POSITION SUMMARY

Seabird Island is committed to integrating culture, traditional curriculum, land-based learning, and cultural ceremonies and events within Early Childhood Development. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations families. We are seeking an Early Childhood Cultural Educator to join our team.

Under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Development, the Early Childhood Cultural Educator will bring culture and the Halqmeylm language further into programs and combine cultural practices with prevention strategies to support, connect and grow families. The Early Childhood Cultural Educator will use a holistic and traditional approach, grounded in First Nations understanding of family, kinship, and interconnectedness, to address gaps and strengthen community connections.

WORK THAT MATTERS

Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members

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BENEFITS & PERKS

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time.
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team,
• Casual dress code
  

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Cultural Enrichment and Education:

• Develop, integrate, and lead cultural educational programs that incorporate traditional knowledge and practices throughout Early Childhood Development programs and services.
• Promote land-based learning initiatives that connect children and families with the natural environment and traditional ways of life.
• Organize and facilitate cultural events and activities that celebrate First Nations culture and foster community engagement.
• Develop and maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation of program activities and outcomes.
• Write grants and proposals to funders for current and new programs.

Language Vitalization:

• Integrate the Halqmeylm language into Early Childhood Development programs, services, and daily activities.
  
• Collaborate with language experts and Elders to develop language resources and materials for early childhood age groups.
  
• Provide support to staff to integrate culture within programs.

Holistic Family Support:

• Work with families to identify and address gaps in services using a holistic and traditional approach.
• Offer support and guidance to families, helping them navigate available resources and services.

• Foster strong relationships with families, emphasizing the importance of kinship and community connections.
  
• Support departmental interconnected to provide seamless support to children and families, preventing any gaps in services.

Cultural and Traditional Programming:

• Plan and implement programs that blend cultural practices with prevention strategies to support family wellness.
  
• Collaborate with Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members to ensure programs are culturally appropriate and effective.
  
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, making adjustments as needed to better serve families and the community.
  

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Conduct outreach activities to engage families and promote participation in wellness programs.
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders.

Staff Training and Development:

• Provide ongoing training and support to staff in culturally relevant practices and approaches.
  
• Foster a collaborative and respectful work environment that values diversity and inclusion.
  
• Conduct regular constructive feedback to staff.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

WHAT YOU BRING

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or certification in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field an asset. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of
  education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Valid Early Childhood Educator certification an asset.
  
• Halqmeylm Intermediate Proficiency certificate.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in family support, early childhood education, or related services, with at least 2 years in a coordination role within a First Nations community.
  
• Experience working with First Nations communities and demonstrated cultural competency.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Proven knowledge and understanding of Seabird Islands culture, traditions, teachings, and community dynamics, particularly as they relate to children and families.
  
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, staff, and community partners.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'wqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage with and support families in our community and the communities we serve.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Director of Early Childhood Development

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Early Childhood Education. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? [email protected].

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest.Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.