Čɛpθ Cultural Support Worker

Tla'amin Nation Cultural Support Worker

The Tla'amin Nation is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).

Reporting to the K-12 Education Manager at Tla'amin Nation, this position works collaboratively with school leadership and staff to create a safe and welcoming school environment for Tla'amin students and provide cultural enhancement experiences to students in classrooms, gatherings, at lunch, and after school. A key responsibility of the position is to be a liaison between the school and the home and provide general supervision and support to all Tla'amin students to make their educational experiences more successful, meaningful, and worthwhile.

The spirit of this position is captured in the word čɛpθ which is the ʔayʔaǰuθəm word for uncle/auntie. It speaks to the supportive relationship which is at the heart of this position. čɛpθ is meant to capture the essence that each uncle or auntie has their own unique gifts and talents to share with the child but is grounded in a deep care and interest in the child's holistic well-being. čɛpθ implies a relationship with the family, community, and culture. In many Indigenous cultures, a čɛpθ is one of the most meaningful relationships a child will have and is foundational to their success as they become adults.

Key Responsibilities

• Greeting students as they arrive each morning
• Doing a daily check-in with Tla'amin students and providing needed support for students to be ready for the day's learning
• Developing trust relationships with Tla'amin students in their school(s)
• Tracking Tla'amin student attendance and doing "care calls" home or visits when students are absent or appear to be struggling
• Being a contact for Tla'amin families about the school experience of students
• Establishing positive, appropriate, and productive relationships with students and their families
• Supporting teacher and administrator relationships with Tla'amin students and their families
• Collaborating with the Nation's Student Success and Wellness Caseworker, and other relevant staff, to establish needed supports for specific students
• Encouraging and supporting Tla'amin students to participate in school activities, including extracurriculars and sports
• Planning and facilitating learning opportunities and programs during student lunch hour and after school specifically designed for Tla'amin students (but which may be accessible to all students)
• Working collaboratively with school staff, members of the Indigenous Education team, and Tla'amin Nation staff and community members to plan, schedule, and deliver a range of culturally relevant experiences to students in classrooms and assemblies which promote and enhance understanding of Indigenous language, culture, values, and worldview
• Drawing on knowledge of Tla'amin/Coast Salish culture -- including appropriate protocols -- assisting with the development and delivery of workshops and in-services for school staff
• Supporting teachers with embedding Indigenous perspectives in their classrooms and lessons
• Maintaining a record of interactions with and about students
• Transporting students as required
• For timesheet purposes, signing-in each morning at the school's office
• Attending school staff meetings, Indigenous Education staff meetings, and Nation staff meetings as directed
• Being present, as requested, for meetings focused on an Tla'amin student and for Tla'amin parent/guardian meetings with school/district staff
• Participating in professional development days/activities as directed
• Checking work emails daily (Nation email and school-based email) and responding accordingly
• Performing all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla'amin laws, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures as directed by the Education Manager
• Performing other related duties as required

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a secondary school graduation program, or equivalent
• Being of Indigenous ancestry
• Successful Police Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
• Valid BC Driver's License, safe driving record, and possession of own transportation
• Evidence of traditional and contemporary learning and sharing of their own culture
• Previous experience working with school-aged children and youth
• Previous experience providing social and emotional support to children, youth, and/or adults would be an asset
• Previous experience working in a school setting would be an asset
• Previous experience giving presentations to small and large groups would be an asset
• A current First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tla'amin history, culture, community, and practices, including appropriate protocols
• Knowledge of ʔayʔaǰuθəm
• Proven ability to work independently and confidentially with all ages of children/youth
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a member of the Indigenous Education Team, school-based team, and Department of Education team at the Nation
• Proven ability to use judgement, tact, and discretion when providing information, including the ability to maintain levels of strict confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Working Conditions: 6 hours a day, 5 days per week Monday to Friday, including a 30 minute paid lunch break. Work will primarily be performed in a school-setting, although some activities in the community may also be included. Adherence to all WorkSafe regulations and safe work practices is required.