Teacher - Hän Language and Culture Teacher

Government of Yukon; Dawson City; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert Service School in Dawson City seeks a 1.0 FTE Hän Language and Culture Teacher to revitalize and promote Hän language and culture within the school community.

The role involves collaborating with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community partners to integrate Yukon First Nations perspectives into learning, and to provide land-based experiences that strengthen student identity and belonging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education (or equivalent), or completion of a Yukon Native Language Centre Certificate or Diploma Program (or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of Yukon First Nations cultures, practices, values and beliefs, including those of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary issues affecting Yukon First Nations education, languages, heritage, and cultural revitalization.
• Experience incorporating First Nations ways of knowing, doing, and being into teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Experience developing and delivering culturally responsive programming for students across a variety of grade levels.
• Demonstrated Hän language proficiency and experience teaching Hän would be an asset; NME Ready to Learn assets noted.

Responsibilities

• Support cultural programming, language instruction, land-based learning opportunities and school-wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community partners to promote Yukon First Nations histories and cultures.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Elders, language professionals, and Yukon First Nations organizations; promote Hän language throughout programming.

Skills

Language collaboration

Classroom management

Communication skills

Intercultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor of Education or equivalent

Yukon Native Language Centre certificate/diploma

Yukon Teacher Certification

Job description

Living In Yukon, Thriving in Life

Our goal is to support all learners in developing the essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities that they need to thrive in life.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of education in the Yukon? The Department of Education is dedicated to providing high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all Yukoners. We are committed to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in every aspect of our work.

The department plays a crucial role in delivering a wide range of services and supports that span from early learning to adult education and encompass K-12 schooling. We are proud of the diverse team of professionals who collaborate to develop and implement policies, programs and initiatives that promote student success and enhance educational outcomes across the territory.

Robert Service School serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Dawson City, Yukon. Located on the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the school is committed to fostering a learning environment that reflects Yukon First Nations perspectives, cultures, languages, and ways of knowing. Through strong partnerships with families, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community organizations, the school supports student success, well-being, and a sense of belonging for all learners.

We are currently seeking a passionate and knowledgeable individual to join the Robert Service School team as a 1.0 FTE Hän Language and Culture Teacher. This role is central to supporting the revitalization and promotion of the Hän language and culture while bringing Yukon First Nations ways of knowing, doing, and being into the school community.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with staff, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community partners to support cultural programming, language instruction, land-based learning opportunities, and school-wide initiatives that strengthen understanding and appreciation of Yukon First Nations histories, cultures, and contemporary realities.

School: Robert Service School

Location: Dawson City

Position: Hän Language and Culture Teacher

FTE: 1.0

Start Date: August 20, 2026

End Date: June 4, 2027

Assignment: Hän Language and Culture Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Please clearly demonstrate on your cover letter and resume, how you meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor of Education (or equivalent), or completion of a Yukon Native Language Centre Certificate or Diploma Program (or equivalent);
• Extensive knowledge and awareness of Yukon First Nations cultures, traditional practices, values, and beliefs, including those of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in;
• Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary issues affecting Yukon First Nations education, languages, heritage, and cultural revitalization;
• Experience incorporating First Nations ways of knowing, doing, and being into teaching, learning, and assessment;
• Experience developing and delivering culturally responsive programming for students across a variety of grade levels;
• Demonstrated language proficiency in Hän (speaking, reading, and writing) and experience teaching Hän language and culture would be considered a strong asset;
• Demonstrated understanding of Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) and Ready to Learn School practices would be considered an asset.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND SUITABILITY:

Candidates should have and may be assessed on their:

• Strong interest and ability to teach Hän language and culture as a second language;
• Knowledge of Hän culture, traditions, stories, values, and land-based practices;
• Ability to integrate Yukon First Nations perspectives, histories, and cultural teachings across curricular areas;
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments;
• Ability to adapt and modify curriculum to meet the diverse needs, strengths, and gifts of students;
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary school team;
• Commitment to participating in school-wide initiatives, staff meetings, and professional learning opportunities;
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with Elders, Knowledge Holders, language professionals, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the Yukon Native Language Centre, and other Yukon First Nations organizations;
• Ability to connect and collaborate effectively with students, families, caregivers, and community members;
• Willingness to actively promote and support Hän language and culture throughout school programming and the learning environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish trusting and respectful relationships;
• Effective and respectful classroom management practices based on a developmental understanding of children and youth;
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning, positive behaviour supports, restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and resilience-building strategies;
• Ability to integrate experiential, place-based, and land-based learning opportunities into programming;
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultures, values, aspirations, and traditions of Yukon First Nations and a culturally diverse student population.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Criminal Record/RCMP Check with Vulnerable Sector; to be provided before the first day of employment, dated no more than 3 months prior to your start date
• Yukon Teacher Certification; learn about the certification process here
• Yukon First Nations 101, to be completed at your first opportunity.

For more information about the position, please contact Helen McCullough, Principal, Robert Service School at [e-mail] and Ashley Bower Bramadat at [e-mail]

If you have questions about our recruitment process or what rewarding career opportunities are available within the Department of Education, please contact: Serafina Christine at [e-mail]

For more information about Yukon, visit here

Please do not submit your transcripts of Criminal Record checks as part of your application. We will reach out to successful candidates to request these during the onboarding process.