Description
ABOUT FORT NELSON FIRST NATION
Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) is a Dené/Cree Nation located within Treaty 8 Territory in the Northern Rockies of northeastern British Columbia, approximately 7 kilometres south of Fort Nelson along the Alaska Highway. Guided by the vision “A Nation, A People – Strong, Healthy, Proud, Self-reliant,” FNFN honours the spirit and intent of Treaty 8 while stewarding its lands for future generations. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, the region offers a unique lifestyle with year-round outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Dene K’e Language Speaker supports Fort Nelson First Nation’s language revitalization efforts by promoting and strengthening the everyday use of the Dene Language within the community and Nation workplaces.
This role focuses on outreach, relationship building, and creating opportunities for community members and staff to hear, practice, and use the language in natural settings. This position works across departments and within the community to integrate language into programs, workplaces, cultural gatherings, and community events.
Responsibilities include visiting Nation offices and programs to share language in daily interactions, supporting language learning activities, and creating informal opportunities for staff and community members to engage with the language.
The Dene K’e Language Speaker will also help coordinate language programming, assist with language camps and cultural events, and help identify and connect with fluent speakers and Elders who can participate in language sharing activities.
Through outreach and relationship building, this role helps strengthen language presence in the community and supports the long-term revitalization of the Dene language.
Other related duties as required.
WORK SETTING
The regular work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 35 hours per week. This position works in a variety of environments including Nation offices, community programs, cultural facilities, outdoor and land-based settings, and community event locations. The role involves regular interaction with staff, Elders, youth, and community members and may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support community programming and events.
WHY WORK WITH FNFN
• Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications
• Three weeks vacation
• Comprehensive health, dental & insurance benefits
• Pension plan
• 35-hour work week, supporting work-life balance
• Paid Christmas closure (prorated)
• Meaningful work supporting the FNFN community
Starting Rate: $38.66/hr.
Qualifications
WHAT YOU BRING
Knowledge & Experience:
• Experience speaking Dene language
• Experience sharing language with others in community or program settings
• Experience working with Elders, youth, or community programs
• Knowledge of Dene language and cultural teachings
• Understanding of language revitalization and community-based language learning
• Knowledge of community cultural protocols and respectful engagement with Elders
Skills & Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to teach or share language in informal and welcoming ways
• Strong community relationship-building skills
• Ability to organize or support language programming and activities
• Ability to speak and model Dene language in everyday interactions
• Ability to work collaboratively with Elders, staff, and community members
• Ability to support language learning in workplaces, programs, and community events
• Ability to travel between Nation offices and program locations
Other Requirements:
• Compliance with BC Immunization program, TB Screening.
• Satisfactory completion of a police information check (vulnerable sector).
• Ability to provide own transportation to work.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and Drivers Abstract.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and community events
Optional/Assets:
• Experience supporting cultural or language programming is an asset
• Other certificates: First Aid, Food Safe Level 1, WHMIS.
How to Apply
Closes: August 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Please submit your resume and cover letter to recruitment@fnnation.ca.
Preference may be given to qualified First Nations applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Interested in other opportunities? Visit https://fortnelsonfirstnation.org/careers