čɛpθ Cultural Support Worker

The Tla’amin Nation (TN) is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).

Position Summary

Job Type: Permanent Part-time, 30 hours per week

Hours of Work: Primarily daytime, occasional evening or weekend work may be required

Reporting to: Education Manager

Department: Education

The čɛpθ position works collaboratively with school leadership and staff to create a safe and welcoming school environment for Indigenous students and provide cultural enhancement experiences to students in classrooms, gatherings, at lunch, and after school.

The spirit of this position is captured in the word čɛpθ which is the ʔayʔaǰuθəm word for uncle/auntie. It speaks to the supportive relationship which is at the heart of this position. čɛpθ is meant to capture the essence that each uncle or auntie has their own unique gifts and talents to share with the child but is grounded in a deep care and interest in the child’s holistic well-being. čɛpθ implies a relationship with the family, community, and culture. In many Indigenous cultures, a čɛpθ is one of the most meaningful relationships a child will have and is foundational to their success as they become adults.  

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin laws, regulations, policies, practices and procedures as directed by the Education Manager. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to Citizens, clients, employees and general matters of the Nation.

• Welcome Indigenous students each morning, complete daily check-ins, and provide support for students to be ready for the day’s learning.


• Build trusting, positive relationships with Indigenous students and their families, and serve as a point of contact regarding students’ school experiences.


• Monitor student attendance and wellbeing, inclu ding conducting care calls or home visits when students are absent or appear to be struggling.


• Support positive relationships between Indigenous students, families, teachers, and school administrators.


• Collaborate with school staff, members of the Indigenous Education team, and Tla’amin Nation staff and community members to plan, schedule, and deliver a range of culturally relevant experiences to students in classrooms and assemblies which promote and enhance understanding of Indigenous language, culture, values, and worldview. 


• Collaborate with the Education Team around student support planning, documentation, referrals, and case-management activities.


• Identify students who may need additional support and, alongside the Education Team and family where appropriate, support referrals and connection to services.


• Support the development and delivery of workshops and in-services for school staff, drawing on knowledge of Tla’amin/Coast Salish culture and appropriate protocols.


• Support teachers to embed Indigenous perspectives in their classrooms and lessons.

• Encourage and support Indigenous students to participate in school activities, including extracurriculars and sports. 


• Plan and facilitate learning opportunities and programs during student lunch hour and after school specifically designed for Indigenous students (but which may be accessible to all students). 


• Attend school staff meetings, professional development activities, Indigenous Education staff meetings, and Nation staff meetings as directed, and meetings focused on an Indigenous student as requested.


• Participate in collaborative case management with the Education Team and school-based teams, including contributing observations, support planning, and agreed-upon follow up.


• Maintain timely, objective case notes documenting student interactions, supports, family contacts, referrals, and follow-up.


• Monitor Nation and school-based email accounts daily and respond accordingly.

• Transport students as required. 

• Sign-in daily at the school office.

• Perform other related duties as required. 

Qualifications

Training, Education, Experience

• Minimum Grade 12 preferred.

• Being of Indigenous ancestry.

• Evidence of traditional and contemporary learning and sharing of own culture.

• Experience working in a school setting and/or with school-aged children and youth.

• Experience providing social and emotional support to children, youth, and/or adults is an asset.

• Experience giving presentations to small and large groups is an asset.


• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Successful Criminal Record check with vulnerable sector check.

• Class 5 BC Driver’s License and acceptable Driving Record.


• Current Basic First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tla’amin history, culture, community, and practices, including appropriate protocols.

• Introductory knowledge of ʔayʔaǰuθəm or willingness to learn.

• Ability to work independently with all ages of children/youth.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of the Indigenous Education Team, school-based team, and Department of Education team at the Nation.


• Ability to maintain objective/confidential documentation.


• Ability to navigate referral pathways.

• Ability to use judgement, tact, and discretion when providing information, including the ability to maintain levels of strict confidentiality.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills. 

Working Conditions

Work will primarily be performed in a school-based setting, although some activities in the community may also be included. 

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter to:  

OR

Drop-off/mail Attention: Human Resources Department, Tla’amin Nation, 4779 Klahanie Rd, qathet, BC, V8A 0C4

This posting is open until Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.