Position Title: CULTURE RESEARCHER AND INSTRUCTOR

Reports to: Culture & Language Manager

Job Overview

The Culture Researcher and Instructor supports the revitalization, documentation, and teaching of x̄á’isla culture and language. This role involves working closely with Elders, fluent speakers, and community members to gather traditional knowledge, facilitate cultural education, and support the digitization and preservation of cultural materials. The successful candidate will contribute to curriculum development, digital archiving, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that honor and strengthen the community’s cultural heritage.

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

Cultural Knowledge Gathering:

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with fluent speakers and knowledge keepers.
• Conduct oral interviews and research in local and external archives.
• Collect, review, and document cultural and historical materials.
• Participate in community classes and language sessions.

Knowledge Sharing and Instruction:

• Facilitate and assist with cultural classes and workshops.
• Support the delivery of cultural awareness training.
• Contribute to land-based learning curriculum and lesson development.
• Create x̄á’isla-specific teaching materials for diverse audiences.

Digitization and Technical Support:

• Gather and prepare materials for digitization (documents, photos, recordings).
• Operate and maintain scanning, audio, and video equipment.
• Catalogue and organize physical and digital archival materials.
• Assist in building and maintaining an online archival platform.

Administrative and Policy Support:

• Support development of archival protocols and policies.
• Help collect and document new contributions to the archives.
• Assist with research and the creation of teaching tools and educational resources.

Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies, Archival Studies, Education, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and lived/community experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Elders, fluent speakers, and cultural knowledge holders.
• Experience with cultural facilitation, community education, or curriculum development.
• Familiarity with archival practices, digitization tools, and cataloguing systems.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially with Elders
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a community-based setting.
• A deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, a commitment to cultural preservation and revitalization, and sensitivity to community dynamics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software
• Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization 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
• RRSP 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 - $37.41/hr

Position Type: Full-time

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: Will remain open until the positions are filled.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Experience

Required

• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Elders, fluent speakers, and cultural knowledge holders.
• Experience with cultural facilitation, community education, or curriculum development.

Education

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or better in Anthropology or related field

Behaviors

Preferred

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization