Instructor, Kwak'wala Language (KWA 096 in Liḱʷala language)

Position Summary

Course Description
KWA 096 introduces students to foundational Kwak’wala language skills, with an emphasis on listening and speaking through immersive learning experiences. Students will develop basic conversational ability, sentence structure, and pronunciation within Liḱʷala language contexts.The course explores a range of themes including greetings, social interaction, daily activities, community, environment, and culture. Together, these areas reflect Kwakwaka’wakw worldview and highlight the deep connection between language, identity, and ways of being.Students will also be introduced to learner strategies and approaches that support Indigenous language acquisition and ongoing language learning. Dialect
Instruction will be delivered in the Liḱʷala language. Delivery Format
This course will be delivered through an online synchronous format. Schedule
Thursdays, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The teaching faculty of North Island College are responsible for implementing the College’s vision, goals, and objectives as they relate to teaching and learning. To carry out their teaching assignments, faculty use organizational skills, inter-personal skills, and their knowledge of subject matter, pedagogy, and curricular design. In addition, they have a responsibility to serve as role models for students and colleagues.

The responsibilities and typical duties listed below constitute a generic job description for teaching faculty whose responsibility may be for the delivery of scheduled classes, the support of self-paced, on-line, and distance courses, and/or instruction and supervision in laboratories, practicums, shops, etc. Position Competencies - Creates a Positive Climate and Culture;
- Effective Communication Skills;
- Effectively Develops Goals & Objectives;
- Focuses Effectively on Key Results and Priorities;
- Demonstrates a Focus on Continuous Improvement;
- Interpersonal Effectiveness. Duties & Responsibilities 1.0 INSTRUCTIONAL

• To plan and prepare learning materials for instructional environments;
• To use a variety of approaches and materials, as appropriate, in order to address different learning needs;
• To teach in assigned subject areas and to include in courses, and in course outlines, all required subject matter or skill activity;
• To direct student learning in a positive, supportive, and caring environment;
• To be available to students regularly during scheduled office hours and classroom hours, to discuss their progress and other issues that influence their learning. (30 hours/wk.) (See Policy #3-03: Faculty Absence from Class – Cancellation of Classes);
• To clearly communicate in writing learning outcomes for programs and courses, and the way in which learners will be evaluated against those outcomes;
• To design and conduct evaluations or appraisals of students and to keep students informed of their progress;
• To submit grades in a timely manner, in accordance with Policy 4-14, Grade System;
• To maintain records of student enrollment and achievement and other records required by the College and affiliated agencies. At the end of employment with the College, to submit marks and student records to the department Chair.

2.0 COMMITMENT TO INDIGENOUS-LED, IN-COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

• Build and sustain respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous students, communities, leaders, and organizations.
• Actively engage with communities to ensure programming reflects local priorities, values, and knowledge systems.
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness, adaptability, and humility in navigating challenges and opportunities.
• Create culturally safe, healing-focused classrooms that support holistic student well-being—emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, and social.
• Guide learners in developing reflective portfolios that include personal values, educational and career goals, wellness strategies, and achievement plans.
• Integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, land-based learning, and intercultural teachings into curriculum design and course delivery.
• Encourage learners to explore and articulate their personal visions and belief systems in ways that reflect both individual identity and community values.
• Support students in building foundational competencies and essential skills for further education or career pathways. Examples of this may include but are not limited to: communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving, critical thinking and problem solving.
• Offer experiential, collaborative, and reflective learning to build student confidence and engagement.
• Collaborate meaningfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to ensure respectful, authentic learning experiences.
• Adapt teaching approaches to meet the diverse cultural, educational, and personal backgrounds of adult learners.
• Provide formative, strengths-based feedback aligned with holistic learning outcomes.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in Indigenous education, cultural safety, trauma-informed practices, and adult learning methodologies.

3.0 TYPICAL PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF INSTRUCTIONAL FACULTY

• To be aware of, and to work within, College educational policies;
• To be aware of the Education and Strategic plans and to contribute to their development and assist in the achievement of its goals and objectives;
• To advise the Department Chair, within a reasonable time frame, of items that need to be ordered so that inventories of books, supplies, and equipment are adequate for the courses taught;
• To advise the Department Chair regarding enrollment management (recruitment and retention) strategies for their areas of responsibility;
• To advise the Department Chair responsible, and the appropriate Administrator and/or Campus Health and Safety Committee, of any health and safety concerns and to assist, where possible, in rectifying the problem;
• To demonstrate knowledge of computer applications appropriate to the teaching environment;
• To maintain continuous professional development of competencies and qualifications as required in the appropriate discipline;
• To participate actively as a contributing member of the College community on College committees and other College-wide activities, where appropriate;
• To participate in department meetings and other department activities during normal working hours, when possible;
• To undertake other related responsibilities and duties which may be assigned by the College when course load permits.

Required Education & Experience - Experience teaching and mentoring in Kwak’wala language;
- Demonstrated experience working with fluent speakers, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers in language transmission;
Experience teaching, facilitating, or supporting adult learners, preferably in Indigenous or community-based settings ;
- Lived or community-based knowledge of Kwak’wala culture, history, and protocols
- BC Teaching Certificate or Provincial Instructors Diploma is desirable;
- Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis on second language acquisition such as Dr. Greymorning Method, Total Physical Response and comprehensible input methods desirable;
- Master’s Degree in Indigenous Education/Indigenous Language is desirable. Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities - Proficiency with Kwak’wala, proficiency with the Kwak’wala alphabet, and ability to work with fluent speakers to facilitate learning.
- Ability to teach foundational phonetics, pronunciation, and conversational language in accessible ways
- Skilled in creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded learning environment
- Background and knowledge in the use of student assessment tools and placement testing;
-Combination of excellent leadership and teaching skills with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success;
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills, particularly in an inter-cultural learning environment;
- Proven instructional abilities, using creative and motivating approaches to stimulate learning;
- Orientation towards student learning;
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to plan and prioritize, and efficiently meet deadlines;
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching approach
- Proficiency with computer applications and word processing.
- Preference will be given to qualified instructors with Indigenous ancestry.