The Senior Indigenous Patient Advocate supports Indigenous patients, clients, and families in navigating the health and social services system by addressing concerns, complaints, and questions while promoting culturally safe, respectful, and equitable care. Based in Fort Smith, this position serves as a key liaison between Indigenous clients and healthcare providers, helping to bridge cultural and language barriers and ensuring access to cultural, spiritual, and emotional supports. Working within the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), the Advocate plays a leadership role in advancing cultural safety, anti-racism, and Indigenous client experience initiatives across the health system. The position provides guidance and recommendations to healthcare leaders and staff on Indigenous patient concerns, quality and safety issues, and systemic barriers affecting care delivery. The Senior Indigenous Patient Advocate collaborates with regional and territorial partners to identify opportunities for organizational improvement, contribute to policy and program development, and support the implementation of innovative approaches that enhance Indigenous patient experiences. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, cultural awareness, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Provides direct support and solutions for Indigenous patients and clients, and their families, when accessing services in the NWT¿s acute care units. Works directly with Chief Operating Officers and/or Chief Executive Officers (COOs/CEOs) to ensure patient/client and family concerns and complaints are addressed appropriately. Serves as regional lead in the design and implementation of the territorial pilot project to establish the Office of Indigenous Client Experience and participates in its ongoing operation. Participates in and informs the development or amendment of policies, procedures, and improvement initiatives at the Regional and Territorial Level. Promotes and oversees the understanding and continuous learning of DHSS and NTHSSA staff about Indigenous client experiences and underlying issues contributing to those experiences ¿ including culturally safe and anti-racist practice, anti-Indigenous racism, and health equity. Ensures access to culturally appropriate and welcoming facilities and services, and access to Indigenous cultural, language, and wellness supports and services.

Key Requirements:

Ten (10) years of experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities in a service- oriented role. Job candidate must have lived experience interacting with the health and social services system in the NWT.