Position Title: CULTURE & LANGUAGE TEACHER
Reports to: Manager, Early Years
Job Overview
Reporting to the Manager, Early Years, the Culture & Language Teacher is responsible for teaching and promoting the x̄áʼislak̓ala language and the Haisla culture and traditions, ensuring they are passed on to future generations, fostering a strong sense of identity and community. This includes supporting both early years programs and adult learners with comprehensive language classes and cultural teachings; assisting with the development of language-learning materials; actively promoting cultural and language learning within the community; and collaborating with community members, parents and families, Elders, and other departments.
Organizational Status
The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in Kitamaat Village. We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Early Years program staff to introduce x̄áʼislak̓ala language learning and cultural practices, such as crafts, dances, songs, and ceremonies, into daily activities.
- Engage with families to encourage the use of the language at home, offering resources and support.
- In collaboration with the Culture & Language Department, conduct language classes for Community and Haisla Nation staff members, providing accessible and engaging language learning options, including workshops, classes, and one-on-one tutoring.
- Integrate cultural teachings, traditional knowledge, and community history into language lessons.
- Support the development of culturally relevant and age-appropriate educational materials and assist in obtaining the necessary supplies and equipment for language and cultural teachings.
- Provide mentorship and support community members who are learning the x̄áʼislak̓ala
- Participate in and assist with community events that celebrate and promote the Haisla culture and language.
- Maintain accurate records of learner progress and attendance.
- Advocate for the importance of cultural and language learning within the community through outreach and engagement activities.
- Serve as a resource for the community, sharing cultural knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of the community’s heritage.
- Assess own and team members’ work to ensure completeness, quality, and accuracy.
- Liaise with community members, families, Elders, and other departments to ensure Haisla Culture and Language programming thrives all throughout the traditional territory.
- Attend Culture and Language-related meetings.
- Other relevant duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology or a related field.
- 1 to 3 years of experience working as a teacher, instructor or facilitator with Indigenous communities; experience working with the Haisla community is an asset.
- Proficiency in the x̄áʼislak̓ala language, with advanced fluency preferred.
- Experience working with curriculum and lessons plans is an asset.
- Knowledge of Indigenous history with formalized education systems, residential school and on-going inter-generational effects specific to education and social programming and familiarity with Haisla and Henaksiala history, culture, goals and aspirations.
- Ability to work in a politically sensitive environment.
- Ability to lead by example and be inviting of the community to support the important work of language and culture revitalization.
- Comfortable working both alone and in a team environment.
- Strong proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with an attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to work collaboratively with and influence a diverse group of individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a knowledgeable and trusted resource to visitors, public, and community members.
- Valid BC driver’s license and own vehicle is an asset.
- Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).
Why Join Us?
We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Pension matching up to 5.5%
- 10 days of standard vacation
- 5 days of paid self-care days
- 10 days of paid sick leave
- 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
- 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Cultural leave and wellness initiatives
Salary Range: $30.35/hr - $37.49/hr
Position Type: Full-time
Number of Openings: 1
Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Required
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Proficiency in the x̄áʼislak̓ala language, advanced fluency preferred
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Experience developing or delivering lesson plans or learning materials.
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1 - 3 years: Teaching, instructing, or facilitation experience ideally in a classroom, early years, community teaching, tutoring, or workshop setting with Indigenous learners or within Indigenous communities.
Required
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Bachelor's degree or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
Preferred
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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
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Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Preferred
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Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
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Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
