Culture and Language Worker

ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)

Awarded BC's Top 100 Employers in 2026, the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T’exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.

We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN provides staff with an excellent benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, 3 weeks' vacation upon completion of probationary period, and many other benefits.

Deadline for Applications: August 14, 2026.

POSITION

The Culture and Language Worker is responsible for program organization and delivery to WLFN membership and surrounding areas. The Culture and Language Worker assists in offering regular cultural support to membership, staff, and external agencies. The worker will help promote cultural awareness and work with staff to plan and deliver land and culturally centered activities for all ages.

Employment Type

Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week). Non-standard hours of work will be required to accommodate the community needs and that may consist of evenings and weekends.

Probation Period

3 months from the date of hire.

Education Required

• Graduation from High School Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Secwepemctsín language classes would be an asset.

Experience Required

• Experience organizing and leading programming.
• Knowledge of Secwepemc values, territory, language and culture or
• Willingness to learn traditional values, language, and culture.

Overtime Status

Non-exempt.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote and support traditional cultural teachings and practices for WLFN members.
• Engage in collaborative community partnerships to promote traditional healing, teachings, and protocols.
• Assist in the delivery of traditional medicine education (ex., teachings, care for and use, storage, medicine bags, growing/picking).
• Support and participate in the planning of traditional dancing, singing, drumming, community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts, traditional and social events.
• Organize and participate in land-based activities, e.g., fishing, trapping etc./provide space and opportunities for traditional arts and crafts.
• Attend regular meetings with the Culture and Language team to ensure scheduling, planning, and implementation of all cultural events and activities.
• Regularly check and follow the Culture and Language events schedule that is overseen by the Culture and Language Administrator and Manager of Culture and Language.
• Complete regular planning and successful networking with internal and external resources.
• Assist in the development of culturally safety protocol for grieving, ceremony, and aid in reintroducing traditional practises to WLFN members.
• Act as a role model and mentor to members within the community.
• Liaise with Elders, traditional resources, and administration for ensure correct protocol is practiced at WLFN hosted events and services.
• Maintain an inventory of ceremonial items, supplies, and melamen for programming and clients.
• Work with local partners and non-Indigenous community service organizations and institutions to promote cultural competency, safety, and cultural sustainability.
• Work with partners and other governments to support the development and implementation of culturally based work plans that best support program and services.
• Collaborate with various related departments (Recreation, Health, Social Development) and other contracted professionals to support the delivery of a range of land-based healing and aftercare programs and services to clients and community.
• Organize and implement land-based healing & language camps.
• Assist with the development and delivery of Cultural Care Plans for mental health and substance use clients, health care clients, elders, youth, and at-risk membership.
• Organize and deliver ceremony (ex., tsqilye ceremonies, pipe ceremonies) either directly, or through coordination of support by Elders/Knowledge-Keepers).
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of Williams Lake First Nation.
• Contributes to the WLFN’s ongoing success by accomplishing other duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software at a beginner/intermediate level.
• Knowledge of Secwepemctsín language an asset.
• Knowledge of ceremonial rites, practices, and protocols.
• Knowledge of harvesting of medicines, foods, and hunting practices an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, very good judgment, and strong initiative.
• Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
• Operates as part of a team and is flexible about the boundaries and functions of the job.
• Maintains professionalism in all circumstances.
• Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and has an understanding of Indigenous culture.

Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

We thank all those individuals who applied. Given the large number of applicants we receive for our job postings, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.