Language & Culture Coordinator
Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan. Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches. The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes: - 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits
- Employer Matched Pension Plan
- 15 Statutory Holidays
- Paid Winter Holiday Break
- Cultural Leave
- Discounted Silver Star lift passes
- Retention Bonuses after years of service
- 15 Paid Sick Days
- Paid Personal Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development Opportunities
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Start Date: ASAP Deadline for applications: Open until filled JOB SUMMARYThe Language and Cultural Coordinator will work closely with the Language and Culture Manager to implement and support the Language & Culture Strategy Plan. This role is responsible for advancing the preservation, revitalization, and promotion syilx language and cultural practices. The coordinator collaborates with fluent language speakers, knowledge holders, community members, and program staff to develop and deliver language initiatives, cultural programs, and educational resources that strengthen cultural knowledge, foster community engagement, and support intergenerational learning.
REPORTING STRUCTURE Reports to the Language & Culture Manager.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Support implementation of the Language & Culture Strategy Plan
- Coordinate language and cultural programs, workshops, and events
- Collaborate with fluent speakers, elders, and community members to preserve and share knowledge
- Develop and maintain language resources (curriculum, signage, learning materials, digital tools)
- Organize archives of recordings and cultural materials
- Assist with scheduling, logistics, and event coordination
- Ensure cultural protocols and traditional knowledge are respected in all initiatives
- Work with other departments to integrate language and cultural elements into programming
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES - Maintain program schedules, calendars, and bookings for language and cultural activities
- Prepare correspondence, reports, meeting notes, and other program-related documentation
- Track program expenses, invoices, and budgets in coordination with the Language & Culture Manager
- Organize and maintain files, archives, and databases of language and cultural resources
- Assist with funding applications, reporting, and compliance requirements
- Coordinate communication with staff, community members, and external partners
- Collect and organize participant feedback and attendance records for program evaluation
- Provide logistical support for meetings, workshops, and community events
- Ensure records are kept in line with organizational policies and cultural protocols
- Perform all duties in accordance with OKIB policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as required
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FORYou have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain
- Knowledge of traditional Okanagan cultural practices and protocols
- Familiar with a variety of language immersion delivery strategies and methods such as TPR, TPR-Story Telling, Where Are Your Keys, Paul Creek Curriculum, Fluent speaker immersion time
- Valid BC driver’s license, class 5 and reliable vehicle
- Valid criminal record check for vulnerable populations
- Preference for individuals with proficiency in Okanagan Language
Experience- Minimum 2 years of experience coordinating programs and events
- Experience in developing, managing and adhering to budgets
- Experience working with Indigenous communities, elders, fluent speakers, and knowledge holders
- Experience in report writing and evaluations
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)- Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
- Knowledge of Okanagan Territory
- Local knowledge of the surrounding area
- Exceptional written & verbal communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Suite
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and with changing priorities
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Stress and time management skills
- Self-motivated and engaged
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE$26.00 - $32.00 per hour dependant on education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.orgMail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011 The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
