POSITION TITLE: Executive Director

DEPARTMENT: Cmelám'cten ("Medicine Home" or Medicine House")

SUB DEPARTMENT: Le Estcwicwéý' (The Missing)

SUPERVISOR: Cmelám'cten Board of Directors

TERMS: Full time- Permanent

REFERENCE #: 2026-122

Purpose of Position:

The Executive Director (ED) of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Cmelám'cten provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for a new Cmelám'cten under Cmelám'cten Board of Directors. This Cmelám'cten - a "House of Healing" for those impacted by the former Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) and other Indigenous community members affected, will be a safe space offering trauma-informed, culturally safe, and holistic wellness services. The ED upholds the vision of the Le Estcwicwéý' (The Missing) initiative by ensuring programs support survivors, intergenerational family members, and others on their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical healing.

Grounded in Secwépemc culture, traditions, and values, the ED integrates land-based healing practices and Secwépemc teachings into all aspects of the Cmelám'cten. Reporting to the Cmelám'cten Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for governance, program integrity, financial management, community engagement, and human resources at the Cmelám'cten. This role requires a culturally grounded leader who can foster a culturally welcoming environment, align services with the TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP, DRIPA and build a strong foundation for wellness for present and future generations

Duties and Responsibilities:

Governance & Leadership

• Work collaboratively with TteS leadership, Cmelám'cten Board of Directors, and 13 Grassroots Advisory Council to develop and implement the Cmelám'cten strategic plan, ensuring alignment with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc vision and community priorities. Provide regular reports on operations, outcomes, and strategic initiatives to Chief and Council (Kúkwpi7 and Tkwenem7íplem), Board of Directors, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
• Develop and enforce organizational policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with TteS governance and laws and relevant federal and provincial statues.
• Ensure all activities comply with the TteS Financial Administration Law (FAL) and relevant regulations. Uphold commitments to the Shuswap Nation Declaration, TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and DRIPA, embedding these frameworks into the Cmelám'cten operations and plans.
• Model and enforce Secwépemc protocols and values in all governance matters. Ensure that cultural protocols (e.g. opening meetings with prayer or ceremony) are respected, and that guests, Survivors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers are treated with honour and respect (the Secwépemc principle of xyemstwe'cw- honouring one another).
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in line with both TteS policies and Secwépemc natural laws.
• Liaise with Cmelám'cten Board of Directors, and funding partners to communicate progress, challenges, and success stories. Prepare briefing notes, proposals, and reports as required, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• The ED is the primary point of contact for the Cmelám'cten in interactions with TteS administration and will represent the organization in governance forums or inter-agency meetings.

Program & Cultural Integrity

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all Cmelám'cten programs and services, ensuring they are high-quality, holistic (addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing) and culturally grounded.
• Programs must emphasize Secwépemc traditional healing methods, land-based wellness practices, and language use, while respecting other Nation's beliefs, protocols, and culture alongside evidence-based therapeutic approaches for trauma and substance use.
• Ensure that all services are delivered in a trauma-informed manner that acknowledges residential school trauma, intergenerational impacts, and colonization.
• Integrate Secwépemc cultural safety protocols into program delivery - by incorporating smudging, sweat lodge (sqílye) ceremonies, prayer, traditional foods, and Elder/Knowledge Keeper guidance into healing plans.
• The ED fosters an environment where Secwépemc cultural values and teachings are shared through a land-based, trauma-informed lens and all clients feel safe, respected, and understood.
• Lead ongoing program development to respond to community needs, including specialized initiatives for KIRS survivors (day scholars, intergenerational survivors), family healing programs, youth and Elder engagement, and support within a cultural context.
• Work with health and wellness practitioners, contracted Knowledge Keepers, and the community to create a program that blends Western therapeutic practices with Secwépemc healing knowledge.
• Establish metrics and feedback mechanisms (e.g. community consultations, client feedback circles) to evaluate program effectiveness and ensure continual improvement and give report to the Cmelám'cten Board of Directors.
• Ensure that services meet or exceed professional standards and obligations. Where applicable, maintain accreditation or licensing standards for healing and wellness facilities, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Uphold best practices in confidential record-keeping, case management, and client care, while also respecting Secwépemc privacy customs and data protocols (e.g., Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP training).
• Protect and promote the cultural integrity of the Cmelám'cten. This includes engaging with the 13 Grassroots Advisory Council, council of Elders or cultural advisors to guide programming, scheduling regular ceremonies and seasonal events, and educating staff and visitors on Secwépemc history and protocols.
• The ED ensures that Secwépemc language (Secwepemctsín) and cultural concepts are visible and celebrated in the Cmelám'cten (e.g., program names, signage, daily greetings) as part of the healing process.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and oversee the Cmelám'cten annual operating budget and any project-specific budgets.
• Ensure financial sustainability through prudent planning, aligning expenditures with strategic goals and funding conditions.
• Monitor budget performance and make adjustments as necessary, providing regular financial reports to TteS Finance and the Cmelám'cten Board of Directors.
• Secure and diversify funding to support programs and long-term operations.
• Lead grant writing and proposals to governmental and funders; manage contribution agreements (including federal and provincial funding).
• Explore revenue-generating initiatives or partnerships consistent with the Cmelám'cten mission.
• Ensure all funds are used strictly for their approved purposes and in full compliance with the TteS Financial Administration Law, policies, and funding agreements.
• Implement strong financial controls and risk management practices.
• Working in conjunction with the Finance Officer, oversee bookkeeping, payroll, annual financial statements, audited financial statements, and procurement in line with TteS policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Approve expenditures and contracts within delegated authority and ensure appropriate authorization for larger capital or operating expenses.
• The ED will also prepare for and facilitate any audits or financial reviews, addressing any findings with corrective action.
• Provide clear financial reports to the governing authority (Board of Directors) and funding agencies. This includes monthly/quarterly budget variance reports, annual financial statements, and reports required under funding agreements or law.
• Maintain transparency with the community by contributing to annual reports and community meetings on how funds are used to advance healing outcomes.

