Indigenous Languages Educator

**About Us**
Ga'nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre is rooted in the principles of community, cultural respect, and a holistic approach to education and well-being. We are committed to creating a warm, inclusive environment that celebrates and honours Indigenous culture, language, and traditions. Our center is a safe and nurturing space where children can explore, learn, and grow in connection with their community, the land, and the teachings of Indigenous culture. We believe in fostering strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and the community as we inspire lifelong learners.

**Position Overview**

This position will work closely with the Indigenous Cultural Facilitator and other educators to enrich the children's learning environment by focusing specifically on language development. The Indigenous Languages Educator will also collaborate with the Pedagogical Lead Consultant to ensure alignment with pedagogical goals and to receive mentorship and support when needed.

**Responsibilities will include but not be limited to**:
**Language Teaching and Integration**:

- Teach and incorporate Indigenous language(s) into daily programming through storytelling, songs, games, and other interactive activities.
- Develop age-appropriate language learning materials and activities for children, families, and educators. Use storytelling, songs, games, and repetition to encourage language learning and cultural expression.
- Work with the Indigenous Cultural Facilitator and educators to weave language into play-based and inquiry-driven learning experiences.
- Encourage and support educators in using and modeling Indigenous language(s) during daily routines and interactions with children.
- Determine the number of dialects or linguistic groups within the community and among program children. If there is more than one dialect or linguistic group, decide which one(s) will be taught.

Create language resources and activities with input from families, Elders, and other community members to ensure relevance and authenticity in teaching.

**Cultural and Community Engagement**:

- Partner with families and community members to ensure the language teachings reflect community values and traditions.
- Seek guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or language experts to maintain cultural authenticity and accuracy in programming.
- Facilitate opportunities for families to engage in language learning and cultural enrichment activities.
- Identify community members who can help with various aspects of local language instruction (e.g., storytelling, song-singing, or playing drums) and incorporate their knowledge into programming.
- Encourage parents to speak the language with their children at home and teach the language from infancy.
- On registration forms, ask parents and extended family members about their language skills and whether they would be willing to share these skills with the class.

**Communication with Families**:

- Provide weekly communications outlining language activities, vocabulary, and resources for parents to support language learning at home. Include traditional words from the language being taught.

**Team Collaboration and Support**:

- Collaborate with the Pedagogical Lead Consultant to align language teaching with broader pedagogical goals.
- Provide mentorship and training to educators on incorporating language into their practice.
- Work with the team to evaluate and adapt programming based on feedback and reflections.
- Assist in developing language resources for use in the center and at home with families.

**Program Development and Reflection**:

- Contribute to planning and evaluating culturally grounded learning experiences that integrate language teachings.
- Use observations and documentation to inform language programming and adapt activities to meet the needs of children and educators.
- Support the creation of a learning environment that promotes belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression through the use of Indigenous language(s).

**Qualifications**:

- Proficiency or fluency in an Indigenous language(s) relevant to the community served.
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and values.
- Experience teaching or facilitating language learning for children or families is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with children, families, and colleagues in a culturally inclusive environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with children, families, and team members.
- Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development related to Indigenous language revitalization and early childhood education.
- Early Childhood Education Diploma or related field **is an asset but not required.**:

- Current police check/vulnerable sector, First Aid & CPR Level C
- The Healing of the Seven Generations/Ga'nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre values diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices a