Principal

Łuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime#1 Glacier Ave, Iskut, B.C., V0J 1K0Phone: (250) 234-3561 Åuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime (K-12 school) Principal Are you a passionate, dedicated teacher looking to be a part of a unique team at a community-based school? If so, this opportunity in Iskut, BC, is for you. Åuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime serves the Tāłtān Nation in Northern BC. In a stunningly beautiful outdoor setting with lakes, mountains, and streams. We are a trauma-informed school empowering strong, proud, and resilient children to rise above the effects of colonization, residential schools, cultural genocide, and racism. We are committed to reflecting and supporting the revitalization of Tāłtān culture and language and have a culturally focused educational calendar full of amazing opportunities for on-the-land and water learning. With 4-10 students per classroom, currently from kindergarten to Grade 11, class sizes allow for high-quality instruction. Each classroom also has a designated Educational Assistant, with another assistant designated to students with exceptionalities. Our Guiding FoundationsThe principal of Łuwechŏn Kots’ede’i Kime leads from within the First Peoples Principles of Learning, understanding that learning is holistic, relational, experiential, and grounded in place, story, memory, and identity. The school community — students and staff alike — is understood as a community of learners. The principal models this by remaining a learner themselves: curious, humble, and responsive to the Iskut community’s knowledge and direction. The RoleReporting to the Iskut Band Council Education Manager and working in collaboration with the First Nations Schools Authority (FNSA), and the First Nations Educational Steering Committee (FNESC), the Principal provides educational leadership across the whole school. This is not simply a desk role — it is a deeply relational, land-connected, community-embedded position. The right candidate is equally comfortable in a governance meeting, a classroom, and on the land.  Leadership Responsibilities• Lead with a clear, shared vision of Łuwechŏn Kots’ede’i Kime as a healing-centred, culturally grounded, high-expectation learning community.• Foster a school culture in which every student, teacher, and staff member feels valued, seen, and supported to grow.• Model the First Peoples Principles of Learning in daily leadership practice, including patience, humility, relationality, and deep listening.• Champion the identity and wellbeing of Iskut students as the foundation of academic success.• Build and sustain a school-wide community of mindful, reflective learners — staff and students together.• Ensure school grants are applied for in a timely manner and deadlines met Instructional Leadership and Teacher Support• Support teachers in delivering the BC curriculum with cultural responsiveness, trauma awareness, and pedagogical excellence.• Provide meaningful, ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development to all teaching and support staff.• Lead collaborative planning, professional learning communities, and reflective practice across the school.• Conduct regular classroom observations and offer constructive, growth-focused feedback that strengthens teacher practice.• Recruit, onboard, and retain educators who are committed to Indigenous education and the Iskut Band Council and community’s vision.• Create structures that support teacher wellbeing, reduce isolation in a small-school setting, and nurture long-term staff retention. BC Curriculum and FNSA Partnership• Oversee full implementation of the BC K–12 curriculum, including Core Competencies and Big Ideas, across all grade levels.• Participate actively in FNSA networks, principal cohorts, and professional development opportunities.• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Iskut Band Council and FNSA• Lead school-based curriculum review and improvement processes grounded in both BC requirements and community priorities. Land-Based and Culturally Responsive Teaching• Ensure that Tāłtān knowledge, language, culture, and land-based learning are woven throughout the school’s educational calendar and daily life.• Build and maintain genuine relationships with Tāłtān Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members as essential partners in the school.• Support and expand on-the-land and on-the-water learning experiences that connect students to Tāłtān territory and ways of knowing.• Engage authentically with the process of reconciliation and lead the school in doing the same. Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centred Practice• Lead a whole-school, trauma-informed approach that supports the wellbeing of every student and staff member.• Ensure restorative, healing-centred practices are embedded in school policy, discipline, and conflict resolution at every level.• Oversee support structures for students with complex needs, working closely with families, counsellors, and community supports.• Recognize the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma on the school community and lead with compassion, consistency, and care. Family and Community Engagement• Build and sustain deep, trust-based relationships with Tāłtān families, the Iskut Band Council, and the broader community.• Ensure families are genuine partners in their children’s education, with open and culturally respectful communication.• Represent the school with integrity at community meetings, Band Council sessions, and FNSA events. Administration and Operations• Manage school operations including timetabling, budgeting, enrolment, staff scheduling, and facility oversight.• Ensure compliance with FNSA protocols and all relevant provincial and federal requirements.• Maintain accurate student records, reporting, and communication with all governing bodies. Requirements:• Valid BC Teaching Certificate in good standing with the BC Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB), with administrative certification or demonstrated eligibility — mandatory prior to start date.• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience, with leadership or administrative experience strongly preferred.• Demonstrated experience in or deep commitment to Indigenous education, First Nations pedagogy, and culturally sustaining leadership.• Knowledge of the BC K–12 curriculum, Core Competencies, and Big Ideas across multiple grade levels.• Familiarity with the First Nations Schools Authority (FNSA) or willingness to build this knowledge quickly.• Demonstrated training or practice in trauma-informed and/or healing-centred approaches, at the whole-school level.• Criminal Record Check including vulnerable sector screening (required before start date).• Genuine, demonstrated commitment to reconciliation and to working respectfully within Tāłtān Nation and Iskut community values and protocols.• Priority consideration will be given to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants. Assets (Valued but Not Required)• Knowledge of or willingness to learn some of the Tāłtān language.• Experience leading in a small, rural, or remote Indigenous school community.• Established relationships with the FNSA, BC Ministry of Education, or First Nations education networks.• Experience with multi-grade or combined-class school models.• Comfort with outdoor and land-based learning and community life in a northern BC setting. Åuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime offers:• Competitive salary based on the Kitimat/Stikine SD#87 grid, commensurate with qualifications and experience.• Subsidized furnished housing available at very low cost.• Moving allowance of $1,000 to relocate to Iskut.• 10-month administrative contract, with possibility of renewal.• Ongoing professional development through the FNSA and Indigenous education networks.• The rare opportunity to lead a small, deeply connected school with community support.• World-class outdoor activities — lakes, mountains, fishing, hiking, and more.• Opportunities to learn and engage with Tāłtān culture, language, and people.• A supportive Iskut community environment rooted in shared purpose and collective care. Ready to join our community? This position is open until filled — we encourage you to apply early. Submit a resume and cover letter, with a brief statement describing your approach to culturally responsive, trauma-informed teaching in the primary years. We warmly welcome applications that speak honestly to your journey, your relationship to Indigenous education, and what draws you to Łuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime. If you are interested in working, learning, and growing at Łuwechōn Kots’ede’i Kime, please send your resume, cover letter and 3 references to: Education Manager: jolenehawkins@iskut.org Principal: rosehodwitz@iskut.org Hiring Coordinator: ann@okimaw.com