Cultural Immersion School Language Assistant

Okanagan Indian Band
Cultural Immersion School Language Assistant

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 nsyilxwcən Language Assistant will support the nsyilxwcən language and culture Teacher and Instructor with 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 the nsyilxwcən language teacher, the nsyilxwcən language instructor and other supportive teaching staff, practicing a team-teaching approach.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports with delivering language instruction to the school, whole class, and small groups
• Supports cultural delivery
• Provides support to develop resources, lessons, and units for L&C
• Contributes ideas for L&C field trips and supports with coordination and delivery
• Supports L&C integration into all aspects of learning in the school
• Ensures there are samples of the Okanagan Language throughout the school e.g. labeled pictures, furniture, etc.
• Supports implementation of the 5 Guiding Principles (respect, listen, do your best, be kind, and always be grateful)
• Practices respectful student/adult interactions
• Supports Teachers and Instructors with classroom management
• Assists with supervision as scheduled and requested
• Helps administer, track, and maintain student assessments
• Follows the direction of the nsyilxwcən Teacher/Instructor for daily set up
• Ensures the L&C workspaces are tidy at the end of each class and at the end of the workday

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Monitor, record and report student success according to Individual Education Plans
• Meets regularly with the L&C team and the designate staff person to support 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 all staff and team-based meetings.
• Communicates regularly with Language Teacher/Instructor to discuss and share pertinent information regarding the Language and Culture program.
• Collaborates with other OKIB Language and Culture programs as requested.

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

• Grade 12 diploma
• Certified Education Assistant considered an asset.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain.
• Completion of nsyilxwcən language courses, including but not limited to nsyilxwcən 1, captíkwł 1, nsyilxwcən Language Fluency courses, or an Immersion School Grade 7 graduate.

Experience

• Emerging-Intermediate fluency in the Okanagan language is desired, however active language learners who continue to increase their language fluency will be considered.
• 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
• Experience working with elementary aged school students and parents.
• Knowledge and experience with OKIB or Okanagan Nation programs and service
• Computer and technology skills an asset.

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$24.00 - $27.00 per hour dependant on education and experience

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

Email: [email protected]
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