ECFNEP Cree Language Catalyst

The East Central First Nations Education Authority (ECFNEA)
Nipawin, SK

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Job details

Full-time
1 day ago

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
Communication skills
Driving Licence

Full job description

Employment Opportunity for a Cree Language

Catalyst at Bernard Constant Community School on

the James Smith Cree Nation

Location: James Smith Cree Nation
Type: Full-time School-Year Assignment
Reports to: East Central First Nations Education Authority’s Superintendent of
Education
Deadline: Open until the position is filled

Organization
The East Central First Nations Education Authority (ECFNEA) is committed to providing

the highest-quality Educational Services by our people, for our people. The Authority

focuses on developing and implementing Culture and Cree Language Programs to

address the needs of the First Nation communities it serves: the Chakastaypasin Band

of the Cree Nation, the James Smith Cree Nation, and the Peter Chapman Band.

The ECFNEA’s facilities include the Bernard Constant Community School located on
James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and a sub-office in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

To obtain more information on the ECFNEA, please visit our website at
https://www.ecfnep.ca/

The School
The Bernard Constant Community School is a dynamic Pre-K-Grade 12 school serving
approximately 440 students. The school is supported by a professional staff of more
than 30 teachers and a full complement of support staff. The focus of the Bernard
Constant Community School is Trauma-sensitive Programming, with a full complement
of a Wellness Team, a comprehensive Cree Language Program for all grades and
divisions, along with a Land-based Learning Program, a Cultural Program, a Sports
Academy Program, and a Treaty Essential Learning Program. Applicants who can speak
the Cree Language and can display knowledge of, and working experience in, the other
noted areas will be considered assets.

There are currently no accommodations available within the community. Teachers
travel into the community from local towns and cities such as Melfort and Prince Albert,
Saskatchewan.

Position Overview - Cree Language Catalyst
The Bernard Constant Community School is seeking a dedicated and fluent Cree
speaker to serve as a Cree Language Catalyst. This school-based role strengthens the
daily presence, use, and understanding of the Cree language throughout the school
community.

Working collaboratively with Cree Language Teachers and school staff, the Cree
Language Catalyst supports oral fluency, pronunciation, confidence, and authentic
language use in classrooms and school activities. This position emphasizes relational,
in-school support and modelling of spoken Cree in meaningful, culturally grounded
ways.

The successful candidate will help foster a school environment rooted in nehiyaw

pimâtisiwin, where language, culture, and identity are lived, heard, and respected every

day. The successful candidate is expected to commence their duties as soon as

possible.

Key Responsibilities - Cree Language Support and Fluency
In the area of Cree Language Support and Fluency, the Cree Language Catalyst will
perform the following duties:

assist students in building confidence and comfort using Cree orally;
model fluent spoken Cree for students and staff in natural, authentic contexts;

support classroom routines, transitions, and activities where Cree language is

used;

support Cree Language Teachers through in-class and small-group language

support; and

support pronunciation, conversational use, and everyday classroom language.

Key Responsibilities - Language Resources and Classroom Support
In the area of Language Resources and Classroom Support, the Cree Language Catalyst
will perform the following duties:

assist with Cree Syllabics where appropriate (knowledge of syllabics is an asset);
assist with preparing or adapting simple language materials for classroom use as

directed by the teacher;

support the use of Cree language resources currently in place within the school;

and

support the use of Standard Roman Orthography (SRO) in classroom materials.

Key Responsibilities - Cultural and School-Based Activities
In the area of Cultural and School-based Activities, the Cree Language Catalyst will

perform the following duties:

Support Cree Language and Cultural Activities within the school, including:

o language days or celebrations;
o seasonal and cultural events; and
o school gatherings and ceremonies.

participate in school-based cultural activities in a supportive, relational role; and

work respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural supports involved

in school activities.

Key Responsibilities – Collaboration and School Engagement
In the area of Cultural and School-based Activities, the Cree Language Catalyst will
perform the following duties:

contribute to a welcoming and inclusive school culture for students and families;
model positive relationships, professionalism, and cultural humility;
support a respectful, culturally grounded school environment; and
work collaboratively with Cree Language Teachers, classroom teachers, and

school staff.

Key Responsibilities - Role Boundaries
In the area of Role Boundaries, the Cree Language Catalyst will perform the following
duties:

does not design curriculum, evaluate programs, or lead system-level initiatives;
does not supervise staff or assume administrative authority;
is a school-based support role, not a curriculum coordinator or Authority

consultant; and

works under the direction of school administration and in collaboration with

classroom teachers.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and experience:

fluency in spoken Cree (Plains Cree)
eligible for a Saskatchewan Professional “A” or Provisional Professional “A”

teaching certificate

must provide a clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check;
must have a valid driver’s licence;
strong instructional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication

skills; and

strong understanding of Cree culture and community values.

Required abilities, knowledge and skills
The following are the required abilities, knowledge and skills for this position:

experience supporting cultural or language activities with youth;
experience working in a school or community education setting;

knowledge of Cree syllabics; and
understanding of nehiyaw pimâtisiwin and its role in daily life.

Working Conditions
This position is a school-based role during the academic year. Regular interaction with
students, staff, and members of the school community is expected for the Cree
Language Catalyst. Participation in school events or activities may occasionally extend
beyond regular school hours.

The Bernard Constant Community School is committed to strengthening Cree Language,

Culture, and Identity within our learning environment. Qualified community members

from the Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation, the James Smith Cree Nation, and

the Peter Chapman Band are encouraged to apply as are fluent Cree speakers.

How to Apply
Please send applications electronically in Word, to the undersigned, with a cover letter
and a minimum of three professional references including your most recent employer,
including the CPIC (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check), to:

If you require further information or to submit your application, please contact or email
to:
Jacklyn Burns, Executive Assistant and Human Resources Administrative Assistant
East Central First Nations Education Authority
Email: [email protected]

The ECFNEA wishes to thank all applicants who apply for these positions. However, not
all applicants will be contacted. Only those that meet the requirements will be
contacted.

Deadline for applications: Open until filled.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume with a cover letter and three
references, including the CPIC (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check),
to:

Jacklyn Burns, Executive Assistant and Human Resource Administrative Assistant,
East Central First Nations Education Authority
Email: [email protected]

The ECFNEA wishes to thank all applicants who applied for these positions. However,
not all applicants will be contacted. Only those who meet the requirements will be
contacted.

Position is open until filled.

Apply Now

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