Language Immersion Researcher

  JOB POSTING

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community.  As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

POSITION TITLE:     Language Immersion Researcher                 

DEPARTMENT:            Language & Culture Department     

SUPERVISOR:              Language & Culture Department Manager 

TERMS:                        Full Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #:             2023-099

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The incumbent will implement and support the Language, and Cultural Groups withing the community which includes but is not limited to work plans, projects, initiatives, research, planning, collaborations; will be responsible for the development of the language revitalization plan and will support new and previous language revitalization efforts; will coordinate with the work of the Wumecwilc re Secwepemctsín fluent speakers, Language division staff, TteS Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers; will facilitate the work of and assist the community members, leadership, language champions and community partners to develop a community led, comprehensive language revitalization plan; will guide, coordinate and facilitate the implementation of a community’s newly developed or revised language revitalization plan.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent is primarily responsible for the research, planning, development and implementation of a community-led comprehensive language revitalization plan. (95%)

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop, guide, coordinate and facilitate the planning process of the Language Revitalization Plan for western dialect of Secwepemctsín.
• Support new and ongoing language revitalization efforts.
• Facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between key partners including communities who speak the western dialect.
• Lead community based linguistic research as needed.
• Ensure the Comprehensive Language Needs Assessment is up to date.
• Lead the coordination of language planning activities including an accountability plan, engagement strategy and communication plan.
• Provide support for current and future funding opportunities.
• Engage with and utilize the experience of community partners for support, advice and networking.
• Develop and support a local community engagement and communication strategy.
• Identify Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Fluent Speakers who can be committed to the language planning process for the duration of the project, or who are put forward by the community.
• Develop evaluation and monitoring processes.
• Organize and facilitate community engagement.
• Engage with the Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Fluent Speakers to develop decision making processes for the group.
• Engage individually, in meetings and/or in facilitated workshops – either in person or remotely.
• When required complete or update the comprehensive Language Status Assessment.
• Deliver community meetings to share project long-term goals and vision.
• Facilitate group discussions of a planning process and 5-year language revitalization plan.
• Complete interim and final reports as required.
• Engage in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to support language revitalization in community.
• Develop a comprehensive, strategic, and long-term plan for the revitalization and strengthening of the Secwepemctsín of the western dialect
• Draft the Language Revitalization Plan, as well as a set of guiding principles and values that align the plan with the community’s comprehensive plan.
• Establish and maintain excellent rapport with colleagues and clients
• Assist the TteS Curriculum Development to develop a TteS Publishing Plan to produce authentic TteS resource material to support teaching/education programs, including research

Community Relations and Outreach Activities:

• Work closely with and collaborate with on-site elders as required.
• Assist with special projects as required.
• Assist with gathering information for proposals that focus on the enhancement and revival of Secwépemc language, history and culture
• Following a strict code of ethics and protecting any confidential information at all times
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the TteS policies, standards, and procedures, and as directed by the Language Coordinator and Language and Culture Department Manager
• Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Language & Culture Department and TteS.

Other related duties as required. (5%)

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Candidates are normally expected to have a Bachelor of Education and/or Certificate in Community Linguistics (Indigenous) or a related discipline either in hand or close to completion. Alternatively relevant equivalencies such as Indigenous community language instruction, or service as an Indigenous language holder within an Indigenous community together with teaching and scholarly experience in academic or other relevant settings will also be considered with 2-4 years of relevant experience
• Experience with land-based learning and community-based activities are especially relevant. Applicants must have experience with Indigenous community-based documentation or revitalization of Indigenous languages.
• The successful candidate’s research could include, but is not limited to, Indigenous/endangered language documentation, the development of technological tools to support Indigenous/endangered language learning and sustainability, and/or the sociocultural dynamics of language and revitalization.
• Have working experience with the Cree and Dene language dialect.
• Familiar with First Nations governance structures.
• Experience working with First Nations people at a community and political level.
• Experience in developing and implementing community engagement strategies and communication plans.
• Experience with comprehensive community planning that includes project and budget management.
• Experience with current and emerging language revitalization strategies that will inform the delivery of activities, designing and the implementing of the Language Revitalization Plan.
• Experience in facilitation and interviewing.
• Experience in relationship building with diverse people and groups.
• Experience writing grant proposals and reports.
• Facilitation of community planning and best practices.
• Must pass criminal record check
• Must have a valid BC Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of Secwépemc Language and Culture
• Must have knowledge of and follow proper cultural protocols when engaging Elders, Fluent Speakers and Traditional Knowledge Keepers
• Strong analytical, organizational, coordinating and planning skills
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to take initiative
• Strong tact and diplomacy
• Must have strong teamwork and cooperation, problem solving and judgement skills
• Strong ability to take initiative and use time to produce quality work
• Excellent oral and written communications skills

HOURS OF WORK:      Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts maybe required.

PAY GRADE:                Starting at $25.98 - $30.06/hour depending on experience

Deadline for the Job posting is December 7, 2023 by 2:00pm

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #200 – 330 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at:  https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.