Language Assistant

Position Title:

Language Assistant Department:
Language & Culture

Terms:

Full-time, Permanent Reference #:  Purpose of Position

To work collectively with and mentor under the Language team, this position is responsible for helping plan meetings, gatherings, and organizing the learning resources the Language team utilize. The Language Assistant will help where needed with the bi-weekly Wumec.wílc re Secwepemctsín meetings and community language nights. This incumbent must have the passion and commitment to uphold the Shuswap Nation’s Declaration to preserve, record, enhance and perpetuate our language, history, and culture.

Assisting with the coordination, facilitation, and implementation of language initiatives identified by the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) for Secwepemctsín, with a focus on the dialect of the TteS. (95%)

• To uphold the 1982 Shuswap Nation Declaration to work in unity to preserve, record, enhance and perpetuate the Secwépemc language, history, and culture. To help and foster team spirit so staff, membership, and learners engage in the planning, development and implementation of our language programs and services where needed.
• To assist the language branch of the L&C Department.
• To help the L&C Department to plan, develop and implement language programs and services for all age groups.
• To work in collaboration with the Language team while they carry out work with the Fluent Elders to translate documents into Secwepemctsín and help develop language learning resources for community members.
• To help carry out the work identified in the TteS language needs assessment.
• To mentor under the Language team and external Academic Partners when classes are held to help further their own language learning journey and with our Fluent Elders.
• To promote and enhance the integrity of the Western Dialect of Secwepemctsín.

• To help with activities for language learning in community as needed and any special projects that may come up.
• Work closely with Elders to ensure their needs are met when they are on-site and build rapport with them to help in their own learning journeys.
• Aid in collaboration efforts with other TteS departments when needed to for “on the Land” activities, so we may provide opportunities for intergenerational teachings.

• To mobilize the community goal of returning Secwepemctsín to everyday use and intergenerational transmission by helping with language classes or other events within the Language and Culture Department.
• To assist L&C department staff and Fluent Elders in teaching Secwepemctsín and our traditional songs, dances, and stories.
• Assist classroom teachers in planning and delivering Secwepemctsín language lessons for learners ranging from beginner to advanced levels. To help promote our traditional intergenerational learning practices.
• Work in collaboration with Fluent Elders when developing language learning and teaching resources.
• To perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the TteS policies, standards, and procedures, and as directed by the Language & Culture Department Manager.
• To maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the Language & Culture Department and TteS.

• To aid in expense tracking with relevant department budgets as per Language and Culture Manager direction.
• Provide and maintain accurate financial information for programs and special projects.
• Assist with grant proposals and reporting requirements

• Understanding and knowledge of Secwépemc culture, language, customs, traditions, protocols, and challenges.
• Must have the ability to develop and maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with Western Dialect Speakers in the language and culture programs.
• Must be knowledgeable in reading, writing, and speaking Secwepemctsín, and willing to continue learning the language.
• Must be able to pass a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Section.
• Must have a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract.
• Travel may be necessary.

• Secwepemctsín Proficiency…