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Indigenous Language Educator (Chipewyan/Dënesųłiné)

Hay River, NT
CA$91,000 - CA$147,000/annually
Mid Level
Full-Time
Contract

Top Benefits

Competitive salary $91k-147k
Northern Allowance $12,995/year
Relocation expenses covered

About the role

About Us:

Join the dedicated team at SSDEC, responsible for delivering exceptional K-12 education to five

vibrant communities in the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories. Our eight schools

are the heart of communities rich in northern traditions and boast a combined student

population of 1,300.

Your New Community:

Located on the scenic east arm of the Great Slave Lake in a wilderness setting, Lutsel K'e (population 350) is the most northern traditional Chipewyan community in the NWT. With unrivalled natural beauty, the deepest fresh water in the western hemisphere producing trophy sized lake trout, traditional hunting, trapping and artwork as centre pieces of the culture, the community is unique in the South Slave. As a fly-in community, Lutsel K'e is linked to southern destinations via daily scheduled air service to Yellowknife. Lutsel K'e is home to the Lutsel K'e Dene School (JK-12). With a dedicated teaching staff, and recent retrofit and technology upgrades, the school serves the educational needs of a predominantly Chipewyan student population. At Lutsel K'e Dene School, a high value is placed on the promotion of respect, self-worth, community, and high educational standards from both the Dene and Western perspectives.

About the Role

The Indigenous Language Educator will lead and support Chipewyan language instruction across grade levels, working collaboratively with classroom teachers to integrate language and culture into daily learning. This role is ideal for someone deeply connected to the community, with strong cultural knowledge and a commitment to passing on language and traditions to younger generations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan and deliver Chipewyan (Dënesųłiné) language instruction for students across multiple grades
  • Integrate cultural teachings, traditions, and land-based knowledge into language learning
  • Support classroom teachers in embedding language and culture across the curriculum
  • Create engaging, hands-on, and culturally relevant learning experiences
  • Serve as a cultural resource and mentor for students and staff
  • Participate in and lead land-based education activities
  • Collaborate with Elders, families, and community members to support programming
  • Assist in the development of culturally appropriate learning materials and resources

Qualifications and Experience

  • Strong understanding and proficiency in Chipewyan (Dënesųłiné) language
  • Deep knowledge of local Dene culture, traditions, and land-based practices
  • Experience working with children and/or in an educational setting is an asset
  • Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students and staff
  • Willingness to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment

Preferred Attributes

  • Experience or interest in curriculum development for Indigenous language learning
  • Comfort working in a classroom setting alongside teachers
  • Flexibility and creativity in delivering language instruction
  • Strong connection to the Łutsel K’e community

Who You Are:

 Passionate leader and educator

 Familiar with the Fisher and Frey instructional model

 Collaborative spirit, with a dedication to our educational priorities

What We Offer:

 Competitive salary: approximately $91,000 - $147,000 annually

 Additional benefits including a Northern Allowance ($12,995/year) and relocation

expenses, as well as an administrative stipend.

 Opportunity to be part of a community with rich cultural heritage

Starting Date:

Agust 21,2025

Learn More:

 NWT Teachers' Association Collective Agreement:

https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/resources/terms-employment/nwtta-collective-agreement

 About the SSDEC: www.ssdec.net

 Application Process: Submit your cover letter, resume, educational philosophy (1-page

max.), and references (including current supervisor) to Souhail Soujah, SSDEC Superintendent, souhail.soujah@ssdec.org or/and Cora America, Assistant Superintendent, at camerica@ssdec.org

Requirements:

 Eligibility for NWT teacher certification

 Satisfactory criminal records and vulnerable sector checks (post-interview stage)

Note:

 Please indicate your eligibility for priority consideration under the GNWT's Affirmative

Action Policy

 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

 This posting may be used to fill future vacancies

 We are an affirmative action employer and promote a smoke-free work environment

About South Slave Divisional Education Council

501-1000

The South Slave Divisional Education Council (SSDEC) is the organizational entity responsible for the administration of public schools within the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Its responsibility includes all schools within the five communities of the South Slave (with the exception of École Boréale in Hay River). Specifically, it is responsible for schools in the communities of Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, K'atl'odeche First Nation, Hay River, and Lutselk'e.

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