Okanagan Indian Band Cultural Immersion School Language Instructor (2)

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits

• Employer Matched Pension Plan

• 15 Statutory Holidays

• Paid Winter Holiday Break

• Cultural Leave

• Discounted Silver Star lift passes

• Retention Bonuses after years of service

• 15 Paid Sick Days

• Paid Personal Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: Up to 37.5 hours per week**
Deadline for applications**: August 1, 2025**

JOB SUMMARY
The Language Instructor is responsible for teaching students the nsyilxwcən language and introducing cultural activities that strengthen children’s sense of identity, culture, and history. Additionally, the position aims to foster a learning environment among students and teaching staff based on sqilxw values, culture, and traditions. The position works closely with L&C team, inclusive of the Language Teacher, assistants, learners and other Cultural Immersion school teachers and support staff, practicing a team-teaching approach.

Preference may be given to those having knowledge of the Okanagan culture and traditions or those who are qualified teachers along with knowledge of Okanagan culture and traditions.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides language instruction for the school, including whole class and small groups, using a variety of strategies.

• Shares cultural knowledge and provides a variety of cultural experiences and activities for the school, whole class, and small group.

• Follows a yearly overview inclusive of Land Based Learning

• Develops appropriate Language and Culture units and daily lesson plans in consultation with a designated Classroom Teacher or Language Teacher

• Develops teaching resources in collaboration with L&C team and other school staff.

• Coordinates field trips to support L&C learning in consultation with Vice Principal

• Identifies opportunities to integrate language and culture into all aspects of learning, including school curriculum (e.g. math, science, reading, and writing etc.)

• Ensures there are examples of the Okanagan language throughout the school e.g. labeled pictures, labeled classroom articles, etc.

• Assists in managing classroom expectations.

• Assists and encourages all school staff in learning Okanagan language and cultural skills.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Prepares student assessments in language and cultural learning.

• Maintains records related to student progress.

• Evaluates student learning.

• Provides data (observations, checklists, etc.) to Classroom Teacher for reporting purposes.

• Reviews CT report and provides feedback.

• Sets expectations and provide reminders for student behaviour using our 5 Guiding Principles (respect, listen, do your best, be kind, and always be grateful)

• Practices respectful student/adult interactions

• Communicates and collaborates with Classroom Teachers to address classroom management.

• Assists with supervision as scheduled and requested.

• Maintains confidentiality of all matters relating to the students/families enrolled at our school.

• Coordinates and sets up the L&C workspace each day.

• Maintains and safe and clean workspace each day.

• Meets regularly with the L&C planning team for Language Planning, including weekly, monthly, and yearly planning, as well as unit and lesson plans.

• Participates in yearly planning of school events, identifying opportunities for cultural activities, events, and field trips.

• Attends relevant professional development opportunities to increase knowledge with First Nations education, language instruction, and best practices for student learning and addressing challenging student behaviours.

• Supports school staff to increase their language learning.

• Attends staff and team-based meetings.

• Communicates regularly with the Vice Principal to discuss and share pertinent information with the Language and Culture program.

• Meet with parents at their request or during conferences.

• Collaborates with other OKIB Language and Culture programs.

• Supports the ongoing development and management of the school’s language and cultural curriculum.

• Communicates to the Vice Principal any pertinent information regarding the Language and Culture Program

• Contributes to the development of an annual language learning plan and curriculum in collaboration with other staff and language instructor assistant

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Post Secondary Certificate or Diploma in nsyilxwcən Language Fluency
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered including, but not limited to completion of nsyilxcən 3, captikwɬ 3 or equivalent training.
• Post-Secondary Certificate or Diploma in a related discipline, preferred.
• Current First Aid/CPR, or willing to obtain.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, please identify in cover letter and/or resume.

Experience

• Intermediate or better fluency in the Okanagan language (oral and written) is desired,

• Experience working with elementary aged school students and parents.

• Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols

• Familiar with a variety of language immersion delivery strategies and methods such as TPR, TPR-Story Telling, Where Are Your Keys

• Knowledge and experience with OKIB or Okanagan Nation programs and service

• Computer and technology skills are an asset.

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$22.00 - $31.00 per hour dependant on education and experience

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years

Experience : 1 year to less than 2 years