Indigenous Cultural Liaison (Part-Time)

About Nora Hendrix Place (NHP) 

Nora Hendrix Place is a 52-unit temporary modular supportive housing facility located in the heart of Hogan’s Alley Block.  Purpose‑built to support Black and Indigenous individuals at risk of homelessness, the building offers safe, stable, and culturally attuned housing. Each unit is self‑contained and includes a private bathroom and kitchen, with at least 10% of units designed to be fully wheelchair accessible.

Since opening in 2019, Nora Hendrix Place has served as an important community resource within Hogan’s Alley. Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) operates the building and its programs as the culturally informed housing provider for the site. HAS is committed to delivering holistic, community‑centered supports that prioritize resident wellbeing, dignity, and connection.

As part of this work, HAS is expanding its staffing complement and strengthening on‑site services to better meet the needs of residents and the surrounding community. This approach aligns with the organization’s broader vision for Hogan’s Alley Block, building a values‑based model that uplifts racialized communities, restores cultural belonging, and advances economic, social, and political equity through community‑led city‑building.

Scope of Role 

The Indigenous Cultural Liaison will work closely with the Building Manager and Support Worker to provide culturally grounded, day-to-day support for residents. This role emphasizes relationship-building, cultural connection, and advocacy, using an approach rooted in Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and community ties. The Liaison will help create a welcoming environment by organizing regular community-building meetings, connecting residents with Indigenous-led resources, and promoting cultural resiliency through traditional teachings and practices.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Utilize a holistic approach grounded in traditional Indigenous practices to foster community, acknowledge individual strengths, and promote cultural resiliency among residents.
• Support residents in reconnecting with their Indigenous identities, cultures, and communities by offering teachings on Indigenous traditions, history, and urban Indigenous life.
• Provide crisis intervention, including overdose response, while demonstrating a strong knowledge of current street drugs and their effects.
• Assist in developing support plans in collaboration with the Support Worker, offering insights into residents' needs and progress.
• Facilitate group and individual sessions, offering life skills training rooted in cultural teachings.
• Connect residents with relevant community resources, services, and Indigenous-led organizations.
• Accompany residents on outings, appointments, and community activities as needed.
• Collaborate on designing and implementing resident-focused programs that reflect Indigenous cultural values and traditions.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience 

The ideal candidate for this role has the following qualifications and experience: 

Deep knowledge and lived experience of Indigenous cultural practices, with a focus on contemporary connections to local Indigenous communities.

• Strong ties to Indigenous communities and organizations, with experience working collaboratively to support Indigenous people in urban environments.
• Lived experience is invaluable, as is living in the community in which you work. HAS strives to hire staff who reflect the people we serve.
• Familiarity with mental health and health issues, particularly those affecting Indigenous populations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A solid understanding of anti-oppressive practices, harm reduction, and the social determinants of health impacting Indigenous peoples.
• An awareness and understanding of the effects of colonialism, the 60s Scoop, and ongoing systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people.
• Have a well-developed understanding of anti-Black racism, a commitment to anti-oppression work, and intersectionality. Knowledge of the legacies of so-called urban renewal, residential displacement, and the attempted erasure of the people of African Descent in Metro Vancouver from Vancouver’s historical narrative.
• A commitment to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment where residents feel empowered and supported.

Training/Education Required

• Current first aid, CPR, and overdose management training.
• Must complete an acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Search report.
• A current Crisis Prevention Institute certificate or Nonviolent crisis intervention training is an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid is an asset
• Harm reduction and Naloxone training.

Personal Attributes:

• Flexible - able to adapt to an ever-changing environment and open to taking on diverse tasks whenever needed.
• A quick thinker who can make decisions without agonizing and who knows when to reach out to others for guidance and support.
• Committed to working with people struggling with substance use and comfortable working in a harm reduction environment.
• Strong consultative and relationship building skills.
• Embraces the mission, vision, values, and philosophy of Hogan’s Alley Society
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and crisis situations.
• Put clients first and work to include them in all decisions that affect their lives.
• Well-developed understanding of and commitment to anti-oppression work and intersectionality.
• Committed to working with tenants who may be struggling with substance use, brain trauma and cognitive impairment, and/or mental illness.
• Understands and is comfortable working within a harm reduction environment and while you support tenants who choose abstinence, you understand abstinence is just one option for those struggling with substance use.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with programs that serve vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Understanding of trauma informed care and support.