Language and Culture Planner

Language and Culture planner

Classification:     Full time, Term (one year) 

Salary:                    $60,000 - $80,000

Location:             Williams Lake, BC

Deadline:             Until filled

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is the official First Nations government serving the Tŝilhqot'in Nation. TNG is located in Williams Lake, British Columbia and serves six communities, including ʔEsdilagh, Tŝideldel, Yuneŝit'in, Tl'etinqox, Xeni Gwet'in, and Tl'esqox.

Given the high priority of language and culture as one of the eight Pillars assigned by the TNG Nits’ilʔin Qi (Chiefs) supporting the nation, The Language and Culture Planner is responsible to consolidate the work of the Language Advisory Group, to follow their guidance as to the distribution of language and culture  texts and materials, including media, and to collaborate with the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs and funding agencies such as the First Peoples Cultural Council to develop and implement a coherent policy and plans for nurturing and revitalizing Tŝilhqot’in as a common and widespread language and culture throughout the nation.

Key Responsibilities

The Language and Culture Planner will meet weekly with the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs to plan  activities and meetings. They will convene meetings monthly with the Language Advisory Group to review texts and materials being developed, seeking approval from the advisory for production formats and plans for distribution. The Language and Culture Planner will also monitor the storage of language and culture data securely. Roles include:

• Follow the guidance of the Language Advisory Group in all work-related matters
• Train and mentor junior staff in ongoing language and culture learning and practice
• Contact each of the members of the Language Advisory Group weekly, checking on work being done and offering support and assistance where needed
• Collaborate with the Language Advisory Group and the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs to develop short- and mid-term goals for the language project
• Provide regular reports to the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs and TNG leadership
• Collaborate with TNG app developers both to offer data for inclusion to the TNG database and to be trained both as a user and as a trainer of the language apps as they are developed
• Collaborate with app developers to demonstrate technology for communities and at conferences
• Maintain a collaborative network with fellow Language and Culture Planners in other First Nations
• Work with the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs and TNG grant writers to identify funding opportunities
• Collaborate with the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs on technical reports related to funding
• Collaborate with the Education Manager, Adult and Language Programs and other TNG staff to develop and implement strategies for language documentation

Requirements

• Familiarity with and ability to communicate and be understood in Tŝilhqot’in
• Computer abilities to work online in reporting and to use apps as an end user
• Management skills to plan and schedule meeting sessions and workshops, as well as to manage training and professional development in technical areas
• Two years work experience with TNG, a similar organization, or one of the TNG communities in a language setting
• Degree in linguistics, language planning, or equivalent field preferred

Working Conditions

• Travel may be required
• Ability to prepare, attend, and conduct presentations
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and additional hardware
• Overtime as required
• Lifting or moving up to 25lbs may be required

Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to:

Jenai Nolin
Human Resources Generalist & Recruitment
Tŝilhqot’in National Government
1729 South Lakeside Drive
Williams Lake, BC V2G 3A9
Email: jenainolin@tsilhqotin.ca

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Only those invited to interview will be contacted.