Anishinaabe Education Support Worker

(Internal/External Posting)
April 9, 2025

Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located on the white sands (Northeast shores) of Lake Superior near Wawa Ontario. The registered population is approximately 1,400 with 70 citizens living on reserve. With a strong sense of community and cultural identity, Michipicoten First Nation strives to maintain harmony and balance with Mother Earth, neighbouring First Nations, and surrounding communities.

Michipicoten First Nation is looking to fill a temporary position of Anishinaabe Education Support Worker (AESW) to work within Michipicoten High School. Reporting to the Manager, Culture, Language and Education, and working under the supervision of Michipicoten High School administrators, the AESW will provide one-on-one support to a specific Michipicoten First Nation student as well as assisting other MFN students.  The AESW will provide social, emotional, mental, and spiritual, support and guidance to the students. The focus is to help MFN students achieve personal, academic, social, and behavioural goals during the 2024/2025 academic year, and to facilitate the understanding of Anishinaabe culture, heritage, customs, and values.  Based out of Wawa, ON, this is a full-time temporary position until June 27, 2025.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate the understanding of Anishinaabe culture, heritage, and traditions to staff and students.
• Provide one-on-one support to a specific Michipicoten First Nation student
• Provide assistance to other Michipicoten First Nation students through coaching, explaining, and enhancing their learning experience.
• Encourage and assist Michipicoten First Nation students in obtaining learning resources, materials for class and home, and to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Monitor attendance, encourage regular participation in school, cultural events, and extracurricular activities.
• Provide mentoring and support to help strengthen students’ cultural and individual identities.
• Support students emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.
• Act as a liaison with counsellors, teachers, school staff and Michipicoten First Nation.
• Provide support to Michipicoten First Nation students in both group or individual settings and under the supervision of teaching staff or the principal, with the goal of achieving personal success.
• Assist in organizing, conducting, and supervising school activities such as field trips, social, and cultural events.
• Maintain the program education tools such as materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Report incidents to the teacher or principal.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Post-Secondary training in education, social work, psychology, Indigenous studies or a related discipline.
• Training in trauma-informed care, special education, or counselling asset
• Active involvement in cultural events and ceremonies
• One year experience in educational settings, such as schools or community programs
• One year experience supporting children with special needs asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A deep understanding of First Nation cultures, languages, and traditions is crucial
• Knowledge of inclusion and integration principals.
• Knowledge of support requirements for behaviour management, social and life skills programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with students, parents, teachers.
• Ability to advocate for students’ needs and provide emotional and academic support
• Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges faced by students

Other

• Able to provide a Satisfactory Criminal Records check including Vulnerable Sector Screen (if hired)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

LOCATION: Wawa, ON

TERM:  Temporary until June 27, 2025

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume as one document to hr@michipicoten.com with the position title in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled.

Michipicoten First Nation is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and serving the interests of their members. The successful candidate will be primarily engaged in serving the interests of Michipicoten members and preference will be given to citizens and Indigenous candidates who possess the necessary qualifications.