ABOUT US
Gitxaała territories stretch from the Nass River to Aristazabel Island, on the north coast of what is now British Columbia. The Gitxaała Nation 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, Gisbutwada, 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 Nation members, currently numbering over 2100, 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. The Language Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, developing, facilitating, and implementing the 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 sustain and grow 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 for Gitxaała Sm’algyax revitalization
• Work with Lach Klan School and other partners to integrate activities and programs
Financial Management
• Funding proposal and application development for Language and Culture 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 with Gitxaała Language Authority
• Ongoing language documentation and recording
• Facilitates community-based research and engagement
• Support cultural programming in Lax Klan
• 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)
Environmental Conditions (optional):
• Physical Effort: Organizing classroom and workshop spaces, packing chairs and tables.
• Physical Environment: Office and classroom environments, occasional marine and land-based learning.
• 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
CC
Victoria Vickers, Human Resources Manager EMAIL: hr@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.