Fort Edmonton Park

Is it important to you to share Indigenous histories and cultures in a meaningful way?  Are you passionate about the history of the land and people in what has become Edmonton and Western Canada?  Are you excited to learn and eager to share what you know with others? Do you love to create memory making experiences for guests from around the world?   If so, the Indigenous Peoples Interpreter role may be just the thing for you! 

Like a language interpreter, historical interpreters at Fort Edmonton Park help translate the unique and rich histories and cultures of this place to guests from all over the world. We are looking for individuals who want to share their Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and histories; come share what makes you proud about your Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) identity. 

Our living history museum strives to create an immersive and engaging environment. Help our team by interacting with guests in unique and engaging ways while dressed in period clothing. You'll bring history to life, enjoy a vibrant volunteer environment, and develop memories that will last a lifetime!

 

---

 

Want to learn more? Hear from staff and volunteers about their experience and what makes this position unique. Click Here

 

---

 

This volunteer position is a weekly commitment for approximately 5 months (May to September) with a minimum commitment of 60 hours (includes training). We welcome you to apply as a family unit or an individual.

For Families:  We know that getting kids involved in volunteering early is a great way to support their community relationships and skill development. We require children under the age of 13 to volunteer with a parent/guardian over the age of 18 to ensure the safety and success of our young volunteers, w. A maximum of three children under 13 may volunteer with one adult. Children may volunteer with an adult other than their parent, if consent is provided. 

Youth interested in volunteering without a parent/guardian, you will need to sign up for the Junior Indigenous Interpreter position rather than this posting. 

---

 As an Indigenous Peoples Historical Volunteer you will:

• Engage guests with Indigenous histories and cultures as it relates to Edmonton within one of our historical eras: the Indigenous Peoples Experience, 1846 Fort & Cree Encampment, 1885 Street & Métis Camp, 1905 Street, or 1920 Street
  
  

• Share stories with guests from a period of Edmonton's history using a variety of methods such as: role play, historical demonstrations, and engaging guests in one-on-one conversations
  
  

• Assist staff and volunteer colleagues with special events, to prepare large-scale interpretive programs such as historical vignettes, or group demonstrations
  
  

• Assist with the care of artifacts and program supplies
  
  

• Participate in media engagements, or public events, as interested
  
  

• Provide quality customer service to guests and positively represent Fort Edmonton Park
  
  

• Support Health and Safety procedures
   

If you have any of these assets, this opportunity could be for you:

• A passion or interest to learn more about your Indigenous culture, history and our City
  
  

• Strong connection to Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) communities, knowledge and understanding of cultures, artist practices, histories, and protocols
  
  

• Knowledge or skills of traditional crafts and activities with willingness to share/learn skills (i.e. beading, campfire cooking, finger-weaving, tipi set up, plant knowledge)
  
  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with staff and volunteers

• Experience working in a museum, cultural centre, or historic site is an asset
  
  

• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  
  

• Theatrical/dramatic/performance or public speaking experience
  
  

• Familiarity with or ability to speak Indigenous language(s), and/ or knowledge of Cree syllabics is an asset
  
  

• Previous experience volunteering or working at Fort Edmonton Park is an asset
  
  

We hope this message finds you all well!!! We know that many of you are making your plans for 2026, so we hope this message will help you to consider your plans as it relates to your valued Interpretive contributions here at Fort Edmonton Park. 

 

Our sincere hope in extending this email to you is to see you rejoin us for our 2026 season, while recognizing that with life comes change, so we don’t want to make assumptions about your ability to do so.

 

Please read this email carefully as it outlines key changes, important dates to note in your calendars, and the next steps we ask you to take. Confirmation of training dates and other plans will take place in the coming months. We continue to appreciate your patience and questions as we all adjust to new structures and processes related to the transition.

 

Key changes:

 

1. Leadership & Staff Adjustments: 

• Kira Vanzella accepted the permanent role of Public Interpretation Coordinator in late 2025, so she will continue in this role for 2026. Julie Dick has been welcomed back from parental leave as the Admissions Coordinator.

• The role of Director at Fort Edmonton Park has been awarded to Tannia Franke, who worked as Interim Director through the last half of 2025. More information about the revised Organizational Structure will be in the upcoming Volunteer Newsletter.

 

2. Name change: 

• CORE Programs has had a name change, and are now officially known as Heritage Experiences!!! Those interested can see the revised Organizational Chart and learn more about this change in the upcoming Volunteer Newsletter. 

 

3. Operational Hours: 

• May - August the Park will be open Wednesday - Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm

 

 

Important Dates (Training varies by volunteer role):

 

YOUR RESPONSE 💌: February 6^th

 

🪡COSTUMING TIMELINE: February 17^th - March 20^th

* If measurements are required and not submitted before your appointment, the fitting will be cancelled. Fittings not scheduled before March 20^th, then you will not be able to schedule a fitting until May 27^th.

MANDATORY TRAINING: 

 

Costumed Historical Volunteers Saturday, May 2^nd and/or May 9^th  Likely, but TBC

Respectful Workplace     Dates TBD    * Only require if you have not previously completed

Indigenous Awareness      Dates TBD   * Only require if you have not previously completed

 

OPTIONAL TRAINING: 

🛑 Safety Day    Date TBD

Additional May Training   ** Dates and details to follow once confirmed

STOP n’ CHAT of 2026:  Saturday, April 18^th from 1-3pm, Administration Boardroom 

SUMMER ☀️ SEASON Begins:  Saturday, May 16^th 

 

Take some time to consider these dates in order to reply to Judy with either your plans to return, pause, or pursue new opportunities. Please remember the time commitment is 60 hours total for the season (20 hours for training, 40 hours in costume in the era).

 

 

Next Steps:

 

If your plan is to volunteer again this summer, please take 2 minutes to call, or email Judy by no later than February 6^th, 2026. In your response, please include your answer to these questions:

1. Name(s) *Please list ALL returning family members:

2. First date of volunteering:   

3. Follow the directions in email sent on Feb.2 for submitting measurements & scheduling fittings.

   1. NOT ALL returning costumed volunteers require a fitting

   2. Measuring tapes will be available for pick up from Judy on weekends from 10 am - 3 pm during the month of fittings. Let Judy know if other arrangements are needed.

   3. Judy & Andrea do not schedule fittings, this must be done through the process outlined.

 

We are excited to see the enthusiasm and skills you share with Fort Edmonton Park again soon as we collectively strive to achieve the Park's vision to be the “best cultural tourism attraction in western Canada”.