Please note this posting is now closed

Language Director

The Woodland Cultural has for 35 years established a First Nations Language Department where Youth, Elders, Faithkeepers, students, and people of the Onkwehon:we Civilization can research, reaffirm, celebrate, learn, display and discuss their civilizations from the place of collective intellect that includes, languages, histories, the living Indigenous Arts and intrinsic moral intelligence. The areas of concentration of the Language Department include Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Research, Indigenous Languages and Spiritualities.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Language Director assumes the responsibilities for the development of strategic partnerships, programmes and initiatives related to the documentation, research, stabilization, and promotion of Onkwehon:we languages. The Language Director takes leadership in local and national strategies, resources, education and policy development with a view to enhance Indigenous language acquisition, bilingualism and literacy that support the competencies of the Woodland Cultural Centre stakeholders.

OVERVIEW OF REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

The Language Director shall have:
– An in-depth knowledge of and sensitivity to the traits, characteristics, intelligences and institutions of the Onkwehon:we Civilization, including their languages and spiritualities.
– A thorough knowledge and understanding of the histories, ceremonies, protocols and aspirations of the Onkwehon:we Civilization and the Longhouse Faith.
– Be orally proficient and literate in at least one Onkwehon:we language, as the collection is centred around the Cayuga, Onondaga, and Mohawk languages.
– Understand the fundamentals of polysynthetic languages, language acquisition, and bilingualism.
– Use a community-centred approach for networking with language educators and advocates, who possess broad networks and knowledge of language infrastructures.
– Experience in language leadership, teaching, and program development and implementation.
– A track record of strategic approaches with proven results.
– Experience in fundraising in the public and/or private sectors.
– Proven ability to develop and implement community collaborations.
– The ability to manage projects, finances, timelines, deliverables and staff teams.
– The ability to communicate effectively to a range of stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
– Excellent interpersonal, staff management and time management skills.
– Have a sound understanding of the tenets, characteristics and attributes of the Longhouse including but not limited to: Ganohonyohk/Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen; Gei: ni yoih wa: ge: /Kaie:ri Niiori:wake and Gaihwi:yo / Karihwi:io.

DOWNLOAD FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

All applicants for this position should submit a current CV or Resume, a sample of writing in an Onkwehon:we Language on the topic of their choice, and three references. References must include one community reference who can attest to applicants level of proficiency and literacy in an Onkwehon:we Language, one employment reference, and one personal reference.

Preference will be given to applicants of Onkwehon:we heritage.

Closing date: June 1, 2019

If interested, please send cover letter and resumé with references by Saturday, June 1st to:
Woodland Cultural Centre 184 Mohawk Street Brantford, ON N3S 2X2
Attn: Melanie Fernandez, Interim Executive Director
(519)759-2650 executive@woodlandculturalcentre.ca
Note: Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.