SSDIC - Project Coordinator

Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities

Job Title: Project Coordinator               

Job Summary:

The Project Coordinator will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of a series of seasonal 10-week powwow dancing and regalia-making programs aimed at men, women, and youth aged 14 and older. The first cycle of this program will be pilot tested with a smaller group to allow facilitators to refine processes and optimize delivery. The coordinator will collaborate with traditional dance instructors, regalia makers, knowledge keepers, and traditional medicine practitioners to ensure culturally appropriate delivery and support. The coordinator will also be responsible for collecting and analyzing participant feedback to evaluate the program’s impact on social development, health, and well-being, and use this data to guide future programming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Coordination:
  Plan, implement, and manage 10-week powwow dancing and regalia-making programs, including weekly evening sessions that feature 30 minutes of dance instruction followed by 60-90 minutes of regalia-making practice.
  Pilot the initial cycle with a smaller group to test and refine the process.
  Coordinate with traditional dance instructors and regalia makers to develop the program’s structure and flow, ensuring cultural integrity.
  Work with traditional medicine practitioners to incorporate ceremonial elements, such as smudge ceremonies at the beginning of each session.
• Relationship Building:
  Build strong relationships with traditional dance instructors, regalia makers, and knowledge keepers to support the program’s development and delivery.
  Engage knowledge keepers to provide teachings on powwow dances, regalia, and cultural traditions, as well as offer general guidance and encouragement to participants.
• Participant Engagement and Support:
  Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters community-building, participant engagement, and cultural connection.
  Guide participants through their individual journeys with powwow dancing and regalia making, offering support and encouragement.
• Evaluation and Feedback:
  Develop and administer participant evaluation questionnaires after each session to gather feedback on their experiences, satisfaction, and well-being progress.
  Collect post-session evaluations to assess participant satisfaction, gather basic demographic information, identify areas for improvement, and solicit ideas for future programming.
  Track participant attendance and engagement to assess commitment, community-building, and attrition rates.
• Community Showcase:
  Organize and coordinate a cultural celebration and powwow dance performance at the end of each program cycle, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their learning and achievements.
   

Expected Outcomes:

Success of the program will be measured by:

• Strong Participant Registration: Demonstrating community interest and need for the program.
• High Attendance and Low Attrition: Regular participant attendance with minimal drop-off, reflecting strong engagement and commitment.
• Community Building: Participants create lasting connections and friendships, fostering a sense of community within the group.
• Improved Well-being: Participants report improvements in physical, social, and cultural well-being.
• Reduction of Harmful Behaviors: Participants share if and how they are reducing harmful behaviors or adopting positive lifestyle changes.
• Cultural Understanding and Integration: Participants demonstrate deeper cultural understanding and integration of powwow dances and regalia-making practices into their lives.
• Feedback for Future Programs: Participants provide suggestions for additional topics and future programming.
   

Performance Measurement Plan:

1. Post-Session Evaluation Surveys:
o Timing: After each weekly session.
o Purpose: Gather feedback on participant satisfaction, collect basic demographic information, and solicit ideas for improvement or future programming.
o Metrics: Participant satisfaction with content and format, suggestions for additional offerings, and feedback on topics of interest for future sessions.

2. Pre- and Post-Program Self-Assessments:
o Timing: Conducted at the start and end of the 10-week program.
o Purpose: Measure changes in participant well-being, social connections, and cultural engagement.
o Metrics: Social connectedness, confidence in traditional practices, physical and emotional well-being.

3. Facilitator Observations:
o Timing: Weekly observations by facilitators.
o Purpose: Track participant engagement, interactions, and skill development.
o Metrics: Attendance, participation, group dynamics, and cultural integration.

4. Focus Groups and Interviews:
o Timing: Conducted at the end of each program cycle.
o Purpose: Gather in-depth qualitative feedback on participants' experiences, cultural engagement, and well-being improvements.
o Metrics: Personal stories of social growth, lifestyle changes, and cultural shifts.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting:
o Timing: Ongoing data collection, with final analysis after each program cycle.
o Purpose: Analyze participant feedback, self-assessments, and facilitator observations to measure progress toward program goals.
o Metrics: Percentage of participants reporting improved social connections, positive shifts in health and well-being, and engagement in cultural practices.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating community or cultural programs, preferably within Indigenous communities.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices, especially powwow dancing and regalia-making.
• Experience working with traditional knowledge keepers, dancers, and regalia makers.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience conducting program evaluations and gathering participant feedback.
• Familiarity with traditional medicines and Indigenous ceremonial practices is an asset.

Work Conditions:

• Evening availability required for weekly sessions.
• Ability to travel to local community locations.
• Opportunity to work closely with cultural leaders, knowledge keepers, and community members.

Application Process: Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your experience in community or cultural program coordination, particularly related to Indigenous practices, and how you would contribute to the success of this program. Include references to any prior work with cultural teachings or traditional practices.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Saskatchewan Human Rights Exemption File No. “EX11-01”  You can voluntarily self-declare by stating it on your cover letter or resume, to indicate that you are a member of one or more employment equity designated groups.