 2 years' experience in the medical or health field is an asset
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills, ability to compassionately relate and provide relevant resources to community members
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding patient medical information and records
• Ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds while maintaining a non-judgmental, inclusive, and person-centered approach
• Skill in the use of workplace technology, i.e. computers, communications equipment, business software
• Strong communication skills (spoken and written) and the ability to communicate tactfully with others
• Ability to professionally meet, deal with the public and provide information in a pleasant, helpful and confidential manner
• Ability to problem-solve and take initiative to resolve problems
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload
• Ability to remain calm during periods of stressful high volume and to meet deadlines as required
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Successful Vulnerable Sector Screening and Criminal Record Check

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office environment and out in the community
• After hours work may occasionally be required due to program demands

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.