Teacher - Indigenous Language
Job Summary
Department Information
Join the dedicated team at SSDEC, responsible for delivering exceptional K-12 education to five vibrant communities in the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories. Our eight schools are the heart of communities rich in northern traditions and boast a combined student population of 1,300.
Job Information
Your New Community:
¿ Located on the scenic east arm of the Great Slave Lake in a wilderness setting, Lutsel K'e (population 350) is the most northern traditional Chipewyan community in the NWT. With unrivalled natural beauty, the deepest fresh water in the western hemisphere producing trophy sized lake trout, traditional hunting, trapping and artwork as centre pieces of the culture, the community is unique in the South Slave. As a fly-in community, Lutsel K'e is linked to southern destinations via daily scheduled air service to Yellowknife. Lutsel K'e is home to the Lutsel K'e Dene School (JK-12). With a dedicated teaching staff, and recent retrofit and technology upgrades, the school serves the educational needs of a predominantly Chipewyan student population. At Lutsel K'e Dene School, a high value is placed on the promotion of respect, self-worth, community, and high educational standards from both the Dene and Western perspectives.
About the Role
The Indigenous Language Educator will lead and support Chipewyan language instruction across grade levels, working collaboratively with classroom teachers to integrate language and culture into daily learning. This role is ideal for someone deeply connected to the community, with strong cultural knowledge and a commitment to passing on language and traditions to younger generations.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver Chipewyan (Dënes¿¿iné) language instruction for students across multiple grades
- Integrate cultural teachings, traditions, and land-based knowledge into language learning
- Support classroom teachers in embedding language and culture across the curriculum
- Create engaging, hands-on, and culturally relevant learning experiences
- Serve as a cultural resource and mentor for students and staff
- Participate in and lead land-based education activities
- Collaborate with Elders, families, and community members to support programming
- Assist in the development of culturally appropriate learning materials and resources
Qualifications and Experience
- Strong understanding and proficiency in Chipewyan (Dënes¿¿iné) language
- Deep knowledge of local Dene culture, traditions, and land-based practices
- Experience working with children and/or in an educational setting is an asset
- Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students and staff
- Willingness to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment
Preferred Attributes
- Experience or interest in curriculum development for Indigenous language learning
- Comfort working in a classroom setting alongside teachers
- Flexibility and creativity in delivering language instruction
- Strong connection to the ¿utsel K¿e community
Who You Are:
· Passionate leader and educator
· Familiar with the Fisher and Frey instructional model
· Collaborative spirit, with a dedication to our educational priorities
What We Offer:
· Competitive salary: approximately $95,232 - $153,748 annually
· Additional benefits including a Northern Allowance ($18,138 year) and relocation
expenses, as well as an administrative stipend.
· Opportunity to be part of a community with rich cultural heritage
Starting Date:
August 21,2026
Learn More:
· NWT Teachers' Association Collective Agreement:
https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/resources/terms-employment/nwtta-collective-agre...
· About the SSDEC: www.ssdec.net
· Application Process: Submit your cover letter, resume, educational philosophy (1-page
max.), and references (including current supervisor) to Souhail Soujah, SSDEC Superintendent, souhail.soujah@ssdec.org or/and Cora America, Assistant Superintendent, at camerica@ssdec.org
Requirements:
· Eligibility for NWT teacher certification
· Satisfactory criminal records and vulnerable sector checks (post-interview stage)
Note:
· Please indicate your eligibility for priority consideration under the GNWT's Affirmative
Action Policy
· Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
· This posting may be used to fill future vacancies
· We are an affirmative action employer and promote a smoke-free work environment
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Fort Smith HR Client Service Centre
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
195 MCDOUGAL ROAD
BOX 876
FORT SMITH, NT X0E 0P0
Tel (867) 872-8242
Fax (867) 872-3298
jobsfortsmith@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
More Information
Term Position
This job opening is for the 2026/2027 school year.
Indigenous Employment Policy
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.
Priority for Northwest Territories Teachers' Association positions shall be granted as follows:
- Priority 1: Teachers who have received official lay-off notice;
- Priority 2: Stage One Priority (S1P) - Indigenous people who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories;
- Priority 3: Stage Two Priority (S2P) - Indigenous people who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to areas of Canada, outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.;
- Priority 4: Indeterminate Teachers eligible for Transfer or Promotion and not included in Priorities 2 & 3;
- Priority 5: Term teachers not included in Priorities 2 & 3;
- Priority 6: NWT Resident Teachers not employed by the GNWT or included in Priorities 2 & 3;
- Priority 7: Teachers who are not residents of the NWT and who are not included in Priorities.
Criminal Records Check
Candidates must provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Job Opening Information
Job Opening ID # 27829
Closing Date: Open till filled
Salary Information
The salary for this position starts approximately $95,232 - $153,748 annually plus an annual Northern Allowance of $18,567.
Application Assistance
For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application