First Nations, Metis and Inuit

As a First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Liaison in The Parkland School Division, you will be part of enacting our vision, mission and foundational statements.

Vision

Our students possess the confidence, resilience, insight and skills required to thrive in and positively impact the world.

Mission

We assure supportive learning environments, meaningful experiences and healthy relationships that create opportunities to develop resilience, to gain diversity in perspectives and to achieve enduring success.

The Parkland School Division has a Temporary Full-time (1.0 FTE) First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Liaison position available at Forest Green School in Stony Plain, Alberta. Please note: As this is a temporary position it is not eligibile for benefits or any leave entitlements.

Function and Purpose of Position

FNMI Liaisons collaborates with school staff, parents, FNMI officials, outside agencies (as necessary), and Learning Services in developing and implementing strategies to foster high levels of student attendance and readiness to learn.

FNMI Liaisons may:

- Work under the supervision of the Principal
- Work independently with students in a variety of settings
- Work with a particular FNMI student or a group of students within a class or in a special program
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team

The FNMI Liaison assist students through academic, social and emotional/behavioural supports that are designed to support success in school. Promoting a positive, safe and nurturing learning environment for FNMI students is an essential part of this role.

Instructional Support
- Participating in the development, monitoring and reporting of the goals related to FNMI education, as reflected in the school’s Education Plan.
- Meeting with individual students and groups of students regularly to discuss their progress, challenges and transition to future placements.
- Assisting in developing programs to meet the unique student needs which may not be provided through existing programs.

Behaviour
- Facilitating problem solving with Indigenous students in cooperation with other students, school staff, parents and administration.
- Establishing rapport and creating an atmosphere of trust and respect with students.

Communication and Reporting
- Welcoming students and their families to school and school events and build strong trusting relationships and communication with Indigenous students and their families.
- Facilitating parent attendance at school events and parent-teacher conferences.
- Meet regularly with students, their teachers, and their families to discuss programs, challenges and transitions.
- Developing strategies to facilitate school staff contact with parents and families.
- Working with other FNMI Liaisons to promote a team approach to meeting the needs of students, their families and school staff.
- Maintaining accurate contact notes and relevant information regarding students beyond the report card.
- Establishing communication with FNMI students, parents, extended family, support systems, First Nation members and School Division administration to focus on the social and educational needs for personal wellness and academic achievement. Create programs to support staff and students in understanding Indigenous culture.

Community Resources/FNMI Culture
- Assisting with providing orientation to staff and students, including unique qualities of FNMI cultural heritage.
- Researching and developing a list of resources, contacts and services that may be specifically designed to support FNMI persons, and liaising with such resources on behalf of school and students. Work as part of a team to build, grow, monitor and report on a strong Indigenous education program.
- Fostering awareness of FNMI culture within the school and its community in collaboration with school staff and community by researching resources and student materials, coordinating cultural awareness events and promoting student attendance at cultural events and student conventions/conferences.

Supervise Students
- Supervise and assist students in preparing for special activities on an as need basis. Create and identify strategies to support students with attendance, classroom learning and navigating the school environment.
- Ability to work in a variety of environments and conditions (e.g. outside activities, school/community events).

Student Personal Development
- Assist in building the self-esteem and self-confidence of students.
- Encourage students to participate in classroom activities to build social skills.
- Administer first aid as required.

Other Duties
- Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

a) Education:
i) High School Diploma

ii) Post-secondary training in the Human Services Field (Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Educational Assistant, etc) preferably including Aboriginal studies

iii) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and First Aid Certificate would be an asset

iv) Knowledge of Truth and Reconcil