• Be immersed as a language educator in our vibrant community while celebrating and preserving Oji-Cree heritage
• Receive a competitive annual salary of $69,489 to $107,000, plus full benefits, relocation assistance & free accommodation
• Don't miss this chance to inspire young learners and strengthen the cultural future of Sandy Lake

About Sandy Lake First Nation

Neh gaaw saga'igan is the local translation of Sandy Lake, where the people traditionally and continues to live off the abundance of land as hunters and gatherers. Though wild game is still a staple in the diets of many, today the people of Sandy Lake enjoy games and sports such as hockey, volleyball, softball, taekwondo, golf, and other modern sports. 

Located 450 km northeast of Winnipeg and 600 km northwest of Thunder Bay, we are a remote, fly-in First Nation community located in the boreal forested area of Northwestern Ontario along the Severn River. Beautiful landscapes surround our community, giving our people the opportunity for outdoor and social activities all-year-round. In the summer, we go hunting, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter, we go ice fishing, play ice hockey, and marvel at the beautiful northern lights above our open skies. Getting in and out of Sandy Lake is very convenient, with daily flights chartered by Wasaya Airways and Perimeter Aviations, from multiple cities and towns in Winnipeg and Ontario.

For more information about our vibrant community please visit our website by clicking here. 

About the Opportunity

Sandy Lake Board of Education is looking for two full-time Oji-Cree Native Language Speakers/Teachers based in Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario.

Reporting to the Education Director, you will play a pivotal role in preserving and revitalizing the Oji-Cree language by delivering engaging, culturally grounded instruction that promotes fluency, pride, and community connection among students.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for teaching Oji-Cree to elementary students, with one role focused on K4 (ages 4 to 5) and the other on Grade 1 (ages 5 to 7), while integrating Anishinaabe culture, traditions, and values into daily learning experiences.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing and delivering age-appropriate lessons that promote speaking, reading, and writing in Oji-Cree
• Embedding Anishinaabe teachings, stories, and cultural practices throughout the curriculum
• Creating lesson plans and learning materials aligned with community priorities and student needs
• Assessing student progress and maintaining accurate records of achievement
• Collaborating with fellow teachers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to enhance cultural learning
• Providing mentorship and support to other staff incorporating Oji-Cree language and culture
• Engaging families and the wider community in language and cultural initiatives
• Participating in school events and professional development to strengthen program outcomes
• Teaching religious education within the curriculum, integrating spiritual teachings in a culturally respectful and inclusive manner

To read the full position description, please click here.

About You

To qualify, you will need to be a fluent speaker of Oji-Cree or a closely related language such as Ojibwe or Cree, with strong oral and written proficiency, and have teaching experience in a classroom or language instruction setting.

A Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, or a related field will also be an asset. Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification or equivalent qualifications in Native Language Instruction (such as an AQ or ABQ in Native Languages) is preferred but not required.

The following are required:

• Ability to undergo a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Experience developing and delivering curriculum for Indigenous language education
• Knowledge of Anishinaabe teachings, culture, and community values
• Understanding of oral traditions, storytelling, and land-based learning
• Skill in classroom management and differentiated instruction
• Ability to collaborate with teachers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers
• Familiarity with student assessment and reporting practices
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Sensitivity to and strategies for supporting diverse learning needs

As our ideal candidate, you will possess adaptability, cultural awareness, and a collaborative spirit, as well as a deep commitment to language preservation and student growth.

This is a meaningful teaching opportunity for someone who is passionate about revitalizing the Oji-Cree language and inspiring the next generation to take pride in their culture, identity, and community.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations or Indigenous ancestry. 

About the Benefits

Compensation based on certifications, skills, and experience is a competitive annual salary ranging from $69,489 to $107,000, plus a host of excellent benefits including:

• Extended health, vision, and dental coverage
• Relocation assistance provided upon arrival and departure ($1,500 for individuals, $2,000 for families)
• Two weeks of paid vacation annually, with additional community breaks (such as Christmas, spring break, or hunting week) determined at the Band’s discretion
• Provided individual or shared housing, depending on availability
• The opportunity to work within a friendly and inclusive community
• Work and live in a stunning natural landscape with wildlife, northern lights, and abundant natural wonders
• A vast array of community activities to get involved with including boating, canoeing, and our running club
• Social activities throughout the year that get the community socially connected with one another

For an extensive list of benefits, please click here.

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!