Visiting Elders Program

Sagamok Anishnawbek; Sagamok; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sagamok Education seeks Visiting Elders to enrich Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik and Shki Wasse Aaban Day Care by fostering Anishinaabe language and culture through storytelling, mentorship, and land-based activities.

As a Visiting Elder, you will promote Anishinaabe pride, support teachers, and connect youth with Elders who carry traditional wisdom and values within Sagamok Community.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Anishinaabemowin is a strong asset.
• Deep knowledge and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture, teachings, and history.
• Experience with land-based learning is an asset.
• Understanding of the Community Development Process.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for students and staff.
• Must be dependable and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Use Anishinaabemowin language fully with students and staff throughout the day in the classroom, school, daycare, and all other learning environments of Sagamok Education
• Build enthusiasm and interest in Anishinaabemowin language and associated teachings.
• Mentor and guide students and staff through traditional teachings and life experiences.
• Strengthen relationships among the school, families, and the wider Sagamok community.
• Share traditional knowledge through storytelling, crafts, cooking, sewing, and land-based learning.
• Contribute to creating a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
• Support classroom teachers by participating in daily school and daycare activities.
• Encourage enthusiasm for Anishinaabe culture and language.

Skills

Anishinaabemowin fluency

Deep knowledge of Anishinaabe culture

Land-based learning experience

Community development understanding

Positive role model

Dependable teamwork

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Sagamok Education is seeking compassionate and culturally rooted Visiting Elders to join our team and enrich the learning environment at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik and Shki Wasse Aaban Day Care. This role supports the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, culture, and language by connecting our youth with respected Elders who carry Anishinaabe wisdom and traditions.

As a Visiting Elder, you will play a vital role in nurturing Anishinaabe pride, promoting our values, and encouraging the use of Anishinaabemowin through storytelling, oral traditions, mentorship, and land-based activities.

POSITION DUTIES:

• Promote and model the use of Anishinaabemowin in daily interactions.


• Serve as a surrogate Grandparent, providing emotional and cultural support.


• Mentor and guide students and staff through traditional teachings and life experiences.


• Strengthen relationships among the school, families, and the wider Sagamok community.


• Share traditional knowledge through storytelling, crafts, cooking, sewing, and land-based learning.


• Contribute to creating a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.


• Support classroom teachers by participating in daily school and daycare activities.


• Encourage enthusiasm for Anishinaabe culture and language.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle for on-the-job use.


• Must be able to work flexible hours.


• Sign and maintain an annual oath of confidentiality.


• Secure and maintain certification in Privacy and Confidentiality.


• Must provide a vulnerable sector check prior to commencing employment.


• Adherence to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Sagamok Education Unit.


• Follow the Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School Calendar, unless otherwise directed.

Operational (Day-to-Day)

Under the direct supervision of the Sagamok Education Student Support Program Coordinator and Principal to which the Visiting Elder is assigned and under the daily classroom supervision of the classroom teacher, the Speaker in the Classroom shall provide support to the classroom teacher according to need and ability. Visiting Elders will be placed in various classrooms, depending on need.

Functional (Specific Role and Responsibilities)

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Sagamok Education Student Success Program, and in collaboration with the classroom teacher, the Visiting Elder shall:

• Use Anishinaabemowin language fully with students and staff throughout the day in the classroom, school, daycare, and all other learning environments of Sagamok Education


• Build enthusiasm and interest in Anishinaabemowin language and associated teachings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in Anishinaabemowin is a strong asset.


• Deep knowledge and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture, teachings, and history.


• Experience with land-based learning is an asset.


• Understanding of the Community Development Process.


• Ability to serve as a positive role model for students and staff.


• Must be dependable and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

By: Until Filled.

FOR A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION PLEASE CONTACT: [e-mail]

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.