Medicine Children’s Lodge Daycare – Kookum
455 McDermot Ave
Wage: $30.00 – $34.00
The Opportunity
At Medicine Children’s Lodge Daycare, we believe that children learn best when they feel connected — to who they are, where they come from, and the community around them. Our Indigenous Early Learning Centre of Excellence has been developed to introduce children and families to experiences that support traditional knowledge, cultural identity, and a strong sense of belonging.
We are looking for a Kookum to join our daycare space. This role is grounded in relationship, care, and cultural connection. The Kookum brings a calming and nurturing presence, supports children and staff through teachings and guidance, and helps ensure that culture is lived and felt each day.
What You Bring
- A respected Kookum, Traditional Elder, or Knowledge Sharer with strong cultural grounding and lived experience
- A willingness to share teachings, stories, and knowledge in a good way
- Experience connecting with children, families, or community (formal or informal)
- A warm, patient, and nurturing approach
- Strong relationship-building skills and a love for working with children
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture, teachings, and practices
- An understanding of cultural protocols and the importance of sharing teachings respectfully
- A desire to support staff and children in their cultural learning journey
- Experience in a daycare, early learning, or community setting (asset)
- Ability to adapt teachings and curriculum for different age groups, especially young children
- Experience working within an Indigenous-led organization or community-based environment (strong asset)
- Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
- A warm, patient, and welcoming approach to working with children, families, and staff
- A deep respect for cultural protocols and a commitment to sharing teachings in a good way
What You Will Be Doing
- Sharing stories, teachings, and cultural knowledge with children in ways that are meaningful and age-appropriate
- Supporting children in learning about identity, respect, belonging, and community
- Being a warm, consistent, and welcoming presence within the daycare
- Offering cultural guidance and mentorship to staff in a kind and supportive way
- Supporting cultural activities such as storytelling, songs, language, seasonal teachings, and land-based learning (as appropriate)
- Participating in or guiding cultural practices such as sharing circles, smudging, and celebrations when comfortable
- Building relationships with children, families, and staff to create a sense of connection and trust
- Supporting intergenerational learning and helping children feel connected to their culture and community
- Offering guidance when cultural questions or situations arise
- Supporting a respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded environment
We are Proud to Offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits including Health and Dental
- Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Employer Contributed RRSP; up to 5% match
- Employee and Family Assistance Program with Consult + and Telus Health
- Cultural Ways of Being; Mino Pimatisiwin Lodge, Knowledge Keepers, Skaabes, and Kookums, medicine picking, sweats, ceremony, smudging on-site
- 12 Personal days per year, in addition to vacation
- Work-life balance and casual dress
- Training and Development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
- Social Planning Committee that facilitates employee appreciation and wellness events
To Apply:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume, detailing how you meet the requirements of this posting with salary expectations. Applications will be reviewed upon received.
Ka Ni Kanichihk remains committed to achieving employment equity; candidates are strongly encouraged to self-declare in their cover letter if they are of Indigenous ancestry.
Please send your resume, cover letter, and two work related references to:
Human Resources
Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.
455 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3A 0B5
Email: careers@kanikanichihk.ca
Ka Ni Kanichihk thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.