Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applications for:

Ojibwe Language Mentor

Supervisor: Early Years Director

Hours: 40 hours per week; Monday to Friday, rotating shifts weekly between 7:30am-5:30pm

Posting Date: January 24, 2025

Closing Date: February 18, 2025

Position Summary:

The Ojibwe Language Mentor plays a vital role in promoting and preserving the Ojibwe language among infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children, as well as supporting the Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). Working closely with the Family Language Coordinator, the mentor will create and implement monthly language sets that target commonly used words and phrases (25 per month) and integrate these into daily routines. The mentor will provide ongoing encouragement, motivation, and opportunities to practice the language in an engaging and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting Language Development

• Collaborate with Registered Early Childhood Educators to create an indoor and outdoor learning environment that supports Ojibwe language development.
• Prepare and ensure all materials and supplies for language activities are ready for use.
• Participate in program evaluations and suggest new activities or modifications to improve effectiveness in meeting children’s developmental needs.
• Document daily activities, behaviors, and relevant information in the classroom journal and complete other required documentation.
  Promoting Anishinaabemowin and Anishinabek Culture
• Deliver a variety of language stimulation activities focusing on monthly word sets.
• Increase staff awareness of Ojibwe language and Anishinabek culture by sharing information and conducting activities.
• Support staff in modeling and maximizing the use of the Ojibwe language in classrooms, including participation in seasonal ceremonies and cultural activities.

Additional Duties

• Maintain and enforce health and safety standards in all aspects of work.
• Step in as a Childcare Assistant when needed to maintain required adult/child ratios.
• Participate in the Community Emergency Response Plan during periods of community emergency.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Certificate or equivalent experience in the Ojibwe language.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Anishinaabe culture and lifestyles.
• Proficiency in speaking Ojibwe; fluency is an asset.
• Experience teaching words and phrases to children and adults.
• Clear CPIC and vulnerable sector check.

Skills and Abilities

• Patient and respectful approach to children and adults, regardless of cultural or life experiences.
• Ability to teach and model Ojibwe drumming, singing, and traditional crafts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a physically active environment (walking, reaching, bending, standing for long periods).
  Knowledge
• In-depth knowledge of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation culture and traditions.

Additional Information:

• Preference: Hiring preference will be given to Indigenous candidates; please self-identify in your application.
• Criminal Record Check: Successful candidates must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check. Employment is contingent on record check.

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following:
Cover Letter, Resume & Three work-related references

Submit Applications To:
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation – Human Resources Department

Email: human.resources@cottfn.com

Mail: 320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, Ontario, N0L 1Y0

Please clearly mark “Ojibwe Language Mentor Application”

Note: We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.