Okanagan Indian Band Language & Culture Manager

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**: 37.5 hours per week**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: October 3, 2025**

JOB SUMMARY
The Language and Culture Manager will advance organizational goals related to language revitalization, cultural preservation, and the implementation of the Language and Culture Strategy Plan. This role involves developing and implementing programs, managing daily operations, and overseeing all Language and Culture staff.

The Manager will lead the development of cultural and language initiatives for members of all age groups and employees, fostering intergenerational learning and community engagement. Key responsibilities include program development, proposal writing, reporting, budget management, and providing support to participating fluent speakers and knowledge holders. Additionally, the Manager will supervise Language and Culture programming staff to ensure the successful delivery of programs that uphold organizational objectives.

REPORTING STRUCUTRE
Reports to the Director of Education, Language & Culture

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build a consultation framework to engage Council, Elders, Youth and membership in the development of language and cultural programs (i.e. traditional foods, arts, history, skills and practices, etc.)

• Implement the new Language and Culture Strategy to support increased language acquisition and enhancement. Oversee existing, and new, language and culture programming and initiatives across the OKIB community (Language Nest program, adult and youth language programs, language administrators, and community-driven initiatives, etc.)

• Liaises with external groups to coordinate cultural awareness activities or experiences (flag raising ceremonies, information sessions, requests for speakers or artists, school district requests, etc.)

• Works across all OKIB departments to integrate language and culture into day-to-day operations

• Collaborates with other Okanagan Nation bands on cultural initiatives that impact language and culture acquisition and enhancement

• Plays a lead role in the planning of kn sqilxw day and other OKIB cultural events, including the Okanagan Nation AGM.

• Is a positive role model for practicing language and culture

• Transport fluent speakers/ knowledge holders to language meetings and cultural events, when necessary

• Perform other related duties as required including

• All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.

ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES

• Attend staff meetings and professional development day training

• Supervise staff and delegate responsibilities

• Ensures adherence to the OKIB policies and procedures, escalating areas of concern

• Oversee and monitor the language and culture program proposals, report writing, budget, financials and contribution agreements

• Approve purchases within the established spending limits

• Ensure funding requirements are met

• Report to funders

• Develop monthly and yearly statistics on the number of participants in language and culture programs

• Identify and complete grant/funding application to build on the Language & Culture team. Liaises with interdepartmental departments for language and culture programming

• Abide by the Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual of Okanagan Indian Band

• Communicate to the Director any pertinent information regarding programs and funding

• Participate in community events as requested

• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies and procedures

• Performs other duties as required

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

• Bachelors Degree preferred

• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain

• 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

• Class 4 driving license or willing to obtain

• Preference for individuals with proficiency in Okanagan Language

Experience

• Strong knowledge in language and culture revitalization efforts

• Experience with developing or participating in strategy development

• Experience supervising staff

• Budget management experience

• Experience developing and coordinating programs

• Proposal and report writing experience

• Deep knowledge and experience in Okanagan language and culture

• Experience working with First Nations communities

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

• Committed language learning

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and with changing priorities

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy

• Ability to exercise tact, discretion and diplomacy

• Honest, trustworthy and respectful

• Strong computer skills, specifically MS Suite

• Ability to work within a team and individually

• This job involves working flexible hours including weekends and evenings

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

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years