Teacher - Indigenous Language

Government of Northwest Territories; Northwest Territories; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional education authority in Fort Liard, Northwest Territories seeks an Indigenous Language Teacher to deliver culturally relevant language instruction, support students' cultural heritage, and engage with families. Candidates must have proficiency in Dene Zhatie and hold a Northwest Territories Professional Teaching Certificate. This role is open until filled and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to local Indigenous education.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be eligible for a Northwest Territories Professional Teaching Certificate.
• Proficiency in speaking Dene Zhatie language is required.
• Direct experience with the Northwest Territories curricula is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver culturally relevant Indigenous language instruction aligned with Northwest Territories curricula.
• Engage with students and their parents in multi-grade environments.
• Promote and organize culturally appropriate activities.

Skills

Proficiency in Dene Zhatie language

Engagement with students and parents

Experience with culturally appropriate activities

Education

Northwest Territories Professional Teaching Certificate

Job description

Overview

Dehcho means "big river" - the Dene name for the Mackenzie River. In the Dehcho region, where the Northwest Territories borders British Columbia and the Yukon, you'll find some of the grandest displays of the North's natural beauty. Here, mountains rise to unclimbable heights, waterfalls roar between colossal canyons, and the big river runs past communities where traditional living remains vibrant and thriving. Big River. Big Mountains. Big Hearts.

Fort Liard is nicknamed "Tropics of the North" because of its long, warm summers and winter chinooks. Only 23 km north of the BC/NT border, Fort Liard is two hours north of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, and a short drive along the Alaska Highway to Stone Mountain, Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs Provincial Parks. Echo Dene School is a JK-12 school located on the traditional territory of Acho Dene Koe First Nation. Echo Dene School has approximately 120 students from JK-12.

Job Information

Title: Indigenous Language Teacher

Organization: Dehcho Divisional Education Council / Echo Dene School

Location: Fort Liard, Northwest Territories

Start Date: August 25, 2025

Status: Open until filled

Responsibilities

The teacher will offer a holistic, culturally relevant program that supports the language and cultural heritage of the students and addresses the needs of all students who may have learning challenges in multi-grade classes.

• Deliver culturally relevant Indigenous language instruction aligned with Northwest Territories curricula.
• Engage with students and their parents in multi-grade environments.
• Promote and organize culturally appropriate activities.
• Possibly teach additional courses from JK-12; multi-course capability will be considered an asset.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be eligible for a Northwest Territories Professional Teaching Certificate.
• Proficiency in speaking Dene Zhatie language is required.
• Ability to effectively engage with students and their parents in multi-grade environments.
• Direct experience with the Northwest Territories curricula is preferred.
• Familiarity with the "Our Languages Curriculum" is an asset.
• Experience in promoting and organizing culturally appropriate activities is highly desirable.
• Preference will be given to candidates who identify as Indigenous Dene.

GNWT Inquiries

Application Procedure: Interested applicants will submit a cover letter and resume, with permission to contact 3 recent supervisory references to: [e-mail]. After the interview stage, current and previous employers will be contacted for references. Open until filled.

Indigenous Employment Policy: Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy. A criminal/vulnerable record check is prerequisite to employment. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Contact

Paula Chin
Principal
Echo Dene School
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]