Elementary School Principal

NUSDEH WHESULH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLOperated by ECHEN Healing Society324 Hoy Street North, Quesnel, British ColumbiaEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Elementary School PrincipalFull Time | Salary: $75,000 to $105,000 per year upon experience | Start Date: September 2026 About Our SchoolNusdeh Whesulh Elementary School is a new Indigenous led independent school in Quesnel, BC, operated by ECHEN Healing Society. Our school is guided by Binygunchagh Deyen, which means Going Home in a Good Way. This philosophy is rooted in connection to the land and in whole human development. Students learn the BC curriculum together with land based teaching, language, culture, and community, so that each child grows in identity, belonging, and wellness as well as in academics.Our school focuses on supporting vulnerable children. This includes children with higher needs, Indigenous children, children affected by violence in the home, children in care or transitioning from care, and families receiving parenting supports. Our classrooms are small, relational, and trauma informed, and students and families are supported by the programs of ECHEN Healing Society.The PositionWe are looking for an experienced and grounded leader to serve as Principal of Nusdeh Whesulh Elementary School. This is a full time position. The Principal will lead the school in its first years of operation, guide teaching and learning, oversee daily operations, and make sure the school stays true to Binygunchagh Deyen in everything it does. The Principal reports to the Executive Director of ECHEN Healing Society and works closely with staff, families, Elders, and community partners.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide instructional leadership grounded in the BC curriculum, inclusive education, and the Binygunchagh Deyen philosophy of the schoolLead, supervise, and support teachers, child development support workers, and school staffOversee daily school operations, scheduling, budgeting, and record keepingLead the development and review of inclusive education plans (IEPs) and make sure learners with higher support needs receive the support they are entitled toBuild a safe, predictable, trauma informed school culture where every child and family belongsChampion land based learning, Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture across the schoolBuild strong relationships with families and caregivers, including families receiving parenting supports, and connect them with wraparound servicesWork with Elders, knowledge keepers, community partners, and ECHEN Healing Society programsMeet BC Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements for independent schools, including reporting, inspections, and certificationUphold student safety, confidentiality, child protection, and duty to report obligationsQualifications and ExperienceBC Ministry of Education and Child Care teaching certification, or eligibility for certification to work in a BC independent schoolExperience in school leadership or administration, or readiness to step into a leadership role with strong mentorshipDemonstrated experience in inclusive education, including supporting children with higher needs and diverse learning profilesExperience working with vulnerable children and families, such as children affected by violence in the home or children in care and transitioning from careKnowledge of trauma informed practice and strengths based approachesUnderstanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, histories, and ways of knowing, and a commitment to Truth and ReconciliationStrong relational, communication, and team leadership skillsClear Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector)AssetsExperience leading or opening an independent, First Nations, or community based schoolA masters degree in education, educational leadership, or a related fieldExperience with BC independent school certification, inspections, and Ministry reportingExperience with land based or outdoor educationKnowledge of Dakelh or Tŝilhqot'in language and culture, or lived experience in Indigenous communitiesWhat We OfferSalary of $75,000 to $105,000 per year, based on qualifications and experienceFull time leadership position in a small school with a strong support teamThe chance to build and lead a new Indigenous led school from its first year[Benefits package details to be confirmed]How to ApplyPlease send a cover letter and resume, including two references, to [email protected] with the subject line “Principal Application.”Application deadline: Ongoing. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants under Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.