Community Engagement

• Act as the primary ambassador of the Cmelám'cten within Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and the Four (4) Nations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Elders, survivors, families, and community members, ensuring their voices guide the Cmelám'cten services.
• Host regular community engagement sessions, healing circles, and open houses to foster trust, gather input, and promote the Cmelám'cten services.
• Collaborate with external partners such as the First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, and four (4) Nations communities, and Indigenous organizations to coordinate services and enhance client support.
• Develop Accords or referral protocols as needed to ensure wrap-around care (e.g. mental health professionals, treatment centers, cultural camps).
• Advocate for the needs of TteS and other Indigenous survivors in regional and national forums, aligning with initiatives that address trauma, addictions, cultural healing, language, culture, heritage, and well-being.
• Promote the Cmelám'cten mission and values publicly, in line with TteS protocols.
• Represent the Cmelám'cten in conferences, and community events, exemplifying the importance of Indigenous-led healing and reconciliation.
• Advocate for resources and policies that support trauma healing and Indigenous wellness (for example, supporting TRC Call to Action #21 on funding healing centers and Call #22 on recognizing traditional healing practices).
• Uphold Secwépemc protocols in all community engagement activities. This means welcoming and hosting visitors in a respectful way, observing traditional welcoming ceremonies, acknowledging territory, and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all, in accordance with Secwépemc laws of hospitality and respect.
• The ED will intervene to correct or educate, should any individual or partner not follow community protocols, to protect the cultural safety of Cmelám'cten events.
• Provide regular updates to the TteS community and the Four (4) Nations on the Cmelám'cten progress (through newsletters, community meetings, social media in coordination with TteS Communications and Four (4) Nations).
• Celebrate successes and acknowledge contributions of participants, staff, and Knowledge Keepers.
• Be responsive to community concerns or feedback, demonstrating accountability and a commitment to knucwéntwecw (helping one another) in the journey of healing.

Human Resources

• Recruit, lead, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of staff, including counselors/therapists, Knowledge Keepers, cultural support workers, wellness coordinators, support staff, and volunteers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace where staff are encouraged to practice cultural protocols and pursue their own wellness.
• Provide mentorship and coaching that emphasizes respect, patience, and the healing-centric leadership style expected in an Indigenous wellness setting.
• Develop HR strategies and staffing plans to meet program needs, prioritizing the hiring of qualified Indigenous [especially from the Four (4) Nations] candidates and those with strong cultural knowledge.
• Ensure all staff and contractors are properly screened and qualified, including adhering to vulnerable sector checks, non-disclosure agreements and other TteS hiring protocols.
• Incorporate Elder involvement in hiring panels or staff orientation to emphasize the importance of Secwépemc values from the start with Knowledge Keepers and Four (4) Nations to set criteria.
• Identify and facilitate ongoing training for staff in areas such as trauma-informed care, cultural safety, Secwépemc language basics, and relevant clinical or traditional wellness skills.
• Support staff to attend workshops or cultural events (e.g. language classes, traditional gatherings) to further their understanding of Secwépemc culture and healing practices.
• Ensure ED and staff are trained in crisis response and ethical guidelines, maintaining any certifications required (first aid, etc.) and are to maintain accreditation and licenses.
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular performance evaluations for all team members. Address performance or conduct issues in a manner that is fair, restorative, and guided by both HR policy and cultural values.
• Promote staff wellness and debriefing sessions to prevent burnout by encouraging use of healing supports and balanced workloads.
• The ED should model self-care and humility, acknowledging that working in healing from trauma can be challenging and that healing starts with each of us (as a Secwépemc teaching).
• Develop and enforce internal HR policies in line with TteS standards (e.g., respecting TteS Personnel Policy, Workplace Safety, etc.).
• Ensure a harassment-free, discrimination-free work environment.
• Uphold confidentiality and client privacy across the team.

Manage scheduling to ensure adequate coverage for 24/7 operations [if the Cmelám'cten includes residential programming or on-call support (Phased in approach)] and culturally appropriate leave (e.g., bereavement, ceremonial leave) for staff, with debriefing sessions.

Financial Responsibility:

In collaboration with the Le Estcwicwéý Manager(s), TteS Finance, project budgets professional administrative and clerical support, including responsible stewardship, risk and liability monitoring, in accordance with the approved practices, policies, budgets, standards and guidelines, TteS Financial Administration Law and within the Delegation of Authority (May 10, 2021).

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