Native Language Teacher

Enjoy these benefits and more!

7 week summer break

1 week paid March Break

2 weeks paid Christmas Break

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

Generous Sick Leave

The Native Language Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality, culturally immersive Indigenous language programming (Oji-Cree, Ojibwe, and Cree) for KiHS students. The successful candidate will breathe life into the languages by integrating traditional knowledge, land-based learning, and First Nations ways of knowing, seeing, doing, and being. This role is crucial in revitalizing youth identity, enhancing student self-esteem, and building a supportive learning environment rooted in community values.

Salary: up to $120,369 per annum (Commensurate with QECO rating, certification, and experience)

Location: Any KOBE office: Thunder Bay, Balmertown, Sioux Lookout, or Dryden

Responsibilities:

• Will provide educational services, following the rules, regulations and guidance in the Ontario Education Act and as set out by the Ontario College of Teachers;
• Will provide virtual support of KiHS students from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, including 1 hour lunch break
• Will be engaged in communication with the parents, guardians, and students about progress
• Will encourage the students in the pursuit of learning;
• Will perform marking, administration and other assigned duties when not engaged virtually. The marking shall be completed prior to the beginning of the next school week;
• Will promote Indigenous languages (Ojibwe, Oji-Cree and Cree) and Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and living in courses of study and teach community values and beliefs;
• Will model and support community values; such as, but not limited to, respect for the Creator/Creation, for self, for others and for the land, promote Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being, including self-reliance, truth and honesty, justice, responsibility, generosity, cooperation and sharing, work ethics, courage, relationship building with others, modesty, patience, persistence and resourcefulness;
• Support the KiHS administration requests as it relates to the Ministry of Education Inspection.
• Report to the administration on the progress of students on request;
• Will implement individual educational programs (IEP) in cooperation with administration, special education resource teacher and classroom mentor.
• Will ensure that all reasonable safety procedures are carried out in courses and activities for which the teacher is involved and/or responsible for;
• Will act through proper lines of authority when communicating, seeking advice, assistance or clarification on issues;
• Will co-operate fully with KOBE staff and/or administration in all matters related to the instruction of students;
• Will teach the online instruction as per determined and assigned by the administration.
• Will teach 3 Language Courses/term
• Will develop, provide and meet the goals developed in the Annual Learning Plan/Work Plan;
• Provide Professional Development including,but not limited to, integrating KiHS Language Apps and Amisk Kishkeyihtamowin into courses and classrooms, support the Maamow Ochinaakatwopimitiyaak KiHS Service Model, participate in planning and delivery of Wellness Wednesdays
• Modify and Update Language courses on an ongoing basis
• Provide KiHS-wide virtual language learning opportunities connected to seasonal teachings and classroom learning
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging Native Language lessons across assigned grade levels
• Develop culturally relevant curriculum materials, visual aids, and interactive resources that reflect local dialects and traditions.
• Infuse traditional teachings, stories, and history into Ministry of Education-approved language curriculum outcomes
• Work collaboratively with the Landbased Team to integrate language learning into landbased activities.

Assessment & Student Support

• Maintain accurate class records, track language acquisition progress, and prepare report cards/progress updates.
• Will fulfill other related duties/requests as set by the KOBE administration, and/or immediate supervisor.
• Participate actively in school-wide activities and professional development opportunities recommended by KOBE
• Maintain strict professional ethics and confidentiality regarding all student and community matters.

Qualifications and Requirements

Language Fluency: Must be fully fluent in speaking, reading, and writing the local language (Oji-Cree / Anishininiimowin, Ojibwe / Anishinaabemowin, or Cree / Ininiwmowin).

Education & Certification:

• Possession of (or eligibility for) a valid Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Certificate.
• Alternative: Successful completion of an accredited Indigenous Language Teacher’s Diploma program (e.g., Lakehead
• University’s KITEP/Anishinaabemowik program) or equivalent certified elder/knowledge keeper status recognized by the Board.

Cultural Knowledge:

Deep lived experience and a profound understanding of Northwestern Ontario First Nations heritage, values, and community dynamics.

Technical Skills:

Comfortable using educational software and classroom technology (vital for KOBE’s blended and synchronized digital learning platforms like KiHS).

Background Check:

Must provide a clean and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.

Preferred Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both English and the native languages.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong collaborative links to the KOBE network.
• Resilience, flexibility, and a passion for community-driven Indigenous youth education.

Apply with resume, cover letter, and 3 references to

Hiring preference is given to members of the KO First Nations, and secondly to indigenous inviduals from outside the KO First Nations. Qualified members of First Nations are encouraged to apply.

Covid 19 immunization is a requirement for employment at KOBE.