Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle Elder

Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization that supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives. An affiliate of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Wellspring Alberta provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, and resources so anyone living with cancer, and the people who care about them, can improve the quality of their lives. All programs and services are informed by evidence and at no cost to members and without referral in three physical centres and online. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone.

Wellspring Alberta’s work is made possible through the generous donations of individuals, corporations, foundations and grassroots fundraisers, and with the efforts of committed volunteers, dedicated staff and skilled contracted program leaders.

The Opportunity:  

We are honoured to have an Indigenous Elder present in our online provincial Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle, since the circle launched November 2020. Elders leading this circle have included: Gilman Cardinal, Casey Eagle Speaker, Ernie Poundmaker, and Elsie Paul.

This program was co-created with Cancer Care Alberta’s Indigenous cancer patient navigator Arrow Big Smoke and Danielle Petricone-Westwood, to address a gap identified for Indigenous Peoples living with cancer to find each other and connect with culture. Indigenous cancer patient navigators across the province refer to this program.

The Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle is a monthly online provincial gathering for Indigenous adults living with cancer and caregivers. The goal of this program is to create a safer space in which to welcome all Indigenous Peoples across the province to connect, share experiences, and build a caring and supportive community. With a vision to ensure no one has to face cancer alone, this circle of sharing is led by an Elder and co-led by a Wellspring program leader. We offer this program on the first monday of the month from 2-3:30pm via Zoom, which welcomes participants to join by phone, computer, tablet or smart phone.

Elders rotate/share months depending on how many Elders we have involved. This can be once every other month, every three or four months. When an Elder is not able to make it, the other Elders are asked to attend, as its critical to have an Elder present. Elders are supported by a Wellspring program leader and staff member who have community cancer support expertise. The Wellspring staff member is the sole point of contact to ensure that any barriers to access are addressed and to connect in between the program offerings as well as connect Indigenous members with additional programs and resources internally and externally. They also coordinate and support Elders with protocol, honorarium, technology, scheduling, reminders, etc., sending reminders with the link to members registered.

Wellspring strives to honour Elders that offer their knowledge and gifts to Wellspring members and offers protocol and honorarium to Elders. We also welcome conversations with each Elder around what is important for them.

To indicate interest:

Please connect with Niki Fehr, Program Director, at nikif@wellspringalberta.ca or by phone at 1.866.682.3135.

Inclusion Statement

Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in a process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences, to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we’ve become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. We understand we’re on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical.

We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, LGBTQ2S+ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity seeing groups.

We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply.

We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications.