Job Opportunities

Language & Cultural | Language Coordinator

ABOUT US
Gitxaała territories stretch from the Nass River to Aristazabel Island, on the north coast of what is now British Columbia. The Gitxaała , also known as Gitlaxm’oon, ‘People of the Saltwater,’ are one of the most ancient societies on the coast. The village of Lax Klan (Kitkatla, BC) has been continuously inhabited since time immemorial.

Gitxaała hereditary leaders from the four clans, Gispwudwada, Ganhada, Laxsgyiik and Laxgyibuu, manage and protect their territories and resources according to their ayaawx, traditional laws. Gitxaała harvesters use almost 100 different marine and terrestrial resources to feed their community. Gitxaała citizens, currently numbering 2094, wherever they reside, celebrate their history, practice their traditions, respect their laws, and cherish their lands, waters and resources.

Summary The Gitxaała Nation is seeking a motivated and dedicated Language Coordinator to join our Language and Culture Team.  This position is responsible for coordinating, developing, facilitating, and implementing Gitxaała language program initiatives and activities. The Language Coordinator, together with the Language and Culture Manager, will work closely with Elders and Fluent Speakers, the Hereditary Table and the Elected Council to develop and implement a Gitxaała Sm’algyax program that meets community needs and aspirations for Sm’algyax revitalization. The Language Coordinator supports cultural programming as required and where appropriate

Summary
The Gitxaała Nation is seeking a motivated and dedicated Language Coordinator to join our Language and Culture Team.  This position is responsible for coordinating, developing, facilitating, and implementing Gitxaała language program initiatives and activities. The Language Coordinator, together with the Language and Culture Manager, will work closely with Elders and Fluent Speakers, the Hereditary Table and the Elected Council to develop and implement a Gitxaała Sm’algyax program that meets community needs and aspirations for Sm’algyax revitalization. The Language Coordinator supports cultural programming as required and where appropriate. 

General duties include:
Strategic and Operational Planning

  • Work with the Gitxaała Language Authority Working Group to develop community-based language program and workplan
  • Support integration of Language and Culture outcomes into other program workplans
  • Identify gaps and needs and seek funding opportunities
  • Work with Lach Klan School and other partners to integrate activities and programs

Financial Management

  • Funding proposal and application development for Culture and Language Department
  • Manage program budget and project budgets
  • Reporting on grants and projects
  • Support funding applications of other programs

Operations

  • Develop Sm’algyax resources and materials
  • Deliver community language classes
  • Facilitate meetings of Gitxaała Language Authority
  • Ongoing language documentation and recording
  • Facilitates community-based research and engagement
  • Support cultural programming in Lax Klan (Kitkatla) and Lax Kxeen (Prince Rupert)
  • Conducts bi-annual language assessment
  • Assist with administrative tasks

Relationship Building and Teamwork

  • Support and collaborate with other departments on language and culture projects and initiatives
  • Develop relationships with other Sm’algyax revitalization programs
  • Support Elders and Fluent Speakers in various capacities as appropriate

Client Service and Engagement

  • Community engagement on language and culture
  • Support Gitxaała Nation departments to expand Sm’algyax use in all programs and departments
  • Report activities to supervisor, leadership and community

Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position as assigned by Manager

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Fluency is not a requirement, but a proficiency in Sm’algyax structure and knowledge of basic vocabulary
  • Ability to develop plans, objectives and priorities and workplans
  • Knowledge of recording and editing equipment and software
  • Ability to give presentations, facilitate meetings and lead classes
  • Experience using a computer and Microsoft programs

Extensive knowledge of Gitxaała culture, history and territory

Experience and Education Requirements:

  • Language revitalization/teaching diploma or degree
  • Experience learning Gitxaała culture including knowledge of Sm’algyax
  • Teaching experience or diploma, community or institution-based

At least one formal Sm’algyax course (NWCC or UNBC or other accredited institution)

Environmental Conditions (optional):

  • Physical Effort: Organizing classroom and workshop spaces, packing chairs and tables
  • Physical Environment: Office and classroom environments
  • Sensory and Mental Attention:  research and development using various computer programs

Travel between Lax Klan and Lax Kxeen, via boat or seaplane.

Other Requirements:

  • Professional appearance
  • Adhere to Policies and Procedures and display a commitment to the values and culture of Gitxaała Nation.      

Ability to successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal record check is required.

Application Process
When applying for this position, please forward cover letter, resume and references to the Manager of the Department, Language and Culture, and cc the Human Resources Manager.

Deadline
Open until the position is filled.

Attention
Dustin Johnson, Language and Culture Manager EMAIL: culture@gitxaalanation.com


Salary Starting: $60,000 – 75,000 based on level of experience.

We thank all applicants for their interest, please note that only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

Recent Job Postings

All Job Postings...