Fort William Historical Park (FWHP) is one of the largest living history attractions in North America. The park provides cultural, heritage, entertainment and educational experiences for residents and visitors to Northwestern Ontario. Staff in period clothing help tell the story of the peoples who lived and worked in the area in the year 1815. By utilizing story-telling techniques, demonstrating traditional skills, and sharing knowledge from the time-period guest are encouraged to step back into the past. The Programmer, Indigenous Culture will assist the Indigenous Heritage Program Coordinator in sharing the story of the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes Region by developing and presenting educational programming to schools, international visitors, and others.
In the spirit of reconciliation, FWHP is committed to building an inclusive, and diverse workforce representative of our community. We want to be an employer of choice and encourage Indigenous candidates to apply to ensure their voices are heard and their stories are told from their own perspectives. We work hard to be an inclusive, respectful, and culturally open and safe workplace for members of the Indigenous community. Traditional knowledge is an important part of the workplace and is reflected in the ongoing cultural learning opportunities available to our staff.
FWHP celebrates, respects and honours the culture, heritage, history, and past and present contributions of Indigenous Peoples. As one of Ontario's significant heritage and culture attractions, FWHP aims to represent Indigenous Peoples, their cultures and traditions at the highest standard. The Park is committed to continually improving our facilities and services to provide visitors with outstanding Indigenous cultural programming.
As Fort William' provides a 24/7 operation, you may be required to attend off-hour programs and work on holidays and weekends.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• Provide assistance in the research, development, training and implementation of Indigenous heritage programs and activities;
• Monitor and evaluate historical interpretations, dramas, tours, special events, education and outreach programs;
• Portray a role in traditional and historic-inspired clothing and participate in historical dramatizations, festivals and artisan demonstrations;
• Conduct research to ensure accuracy in the depiction of programs;
• Provide technical direction to students, and provide information to staff, stakeholders and community interest groups.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G Ontario driver's licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
• You have knowledge of or the desire to learn about storytelling, living history interpretation, drama and education methodologies and applications
• You have knowledge of Indigenous culture, history and perspective
• You have knowledge of or the desire to learn about natural history, period hunting, fishing and trapping techniques, as well as fabrication, construction, and esthetic techniques pertaining to relevant Indigenous material culture
• You have the desire to teach and share Indigenous perspectives and world views
• You have the desire to share advice on cultural program development, and participate in historical programming
Communication, Public Speaking and Interpersonal Skills:
• You can effectively share your knowledge and skills with others
• You have written or verbal skills necessary to share program content and convey key program information
• You have knowledge of or the desire to learn traditional harvesting practices such as birch bark, spruce root, sphagnum moss and more
Group Leadership and Teamwork Skills:
• You can provide guidance and mentorship to staff and volunteers, and respond to customer service related issues
• You can work effectively in a team environment
Analytical, Problem Solving and Research Skills:
• You can conduct research to ensure accuracy in the depiction of programs
• You can develop Indigenous cultural programs specific to audience needs
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: