Language Cultural Specialist - Cree

gov; Fort Smith; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Northern Allowance

Relocation expenses

Administrative stipend

Job summary

South Slave Divisional Education Council in the Northwest Territories seeks a Cree Teacher for JBT School (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6). You will lead Cree language instruction across multiple grades, collaborating with classroom teachers to weave language and culture into daily learning.

You will work closely with Elders and families to integrate land-based knowledge, create engaging culturally relevant experiences, and mentor staff in language goals.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding and proficiency in Cree language.
• Deep knowledge of local Dene culture, traditions, and land-based practices.
• Experience working with children and/or in an educational setting is an asset.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver Cree language instruction for students across multiple grades.
• Integrate cultural teachings, traditions, and land-based knowledge into language learning.
• Support classroom teachers in embedding language and culture across the curriculum.
• Create engaging, hands-on, and culturally relevant learning experiences.
• Serve as a cultural resource and mentor for students and staff.
• Participate in and lead land-based education activities.
• Collaborate with Elders, families, and community members to support programming.
• Assist in the development of culturally appropriate learning materials and resources.

Skills

Cree language

Community engagement

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Department: South Slave Divisional Education Council

Join the dedicated team at SSDEC, responsible for delivering exceptional K-12 education to five vibrant communities in the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories. Our eight schools are the heart of communities rich in northern traditions and boast a combined student population of 1,300.

Job Information

JBT School is a Junior Kindergarten to grade 6 school with 270 students. Students and staff focus on four simple expectations: Pride, Respect. Ownership and Safety (PROS). Literacy is a primary focus as all students are active in Rufus Reading Club. We also pride ourselves on our open-door policy and our school benefits from parent/community support. At JBT, the school helps to create futures through a number of diverse programs, and activities, including culture camps, primary/STEM activity days, literacy activities, student achievement awards and celebrating our weekly bucket fillers.

About the Role
The Cree Teacher will lead and support Cree language instruction across grade levels, working collaboratively with classroom teachers to integrate language and culture into daily learning. This role is ideal for someone deeply connected to the community, with strong cultural knowledge and a commitment to passing on language and traditions to younger generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver Cree language instruction for students across multiple grades
• Integrate cultural teachings, traditions, and land-based knowledge into language learning
• Support classroom teachers in embedding language and culture across the curriculum
• Create engaging, hands-on, and culturally relevant learning experiences
• Serve as a cultural resource and mentor for students and staff
• Participate in and lead land-based education activities
• Collaborate with Elders, families, and community members to support programming
• Assist in the development of culturally appropriate learning materials and resources

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong understanding and proficiency in Cree language
• Deep knowledge of local Dene culture, traditions, and land-based practices
• Experience working with children and/or in an educational setting is an asset
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students and staff
• Willingness to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment

Preferred Attributes

• Experience or interest in curriculum development for Indigenous language learning
• Comfort working in a classroom setting alongside teachers
• Flexibility and creativity in delivering language instruction

What We Offer:

Competitive salary: approximately $95,232 - $153,748 annually
Additional benefits including a Northern Allowance ($7,100 year) and relocation expenses, as well as an administrative stipend.
Opportunity to be part of a community with rich cultural heritage

Eligibility for NWT teacher certification
Satisfactory criminal records and vulnerable sector checks (post-interview stage)
Note:
Please indicate your eligibility for priority consideration under the GNWT's Indigenous Employment Policy
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:
Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGALROAD
BOX876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.