Cultural Mentor

Position Summary 

The main purpose of the Cultural Mentor role is to support teachers and staff within our three schools to implement a culturally grounded KEC Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Education Program. In collaboration with the KEC curriculum team and school administration, this role will also assist in organizing and facilitating culturally-based events and activities for students and staff that promote Kanien’kehá:ka culture.

Key Responsibilities  

Responsibility 1: Mentoring (40%)

• Provides cultural coaching and mentorship to support teachers and staff to implement the KEC Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Education Program and curriculum.
• Aligns coaching and training strategies with the vision and goals of the KEC and the Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Educational Program.
• Recommends and coordinates professional development opportunities for staff to increase their knowledge of Haudenosaunee culture and history of the Kanien’kehá:ka at Kahnawà:ke.
• Promotes and models the implementation of new and existing cultural programming within the school in collaboration with teachers and staff.
• Advocates for the continuation, strengthening and implementation of culturally rich learning

opportunities for students in all grade levels to ensure it remains a priority in the school.

• Mentor and support teachers in advancing their knowledge of our foundational Haudenosaunee teachings as well as Kanien’kehá:ka history in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
• Recommends new teaching materials and tools that align with the program of studies, ELOs, benchmarks and progression of learning.
• Assist in coordinating guest speakers, special events and projects that promote and enhance the social studies curriculum.
• To consult with curriculum consultants and the Curriculum Team Coordinator on all matters related to curriculum, education projects, programs, etc.

Responsibility 2: Collaboration & Support (35%) 

• Collaborate with the Kanien’kehá:ka Curriculum Consultant, identified teachers, and staff to ensure students have opportunities to engage in cultural learning opportunities and experiences.
• Consult with and collaborate with community members, and external resources that will support staff in acquiring and advancing Haudenosaunee cultural knowledge.
• To assist the curriculum team in developing cultural resources that support the holistic development of the student and Onkwehón:we ways of knowing.
• Collaborate with the school-based cultural committees to develop and plan culturally relevant events and activities for staff, students and families.
• To perform any other non-recurrent job related duties as required by the immediate supervisor.

Skill & Competency Requirements  

Core Competencies:

The necessary core competencies for this position include:

• Strong leadership, teambuilding and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment when providing mentorship to teachers.
• Solid time management, planning and organizational skills
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Ability to handle moderate stress and pressure
• Flexibility

Technical Competencies:

Required technical competencies for this position include:

• Strong knowledge and lived experience with Haudenosaunee culture, teachings and worldview
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of cultural resources and Haudenosaunee knowledge keepers
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment when dealing with teaching staff
• Creative and innovative
• Knowledge of curriculum related educational technology tools and apps an asset

Education, Knowledge & Experience 

• Proficient knowledge of Haudenosaunee culture and worldview
• Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahní:rats Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education an asset
• Knowledge of the Kahnawà:ke Education System and/or experience in working with First Nations educational systems is an asset.
• Multilingual proficiency in Kanien’kéha, English and French is an asset.