Cultural Connection Worker / Band Designate

Athabasca Tribal Council

Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) serves five First Nations communities by providing innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health, and prosperity of children and families. ATC is committed to ensuring the protection of Indigenous rights, Treaty Rights, and Traditional Territories. In collaboration with our various departments and five Nations, we provide multi-service delivery to support a thriving, healthy, and self-reliant future for Cree and Dene people.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor of Kinship/Foster Care, the Athabasca Tribal Council is seeking a culturally grounded and passionate advocate to serve as the Cultural Connection Worker & Band Designate for ATC Child and Family Services. This dual-role ensures Indigenous children and youth in care remain connected to their identity, culture, community, and Nation, regardless of placement. The Cultural Connection Worker supports caregivers in creating culturally safe environments that reflect each child’s traditions and values. As Band Designate, the role works in partnership with the child’s First Nation, as defined under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, to ensure Nation involvement and cultural guidance in all key decisions. This position collaborates closely with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation to support children in care across Alberta and Canada, including those in kinship and foster placements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build culturally supportive relationships with children and youth in care.

• Mentor and guide caregivers to include language, traditions, and teachings in the home

• Promote and coordinate access to cultural/community events for children.

• Support land-based activities like medicine picking, ceremonies, beading, and more.

• Act as Band Designate for ACFN and FMFN468 children in care across Alberta or out-of-province.

• Engage in case planning and consultations, advocating for cultural identity and reunification when possible.

• Help with INAC registration, band membership, and genogram development to reconnect children with family.

• Review and respond to legal documents; attend court and consult Chief and Council when required.

• Maintain detailed records on legal status, placement, cultural support, and caregiver involvement.

• Support the development of the Family Well-being Law and cultural programming within ATC.

• Participate in ATC and community events, gatherings, and celebrations as a cultural representative.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support organizational objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Degree in human services, social work, or related field considered an asset.

• Experience working with Indigenous communities is highly valued and central to this role.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse caseload while effectively prioritizing tasks and responsibilities.

• Knowledge of Cree or Dene is considered an asset.

• Proficient in computer use, with strong communication skills and the ability to build supportive, collaborative relationships with children, caregivers, and professionals.

REQUIREMENTS

• Clear Criminal Record Check.

• Clear Child Intervention Record Check.

• Class 5 Driver’s License with Clear Drivers Abstract.

• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Benefits:

• Company pension

• Dental care

• Employee assistance program

• Extended health care

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision care

• Wellness program

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education: Secondary School (required)

Experience: Social Work or Human Services: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification: Class 5 Drivers License (preferred)

Application question(s):

• We encourage applicants to self-identify to support our efforts to broaden the diversity of applications; however, responses are voluntary and are not necessary to have your application considered by ATC. For the purposes of employment equity, an Indigenous person is someone who identifies as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis. Based on this definition, are you an Indigenous person?

• We encourage applicants to self-identify to support our efforts to broaden the diversity of applications; however, responses are voluntary and are not necessary to have your application considered by ATC. For the purpose of employment equity, members of visible minorities mean persons, other than Indigenous peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour. Based on this definition, are you a member of a visible minority?