Culture, Heritage and Language Division Manager

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• Culture, Heritage and Language Division Manager

The swiya of the shíshálh people lies between Queens Reach in Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), ts’unay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (Jervis Inlet) and tewankw near Porpoise Bay. shíshálh Nation is committed to innovation in program and service delivery designed to assist our members and community to achieve greater independence, wellness and self-sufficiency.

Foundational to our shared work is the protection, promotion and practice of shíshálh culture, language and laws within our swiya.

Under the general supervision of the Chief Operating Officer or designate, the Culture, Heritage & Language Division Manager provides visionary leadership in the stewardship, revitalization, and promotion of the shíshálh Nation’s cultural identity, ancestral language (sháshishálhem), and community recreation programs. The Manager is accountable for ensuring that all activities within the division uphold the traditions, values, and aspirations of the shíshálh people while also meeting modern organizational and governance standards.

This role requires a balance of administrative expertise and cultural grounding. The Manager must be able to operate strategically at a governance level while also engaging directly with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and families. As a key member of the Nation’s management team, the Division Manager ensures cultural continuity, language preservation, and recreational opportunities are integrated into the Nation’s overall vision for community wellness, self-determination, and long‑term prosperity.

• Provide strong, culturally informed leadership to staff and contractors, fostering a supportive, respectful, and high-performing team environment.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of all division staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Establish division priorities that reflect the Nation’s Strategic Plan, cultural values, and Council directives.
• Act as a role model in living out shíshálh Nation values, ethics, and community responsibilities.
• Ensure staff capacity is built through mentorship, succession planning, and opportunities for Nation members to move into leadership positions.

• Design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that preserve and strengthen sháshishálhem, support cultural practices, and foster inclusive recreation.
• Develop multi-year strategies for language revitalization, including teacher training, immersion programs, and integration into schools and daily community life.
• Support Elders and Knowledge Keepers in transmitting teachings, stories, ceremonies, and protocols to youth and future generations.
• Expand recreational offerings to support physical wellness, social cohesion, and intergenerational learning (e.g., sports, outdoor education, cultural camps, wellness activities).
• Create systems to evaluate program outcomes and continuously improve services to meet community needs.

• Actively engage with Elders, families, and youth to ensure programs are culturally authentic, accessible, and community-driven.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, museums, cultural organizations, recreation associations, and governments to strengthen resources and opportunities.
• Ensure open lines of communication with community members through outreach, surveys, forums, and regular updates.
• Advocate for the inclusion of shíshálh culture and language in local, regional, and provincial initiatives.

• Provide comprehensive reports, updates, and recommendations to the COO, CAO and Chief and Council on cultural, language, and recreation initiatives.
• Draft policies, frameworks, and procedures that strengthen cultural governance, language preservation, and recreation standards.
• Ensure that cultural protocols are upheld in all Nation events, meetings, and activities.
• Overse…