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Position Title: Land and Language Connector
Supervisor: Director of First Nation School Board
Description Date: August 2023
The Land and Language Connector engages in the implementation of learning tools and strategies, and curriculum aides to support teachers and school-based staff with the inclusion of Yukon First Nation languages and culture in current and future curriculum and in taking curriculum to the land.
Under the supervision of the Director of FNSB, the incumbent works to incorporate language and culture inclusion and enrichments in our schools. The primary role is to enhance and expand the learning of Yukon First Nation languages; ways of learning and doing, and to return to the land as a way of connecting, educating and improving student achievement outcomes.
Land and language support will be unique to each community school, reflective of the local First Nation history, culture and customs.
Responsibilities:
- Provides support, direction, coaching and mentorship to FNSB schools in language inclusion and cultural programming. This includes:
- Works collaboratively with school staff and local First Nation education team in the planning and delivery of local programming in a variety of learning environments;
- Works with community, knowledge keepers and Elders on programming for language and culture to assist with approaches best suited for the school;
- Assists school administration in the enrichment of creating a learning environment that reflects the First Nation and traditional territory upon which the school resides;
- Works with school staff, content experts and facilitators to support the development and use of language and cultural resources and curriculum support documents;
- Ensures land-based and cultural education is an integral part of all programming within the school, and,
- Works collaboratively with the team of Land and Language Connectors from the FNSB team.
- Develops strong relationships with the teachers in FNSB schools and at times acts as an advocate for teachers, ensuring their involvement in the language and culture programming.
- Works with school staff, First Nation education team and FNSB team in the development of materials and resources that enhance student learning and outcomes in all areas within the school. Works with schools’ staff to identify needs.
- Provides support to school staff and administration on First Nation values, cultural practices and language learning.
- Develops, delivers and/or coordinates information workshops, professional development and resources for both school staff. Participates and assists in the coordination of youth and Elder culture camps.
- Provides regular reporting, and other information as required by both the school and FNSB. Collects data, analysis trends, concerns, successes and provides long term planning.
- Develops proposals for projects and identifies other partners to move ahead projects. At times, seeking funding through alternative avenues to support projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Accountabilities:
- Accountable for the quality of support provided to improve and increase the knowledge, comfort and competence of school staff by incorporating and delivering First Nation language and cultural programming to enhance, restore and revitalize First Nations ways in education. This will be reflective of the First Nation ways of those of the traditional territory upon which the school sits.
- An increase in cultural, land and language programming should be demonstrated.
- Suitability of information (e.g., materials, resources) to support a variety of land and language pedagogy and programming.
- Development and maintain strong and productive partnership with the First Nations where the school resides, with school based staff, other Indigenous organizations, associations and education institutions.
Competencies
- Demonstrated Knowledge of Yukon First Nation culture, history, language and learning methods.
- Excellence in on the land competence and knowledge to deliver teachings outdoors safely.
- Skilled in the inclusion and incorporation of each community school’s unique heritage, culture, and language(s).
- Ability to guide the incorporation of the Indigenous language of the traditional territory into the learning environment.
- Knowledge of best practices in Indigenous learning and deep understanding of Yukon First Nation history, culture, language, community and family.
- Solid organizational skills & abilities.
- Strategic thinking skills and abilities; creative and proactive.
- Solid interpersonal skills; ability to engage and connect with those of different cultural backgrounds.
- Desire and ability to work collaboratively with the FNSB, First Nation traditional territory on which the school communities reside, community committees, and other education partners.
- A demonstrated commitment to equity, well-being and success for all students and staff.
- Skilled in inclusion of First Nation community members involvement at the school level.
- Influence skills, inclusive of conflict resolution and restorative practice.
- Ability to speak or eagerness to learn local Yukon First Nation language.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the historic injustices that have occurred in Canada’s history, and an understanding of history of Yukon First Nations and Indigenous People’s experiences educational system at the local, regional and national levels is required for success.
Working Conditions
- This position works in a variety of settings including in a normal office, in schools, classrooms and outdoors, in the elements (cold, heat, snow and ice, rain etc.) in all seasons. In school settings, the incumbent may be exposed to diseases and infections, such as colds and influenza.
- There is a relative degree of physical activity and stamina associated with indoor and outdoor activities. There will be periods of walking, lifting and sitting. On the land activities such as hiking and gathering will have the incumbent climbing and descending slopes, crouching and kneeling.
- Travel is a requirement of the position. FNSB schools are based both in Whitehorse and in Yukon communities (approximately 70%). Travel out of territory is required (approximately 10%).
- This position requires a flexible work schedule, and be available early mornings, and some evenings.
- Concentration is necessary for working with educational materials, technology and providing information orally. Analysis of information is necessary.
- Able to manage multiple conflicting deadlines and demands is normal.
- The incumbent will interact with individuals of different values, beliefs and experiences, the incumbent must be skilled in influence, and able to de-escalate difficult or challenging views and situations.
Conditions of Employment
- Acceptable security clearance with vulnerable sector search
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract
- Regular travel within the Territory
- Wilderness first aid & CPR