Aboriginal District Cultural Facilitator

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Aboriginal Cultural Facilitator develops and implements an Aboriginal cultural program to students and school staff that focuses on the Katzie, Semiahmoo, Metis and other Aboriginal cultural groups.  The Aboriginal Cultural Programs enhance the school-based curriculum and provide increased opportunities for Aboriginal cultural awareness to the school and local community.

An Aboriginal Cultural Facilitator receives assignments and direction from the Aboriginal Education Department, but reports to a school administrative officer when working in a school or classroom.  

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Improves student's basic knowledge of Katzie, Semiahmoo, Metis and other B.C. Aboriginal cultural groups' history and culture, including designs, drawings, paintings and carvings.

Creates positive awareness and understanding about Katzie, Semiahmoo, Metis and other Aboriginal cultural groups within the context of integrating Aboriginal culture, history and art into the curriculum.

Conveys knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history, culture and art to students/staff in K to 12.

Works closely with the classroom teacher and the school-based principal to support the implementation of the Aboriginal Art/Culture program for students.

Liaises with the classroom based teacher for effective delivery of the program.

Facilitates promoting cultural awareness for other members of the school community and contributes actively to the building of an Aboriginal presence in the schools.

Encourages parent participation as learners and teachers of their child's cultural heritage.

Develops, in consultation with teachers, strategies that will enhance the personal, social, and cultural development of students.

Assists the school in using appropriate Aboriginal community resources to enhance the cultural program of the students.

Liaises with and uses a network of Aboriginal parents, bands, urban organizations and other community resources to support the Aboriginal Cultural Program.

In consultation with the local community, Aboriginal communities and parents may assist and participate in the planning, organization, delivery and supervision of field trips, social events, sports and other activities including experiences in Aboriginal culture, heritage and spirituality.

Maintains files and records regarding services provided to students as requested by the Aboriginal Education Department.

Maintains daily logs on individual students and submit a monthly report to the Administrative Principal for Aboriginal Education.

Provides leadership and demonstrate enthusiasm for working in a climate of change and growth.

May work assisting students with the core curriculum at the appropriate grade level(s).

Collaborates with the Aboriginal Area Team by providing support and guidance to Aboriginal students.

Performs related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of processes in acculturation. 

Thorough knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and an understanding of problems, concerns and strengths in these traditions, together with the ability to assist with the bridging of cultures.

Demonstrates knowledge of the history, culture and values of Aboriginal people living on the Coast Salish territory.

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing and if required, some proficiency in an Aboriginal language.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and communities.

Ability to assist professional educators with interpreting needs where Aboriginal or other cultural differences are a factor in the school.

Ability to integrate, in consultation with teachers, Aboriginal art/culture for K to Grade 12 students.

Ability to understand and work with core curriculum at the appropriate grade level(s).

Ability to adapt to changing situations and to develop and maintain rapport with students, staff, parents and the community.

Knowledge classroom management skills.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12, plus an additional post-secondary program of up to one year in a First Nations field of study, such as anthropology, sociology and history, from a post-secondary institution recognized by the District.

Provides evidence of recent facilitating experience of at least one year, in Katzie, Semiahmoo, Metis or other Aboriginal cultural group's art and culture to primary, intermediate and secondary students.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence