Nłeʔkepmx Language and Culture Teacher

Lower-Nicola-Indian-Band-; Merritt; On-site; CAD 63,700 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Nicola Band School in Merritt, BC seeks a Nłeʔkepmx Language and Culture Teacher to lead language revival through immersive, culturally grounded instruction and place-based learning.

You will collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and staff to strengthen students’ connection to Nłeʔkepmx language, culture, and community values in a trauma‑informed, supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Valid BC Teaching Certificate, Standard or Professional, or a Language Fluency Degree.
• Experience with First Peoples Principles of Learning in instruction.
• Experience teaching language and culture or supporting language revitalization is an asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including the Vulnerable Sector.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging Nłeʔkepmx language and culture lessons.
• Support immersion approach within the school environment.
• Integrate First Peoples Principles of Learning into instruction and assessment.
• Create culturally safe, inclusive learning environments.
• Design land-based and place-based learning experiences.
• Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and families.
• Ensure proper cultural protocols, including honoraria and guest speakers.
• Support family and community engagement in language use.

Skills

Nłeʔkepmx language knowledge

Cultural knowledge

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

BC Teaching Certificate

Language Fluency Degree

Job description

Lower Nicola Band Indian School Full Time Merritt, BC $35 - $40 CAD per hour

Position Title: Nłeʔkepmx Language and Culture Teacher

Department: Education Sector

FTE/Hours: Full-Time; 35 hours per week

Location: Lower Nicola Band School | Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

Salary: $35.00 - $40.00/hour

ABOUT LNIB

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) is a vibrant and growing First Nations community in British Columbia, committed to the well-being, culture, and prosperity of its members. LNIB provides a wide range of programs and services including health, education, social development, governance, and economic development initiatives.

We value innovation, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees. LNIB follows Indigenous governance principles and prioritizes community engagement, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development in all its operations.

Join LNIB and be part of a team that is making a meaningful impact in the community while contributing to a dynamic and culturally rich workplace.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Nłeʔkepmx Language and Culture Teacher provides engaging and meaningful Nłeʔkepmx language and culture instruction to students at Lower Nicola Band School. This role supports language revitalization through culturally grounded education, land-based learning, place-based learning, and strong community engagement.

The Teacher works closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, school staff, and community members to help students strengthen their connection to Nłeʔkepmx language, culture, traditions, identity, and community values. Grounded in trauma-informed principles and lateral kindness, this role extends beyond standard instruction to lead the strategic transition of Lower Nicola Band School toward a multi-year full-immersion model. The Teacher fosters a relationally safe environment where students reconnect with Nłeʔkepmx language, territory, oral histories, and cultural identity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LANGUAGE & CULTURE INSTRUCTION

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging Nłeʔkepmx language and culture lessons that support student learning, identity, and language development.


• Support the continued development of a Nłeʔkepmx language immersion approach within the school environment.


• Integrate First Peoples Principles of Learning into classroom instruction, assessment, and student support.


• Create culturally safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for students.

LAND-BASED, PLACE-BASED & COMMUNITY LEARNING

• Design and facilitate culturally responsive, land-based, and place-based learning experiences that connect students to Nłeʔkepmx knowledge, territory, and teachings.


• Incorporate Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, and community members into learning opportunities.


• Manage proper cultural protocols, including facilitating honoraria, cultural gifting, and respectful care for guest speakers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.


• Support family and community engagement that encourages Nłeʔkepmx language use at school, at home, and in the community.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION

• Develop and adapt culturally appropriate learning resources that support long-term Nłeʔkepmx language revitalization.


• Collaborate with School District 58 (SD58) teachers, Indigenous Student Advocates, and counselors to support smooth academic and cultural transitions for LNBS students moving into public secondary schools, in alignment with the Local Education Agreement (LEA).Contribute creativity, leadership, and innovation to culturally grounded educational programming.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of Nłeʔkepmx language, culture, traditions, and community values.


• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.


• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, and community partners.


• Ability to develop culturally responsive lesson plans, learning activities, and classroom resources.


• Creativity, leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning.

SUCCESS MEASURES

The successful candidate will contribute to measurable student and community success outcomes, assessed through:

• Evidence of increased student confidence, participation, and fluency in the Nłeʔkepmx language.


• Regular, documented delivery of safe, high-quality, and culturally grounded land-based lessons.


• Active, respectful participation of families and Elders in school-based language events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid BC Teaching Certificate, Standard or Professional, or a Language Fluency Degree.


• Experience or familiarity integrating First Peoples Principles of Learning into instruction.


• Experience teaching language and culture, developing learning resources, or supporting language revitalization is an asset.


• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including the Vulnerable Sector.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed in a school setting with regular interaction with students, families, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members.


• The position may include classroom instruction, planning and preparation time, school events, family engagement, community activities, and land-based or place-based learning experiences.


• Some flexibility in schedule may be required to support cultural programming, community involvement, and student learning needs.

PREFERENCE

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) follows Section 25 of the Human Rights Code, giving preference to Indigenous applicants where applicable.