At the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, we’re not just a destination—we’re a close-knit community. This summer, we’re gearing up for an extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting youth from surrounding first nation communities, to embark on a journey of growth and fun. With a diverse array of land and water-based adventures to arts, sports, and team building, our camps are designed to foster valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and cultivate lasting friendships
Position Description:
We are seeking one (1) dynamic Culture & Language Specialist to join our team and help create meaningful, culturally grounded summer experiences for youth ages 6–15 living in Kenora and across Treaty 3. At the Youth & Family Wellness Summer Camp, the Culture & Language Activity Specialist plays a vital role in teaching, sharing, and celebrating Anishinaabe language, stories, traditions, and land-based knowledge. If you are passionate about Indigenous culture, motivated to inspire young leaders, and excited to make a positive impact, join us at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp. Let’s create a summer full of connection, pride, and lifelong memories. Culture & Language Activity Specialists are integral to the success of camp programming. They are responsible for planning and leading culturally rich and land-based experiences linked to Anishinaabe teachings, language, values, and seasonal practices. Each specialist leads approximately 40 hours per week of inclusive, play-based programming for groups of 15 youth.
Position Title: Culture and Language Specialist
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Activity Supervisor, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: May 25 – August 21 2026
Hourly Rate: $19.00/Hour (40 per week) + Bonus Opportunity, $1.00 for every hour worked
if contract is successfully completed
Special Considerations: Summer Camp, Training & Program Support Prior
(4 Weeks – July) Day Camp
(2 Weeks, 3 Nights/4 Days – August) Overnight Camp – 12 Hour Shifts
Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Role Model of Inspiration:
- Arrive punctually each day, ready to set the standard for behavior and engagement.
- Fully engage in staff training sessions
- Wear the staff uniform, embodying the essence of camp professionalism.
- Model engaging and well-planned activities that inspire campers and staff alike.
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in YES Program training workshops and onboarding.
- Attend regular check-ins and professional development sessions.
- Complete all job-specific training and demonstrate confidence in assigned cleaning tasks.
- Assist with the design and delivery of staff training, including orientation for summer staff
- Provide mentorship and professional development throughout the summer, focusing on teaching skills, communication, and cultural awareness.
Cultural & Language – Sharing and facilitating experiences in:
- Anishinaabemowin (basic phrases, greetings, songs, vocabulary)
- Storytelling and traditional teachings
- Language games, songs, and learning through play
- Land-based knowledge and cultural protocols
- Traditional activities guided by camper interest and community knowledge keepers
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to staff and counsellors involved in culture and language programming.
- Conduct daily safety briefings and participate in weekly team meetings to review program goals, schedules, and risk management protocols.
- Deliver engaging, inclusive, and culturally connected land-based activities that promote skill development, confidence, and cultural pride.
- Assist with the safe transportation and movement of campers to and from cultural program areas on site.
- Observe camper interactions and provide feedback related to cultural engagement and facilitation techniques.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment grounded in the Sacred Teachings and the organization’s mission and values.
Safety & Risk Management
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of campers by maintaining constant supervision, along with camp counsellors.
- Ensure all activities meet safety protocols and are delivered in a manner that prioritizes camper well-being.
- Conduct daily inspections of activity spaces and report any concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Support campers in following culture and language rules and expectations respectfully and consistently, ensuring safety and adherence to camp policies and procedures.
- Document and report incidents in accordance with camp safety policies.
Cultural Integration
- Reinforce teachings, language, and cultural values throughout all programming.
- Collaborate with the Cultural Lead to ensure traditional knowledge, and land-based practices are integrated respectfully.
- Promote a welcoming, culturally safe environment where campers feel comfortable learning, sharing, and exploring identity.
- Ensure cultural content is delivered in a respectful, culturally aligned, and community-approved manner.
Site and Equipment Maintenance
- Conduct regular checks of equipment and communicate supply or safety needs promptly.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of arts & crafts spaces during program hours, ensuring all areas remain safe, functional, and ready for use.
- Report any safety concerns, site hazards, or equipment malfunctions immediately to support quick action and prevent risk.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Willingness to adapt working hours based on needs of program
- Be flexible and adaptable, ready to support camp operations in any capacity required.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Experience working with children in a camp environment or similar setting.
- Ability to plan, organize, and lead a variety of engaging activities for children of different ages.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with campers, parents, and other staff members.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Physical fitness and ability to participate in camp activities alongside campers.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changes in schedule, program, or weather conditions.
- Creativity and willingness to bring new ideas and approaches to the camp program.
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in an Indigenous community or organization considered an asset.
- High Five Certification is an asset.
Education and/or Experience:
- College diploma or equivalent community work experience in the following areas:
- Community Services (Child and Youth Worker, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Worker, Early Childhood Educator); Aboriginal specific programs (Community Advocacy, Education, Child and Family Services
- Aboriginal Studies, Studies in Traditional Teachings, Traditional Knowledge or Cultural Teaching Programs
- Experience working with children and youth in recreation, arts and cultural programming
- Understanding of the Ojibway language is considered an asset
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Must be willing to travel when required;
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search.
- First Aid qualifications (minimum of Emergency First Aid) is an asset or must be willing to obtain certificate prior to commencement of work assignment.
Criteria
- Between the ages of 15 to 24
- Be available for the whole summer
- Identity as Indigenous – Asset: Treaty 3
- Enrolled in Post Secondary – Asset
Please forward resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting