Cree Community Language Planner

The East Central First Nations Education Authority (ECFNEA); Nipawin; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

East Central First Nations Education Authority Incorporated is seeking a Cree Language Community Planner for a full‑time contract in the James Smith Cree Nation area. The role focuses on designing language revitalization strategies, coordinating Cree language programs, and engaging Elders and community members in visioning sessions and workshops.

The successful candidate will collaborate with fluency speakers and cultural mentors, develop learning resources, and manage budgets and monthly

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in program management and First Nations community work.
• Cree language fluency with deep understanding of Cree culture and community values.
• Familiarity with First Nations governance, and strong facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, proposal writing, and organizational planning.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and lead Cree language revitalization strategies and community programs.
• Facilitate public meetings, open houses, visioning sessions and workshops with community members.
• Prepare monthly activity calendars for distribution to the community.
• Collaborate with fluent speakers and mentors to build language resources and archives.
• Form and guide a local language planning committee and liaise with ECFNEA and community.
• Manage program budgets and track expenses.

Skills

Fluency in Cree language

Group facilitation

Office software proficiency

Proposal writing

Organizational planning

Education

Post‑secondary degree in Indigenous Studies / Linguistics / Education / Community Planning or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cree Language Community Planner, Full-time

Contract Employment Opportunity at JamesSmith Cree Nation

OrganizationThe East Central First Nations Education Authority (ECFNEA) is committed to providing the highest-quality Educational Services by our people, for our people. The Authority focuses on developing and implementing Culture and Cree Language Programs to address the needs of the First Nation communities it serves: the Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation, the James Smith Cree Nation, and the Peter Chapman Band. The ECFNEA’s facilities include the Bernard Constant Community School located on James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and a sub-office in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. To obtain more information on the ECFNEA, please visit our website at https://www.ecfnep.ca/ No accommodations are currently available within the community. School staff travel into the community from local towns and cities such as Melfort and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The School The Bernard Constant Community School is a dynamic Pre‑K‑Grade 12 school, serving approximately 400 students. The school is supported by a professional staff of 30 plus teachers and a full complement of support staff.

Bernard Constant Community School focuses on trauma‑sensitive programming, with a full Wellness Team, a comprehensive Cree Language Program for all grades and divisions, and a Land‑based Learning Program, a Cultural Program, a Sports Academy Program, and a Treaty Essential Learning Program.

Applicants who speak the Cree Language and can demonstrate knowledge of, and work experience in, the other noted areas will be considered assets.

Position Summary

A Cree Language Community Planner will work within the James Smith Cree Community to perform the following duties:

• design, coordinate, and lead language revitalization strategies, Cree Cultural Programs, and community‑driven action plans;
• facilitate public meetings, open houses, visioning sessions, and workshops with community members, families, and Elders to gather input on language goals;
• must be able to plan and coordinate activities and events. Prepare a monthly activity calendar to distribute to the community.
• collaborate with fluent speakers, teachers, and cultural mentors to build language learning resources, digital archives, and audio/video documentation;
• form and guide a local language planning committee or team and liaise with ECFNEA and the James Smith Community; and
• manage program budgets and track expenses.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• post‑secondary degree in one of the following: Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Education, Community Planning, or a related field—or equivalent years of experience in program management and First Nations community work;
• fluency in the Cree language (or working proficiency) combined with a deep understanding of Cree culture, traditions, and local community values;
• familiarity with First Nations governance structures, strong group‑facilitation skills, and the ability to work closely with Elders, parents, school community and youth;and
• proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office, database management), proposal writing, and organizational planning.

The successful candidate must possess: a clear Criminal Record Check (Canadian Police Information Centre) including Vulnerable Sector Check; and a valid Driver’s license. Preference will be given to existing employees and to members of the First Nations participating in the East Central First Nation Education Authority. This is a full‑time contract position from November 23, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal, and is contingent on funding availability.

Executive Assistant/HR Administrative Assistant East Central First Nation Education Authority [e-mail]