Indigenous Youth Intern

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders. 

For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

INDIGENOUS YOUTH INTERN

The Indigenous Youth Intern will develop skills and connect students with our local environment and First Nations culture through Experience, Development, Gratitude, and Engagement (EDGE). In addition to providing knowledge of residential schools, ceremonial practices, and traditions, the Indigenous Youth Intern leads instruction of cultural revitalization to guide and inform the students through their reconciliation journey.

As a member of our intern team, the Indigenous Youth Intern brings a passionate interest in boarding school life and fulfills a vital support role to faculty and the boarding culture at Shawnigan. Interns are steadfast supporters of the faculty team, the academic and co-curricular programs, and the School as a whole, adhering to and modeling School and House standards. Interns play a major role in being a liaison between students and faculty.

Successful candidates may have the opportunity to teach, co-teach, learn from experienced colleagues, develop curriculum, cover during absences, and engage in our vibrant co-curricular programs. They will also enjoy the many exciting opportunities that a boarding school provides while residing on campus and engaging fully in the program and community.

While Indigenous Youth Internships are one academic year in length, there is an option to extend for a second year at the invitation of the Head of School and Assistant Head, Academics.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of our team of interns, this role reports directly to the Assistant Head,

Co-Curricular, and works closely with the Student Life team:

·         Provide class coverage for assigned teaching department

·         Involvement in the extra-curricular program by helping coach a sport or assist in instructing an art or activity for the entire school year

·         Participating in / chaperoning off-campus trips with students and sponsoring social fun events

·         Provide duty within a boarding house, as well as weekend and evening duties, as necessary, around the school

·         Support the dining hall, Sportsplex, Library and Learning Centre through daytime or evening duties, depending on need

 

Reporting to the Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator, the Indigenous Teaching Intern is responsible for:

·         Sharing cultural knowledge and traditions including singing, drumming and language

·         Assisting in the introduction of Indigenous curriculum to Shawnigan students 

·         Collaborating with local First Nations and local school district 

·         Supporting community Indigenous projects 

·         Assisting in crafting a reconciliation action plan for Shawnigan students 

·         Lead outdoor classrooms

·         Other related duties, as required

 

Shawnigan will offer:

·         The opportunity to learn in one of Canada’s leading independent schools as well as its largest boarding school;

·         The opportunity to work with motivated and enthusiastic students;

·         The opportunity to develop key skills and subject knowledge;

·         An Intern salary;

·         Health and dental benefits;

·         Accommodation and all meals on campus;

·         Full access to our sports facilities and gym.

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates will have:

·         A minimum of grade 12 graduation

·         A degree in your chosen field preferred is an asset

·         Knowledge of and experience in sharing Indigenous cultural practices in a culturally sensitive and authentic manner;

·         Strong communication skills;

·         Ability to work collaboratively with a team;

·         Excellent organizational and time management skills;

·         The ability to use their own initiative and act as a good role model;

·         Experience coaching a sport and / or leading in co-curricular areas;

·         A willingness to contribute to the wider life of a boarding school;

·         A cheerful and willing approach with a flexible and positive attitude;

·         Professional in appearance and demeanour;

·         Eligibility to work in Canada;

·         CRRP Criminal Record Check clearance for working with children (administered by the School).

 

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please send a resume / CV and cover letter specifically expressing your interest in working at Shawnigan to the attention of Nigel Mayes, Assistant Head, Co-curricular, via email at [email protected].

 

Positions usually start in late August / the start of the academic year but we welcome applications throughout the year.