Indigenous Education Lead

Work Type: Full Time; Temporary (until March 31, 2026)

Position: Indigenous Education Lead

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

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.

Position Summary :

The Indigenous 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 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:

• Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis person, with deep understanding of Indigenous worldviews, values, and teachings.
• 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.

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:

EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING INFOR.

As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

Waterloo Regional Health Centre is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. 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.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.