Wigwamen Incorporated is seeking a conscientious, compassionate, and highly organized individual to join our team as an Indigenous Ancestry Research & Outreach Worker.
This unique position supports Indigenous applicants who are unable to fully document their Indigenous ancestry by conducting interviews, family history research, community outreach, and liaison activities with Indigenous organizations, communities, and family contacts. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping applicants overcome documentation barriers through careful research, respectful engagement, and effective relationship-building.
Why This Role Matters
Many Indigenous people face challenges documenting their ancestry due to the lasting impacts of colonization, Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, child welfare interventions, displacement, and family separation. As a result, some individuals encounter barriers when attempting to access Indigenous housing opportunities and other programs that require Indigenous ancestry documentation.
This role helps applicants navigate those challenges through respectful engagement, research, community outreach, and collaboration with Indigenous organizations and family networks. The work can be complex and often requires patience, persistence, and compassion, but it provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping individuals and families obtain the documentation needed to establish Indigenous ancestry and access opportunities available to them.
Key Responsibilities
Applicant Support & Research
- Interview applicants with incomplete Indigenous ancestry documentation and gather information relevant to the research process
- Contact family members, community contacts, and organizations identified by applicants
- Conduct family history and ancestry research using genealogical tools, historical records, and community resources
- Document all research activities, findings, and correspondence in a secure electronic system
- Maintain timely communication with applicants and provide updates regarding research progress
- Maintain timely correspondence and provide updates to waitlist managers and other internal stakeholders
Community Outreach & Partnerships
- Develop and maintain relationships with Indigenous agencies, communities, and service providers within and outside Toronto
- Create and maintain a comprehensive contact database of Indigenous organizations and community resources
- Conduct outreach activities in community settings and public locations to connect with individuals who may benefit from ancestry research and housing-related supports
- Maintain positive working relationships with community partners and stakeholders
Program Administration
- Maintain accurate case files, case notes, applications, forms, and supporting documentation
- Complete activity reports, Board reports, and other program reporting requirements within established timelines
- Stay informed regarding government-recognized identification requirements, relevant legislation, policies, and community resources that affect Indigenous applicants
- Contribute to continuous improvement of program practices and research processes
- Perform other related duties as required
Required Qualifications
- Knowledge of historical and contemporary issues affecting Indigenous communities, including the impacts of Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the child welfare system
- Experience working with and/or living alongside urban Indigenous people
- Post-secondary education in community and social services or a related field
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interview applicants, explain complex information, build relationships with community partners, and de-escalate emotionally charged situations
- Strong research skills, including planning, analysis, documentation, record-keeping, and presentation of findings
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use genealogical and family research databases
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and meet deadlines
- Ability to build rapport with applicants while maintaining professional boundaries
- Ability to travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area
- Ability to work in a variety of public settings and weather conditions while delivering outreach services and supports
- Commitment to ongoing learning regarding Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues
Assets
- Experience conducting Indigenous community research and/or genealogical or family history research
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenges
Compensation & Benefits
This is a part-time contract position, working 21 hours per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at a rate of $32.22 per hour. A comprehensive benefits package is available following three months of employment.
There is potential for the contract to be renewed based on program needs and funding availability.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Wigwamen Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise us in advance if you require accommodation.
Pay: $32.22 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
