INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL POSTING
Priority will be given to Cree Beneficiary
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Overview of iiyiyiuiyihtiwin Research and Development Department
iiyiyiuiyihtiwin is Cree ways of Knowing, Doing, and Being. The iiyiyiuiyihtiwin Research and Development Department’s role is to strengthen and support our iiyiyiu ways in all we do at the Cree School Board. This is key to achieving our ultimate goal of student success and miyupimaatsiwin.
iiyiyiuiyihtiwin is a priority of the Cree School Board and it is a main theme of the current Strategic Action Plan, which guides and supports our work. A major first step was the creation of the iR&D department, which reports directly to the Director General.
Our iiyiyiu values are our Guiding Principles with ‘how’ we work as a team. We guide and support the use of our language and culture in all we do. This takes many forms, from developing and sharing iiyiyiu educational tools and resources, to providing language and cultural expertise for projects, to making connections, and caring for the Circle of Elders who can accompany us in all our work.
Overview of the Role:
iiyiyiuiyihtiwin comes from the knowledge that the land has to offer. The land and the teachings of our elders and knowledge keepers are increasingly central to our education system.
The Land-Based Education Consultant (Coastal), plans and implements land-based education initiatives in support of the CSB iiyiyiuiyihtiwin Research and Development strategy. The goal is to equip the CSB to develop high-quality iiyiyuu academic models and competencies to support student success, provide language and culture expertise, and enable inspired teaching.
Reporting to the Coordinator of Land-Based Education iiyiyiu chiskutimaachaawin, the Land-Based Education Consultant (Coastal) guides and mentors teachers in land-based approaches and maintains effective communication with administrators, teachers and other stakeholders. The Land-Based Education Consultant (Coastal) works directly with teachers from the Youth and Adult Education sectors, as well as other departments of the CSB on the centralization of language and culture teaching and learning. The Land-Based Education Consultant (Coastal) plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful and impactful land-based learning experiences.
The Land-Based Education Consultant (Coastal) leads by example, fosters a spirit of teamwork, engages employees and facilitates a workplace culture in keeping with the CSB organizational values.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Departmental Responsibilities
- We work collaboratively. Our iiyiyiu values are our Guiding Principles with ‘how’ we work as a team. We guide and support the use of our language and culture in all we do.
- Collaborate with the Coordinator of Land-Based Education iiyiyiu chiskutimaachaawin in the development and execution of the departmental strategic initiatives and annual action plan for iR&D.
- Participate in the implementation of departmental initiatives, processes, internal procedures and policies, and ensure monitoring, as well as compliance in line with key performance measures.
- Implement and maintain up-to-date efficient and effective systems, databases/ files and administrative standards that respond to the needs of the department while supporting the overall organization and ensuring alignment with legal and governance requirements.
- Prepare and analyze select reports and circulate, as appropriate.
- Establish and maintain effective communications and relations within his/her sector, across the CSB and with external stakeholders.
- Provide pertinent information to and respond to queries from internal and external stakeholders, as required.
Role-Specific Responsibilities
Functional Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
- Support and train teachers in offering hands-on land-based experiences to promote learning and wellness for their students.
- Plan and implement land-based education projects in the region.
- Engage and collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure initiatives align with traditional knowledge.
- Keeping current in the field of Indigenous Land-Based Education.
- Network and collaborate with internal departments and external organizations.
- Conduct various administrative tasks.
- Work collaboratively, share knowledge, and demonstrate initiative and independence.
- Foster connections with self, others, land, community, and nation.
Main Tasks
Support and train teachers in offering hands-on land-based experiences to promote learning and wellness for their students. Examples include:
- Guide and mentor teachers in land-based approaches and methodologies.
- Lead and manage groups in hands-on, land-based experiential learning aligned with cultural values.
- Plan and provide virtual workshops on topics related to Land-Based Education.
- Collaborate with the land-based team to develop, distribute, and post resources.
- Balance traditional knowledge with educational requirements in all programming.
Plan and implement land-based education projects in the region. Examples include:
- Coordinate logistics for land-based outings.
- Ongoing communications with administrators and teachers.
- Consult with local schools and community representatives when planning to host activities within a community to ensure work is in line with community values and ways.
- Oversee and ensure the safety of all participants
- Develop resources, workshops, and demonstrations on safety to build awareness, understanding, and comfort.
- Take a responsive approach by adapting to and considering the evolving needs of students, the environment, and the community.
Engage and collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure initiatives align with traditional knowledge. Examples include:
- Engage and consult with Elders in program development, content validation, curriculum review and assessment.
Keeping current in the field of Indigenous Land-Based Education. Examples include:
- Conduct ongoing research on traditional knowledge.
- Conduct research and adapt best practices from Indigenous land-based education programs to meet local needs.
Network and collaborate with internal departments and external organizations. Examples include:
- Provide support and knowledge upon request from CSB staff, schools, departments and events.
- Network and collaborate with external organizations.
Conduct various administrative tasks. Examples include:
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate program outcomes and inform development.
- Create recommendations to advocate for land-based learning in the schools.
- Prepare reports following community visits, monthly updates, and end-of-year reviews to highlight challenges, achievements, resource development, collaborations, workshop data, platform usage, financial costs, and projections.
- Present updates on land-based initiatives to stakeholders
Work collaboratively, share knowledge, and demonstrate initiative and independence. Examples include:
- Facilitate team meetings to plan resources, support teachers, set goals, analyze data, and coordinate land-based activities and assessments.
- Submit planned activities or resources to the Land-Based Coordinator for approval and guidance.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
We welcome you to apply if you possess or are willing to develop your skills in the following areas:
Education and Certification
- Knowledge of iiyiyiuiyihtiwin (Cree ways of life).
- Bachelor’s degree in Education OR other Canadian teaching qualification OR similar experience.
Experience
- Knowledge of Indigenous Education and land-based education.
- 3 years experience in education, teaching, curriculum work or similar.
- Familiarity with traditional skills, crafts, and survival techniques is an asset. Candidates must, at a minimum, demonstrate a willingness and openness to learn.
- Classroom management skills required.
Language
- Proficient oral Cree;
- Written Cree is an asset
- Proficient oral and written English
Assets
- Valid Quebec teaching license (brevet)
- Bachelor’s degree is an asset
- Cree Teacher Training Program experience an asset; could include participation in: Cree Literacy Certificate, Certificate in Inclusive Education, Certificate in Education First Nation and Inuit – Culture and Language, as well as the Bachelor of Education Kindergarten and Elementary Education - First Nations and Inuit Studies
- Classroom and outdoor experience
- French is an asset
- Valid first aid certification
KEY COMPETENCIES (SKILLS AND ABILITIES)
- Knowledge of Cree culture and Indigenous learning is required
- Knowledge of related areas such as instructional design, Cree culture and history, and language
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across all levels and functions and to develop strong organizational knowledge
- Able to manage complex reporting relationships
- Adapts and responds positively to changing priorities in role and organization
- Ability to initiate, plan and manage projects
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, collaboration and negotiation skills
- Well-developed listening, communication and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated judgment and analytical skills
- Knowledge of iiyiyiu aschii, CSB organization, stakeholders, and processes is an asset
- Experience with Microsoft platforms is an asset
- Strong administrative skills (budget management, financial processes, application of detailed procedures and by-laws)
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Other/ working conditions
- Travel is required, typically across iiyiyiu aschii and occasionally to Montreal or similar.
- This position will be based in: Waskaganish.
