Improving our healthcare experience together - where people are heard, care is connected, and whole health is possible for everyone.

The Indigenous Health Lead will work 18.75 hours a week with local First Nations and the broader local Indigenous community to build and improve culturally responsive pathways to care. This individual will demonstrate strong advocacy and social justice skills with a goal of improving the health care system experience and outcomes with and for Indigenous peoples. The role involves leadership, coordination, and support of Indigenous-led change in how services are designed and delivered to better serve and support Indigenous peoples. The work honors Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and strengths.

Qualities and Experience

There is no single path to this work. The ideal person brings lived experience, strong relationships, and a commitment to advancing health and wellness with Indigenous Peoples. We welcome candidates who have:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Indigenous health care
• Post-secondary education in a health discipline or equivalent health care experience
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations and local First Nation communities
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, governance, and health priorities
• Experience translating Indigenous health priorities into projects and initiatives; project management experience an asset
• Strong communication and meeting facilitation skills—especially across communities, cultures, and organizations
• Knowledge of social determinants of health in relation to Indigenous communities
• The ability to work independently while staying grounded in relationships and community priorities
• History of building and maintaining positive, trusting relationships and energized by collaboration
• Strong time-management and prioritization skills to work with competing demands
• Experience working with Indigenous health and First Nations leaders, knowledge keepers, and traditional medicine practitioners an asset
• Proficient in computer use: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Access to reliable transportation to regularly travel between locations, including local First Nations communities
• Formal education in health, social work, Indigenous studies or a related field is welcome but not required. Lived experience, community-based knowledge, and personal connection are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Work with local First Nation communities, Indigenous health leaders, and system partners to co-create solutions that improve access to high quality services, with a focus on primary care access for First Nations community members
• Collaborate with Indigenous partners, including Urban Indigenous organizations and First Nations partners, to ensure establishment of Indigenous-led Care Pathways and inclusion of Indigenous-specific resources in Care Pathways and Chronic Disease models
• Help create space for Indigenous voices at decision-making tables
• Offer insight and feedback to ensure policies, programs, service models, and system changes are respectful, inclusive, and responsive to Indigenous priorities
• Nurture and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and partners, including Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames
• Participate in community activities/ceremonies to build/strengthen relationships with community members and health service providers
• Provide or support learning opportunities for MLOHT Operations Team to grow understanding of Indigenous history, ways of knowing, experiences with the health system, and improvement priorities
• Support First Nations partner education, guidance, and support regarding health system transformation, inclusive of funding opportunities
• Partner with other Indigenous Health roles, such as in neighbouring OHTs, partner organizations, and Ontario Health
• Document and track planned, in progress, and completed priority work
• Perform other duties as discussed with and assigned by MLOHT Lead

Additional Information

This role requires primarily working in the local First Nations communities, as well as at the Thames Valley Family Health Team Support Office, and from home. A travel and purchase budget (e.g., for purchase of medicines) is available. Connection to an Indigenous Health Leader(s) will be established.

Hourly Rate: $41.00 - $50.00 (dependent on experience)

TO APPLY: Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and a detailed resume no later than October 7, 2025 at 4pm. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a criminal background check and medical screening.

To be eligible to apply you must have a Social Insurance Number and in some cases a valid work permit. While we thank all applicants, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Middlesex London Ontario Health Team is an Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to an inclusive, safe, accessible, diverse, and respectful environment for all that is free of discrimination and harassment. We encourage and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to a broad range of cultural, national, and ethnic origins, racial, religious, gender identities and expression, as well as people of all ages, marital/family status, and those with disabilities to apply. Please contact julie.goodchild@thamesvalleyfht.ca if you require assistance with an accommodation.