District Principal – Indigenous Leadership and Learning

District Principal – Indigenous Leadership and Learning

Competition #M-2425-003

ABOUT US:

The North Vancouver School District (NVSD) is dedicated to creating vibrant learning communities that celebrate diversity and cultivate equity. With over 16,000 students and 2,500 staff, we strive to inspire success for every learner on the traditional and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation people.

We are honored to work and learn on these and are committed to building authentic relationships that reflect trust, responsibility, respect, and collaboration.

CORE FUNCTION:

The District Principal of Indigenous Leadership and Learning provides direction, leadership, and support to schools and the School District in advancing Indigenous Education in alignment with Bill 40 and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). This role prioritizes building and maintaining strong relationships with the Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ), ensuring consultation with rights-holders on all decisions impacting Indigenous learners. Reporting to an Assistant Superintendent, the District Principal works collaboratively with other District Principals under the coordination of FOS Directors and may serve as Secretariat for the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) to ensure Indigenous voices guide planning and decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous education, prioritizing strong relationships with the Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ) and working closely with both Nations to align district initiatives with their priorities and perspectives.
• Ensure the District Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) reflects the unique and specific universal, targeted, and intensive needs, goals, and strategies of Indigenous students in the NVSD.
• Drive evidence-based decisions informed by consultation with rights-holders and develop short- and long-term plans to support the well-being and academic success of Indigenous students.
• Provide oversight and direction to the NVSD Indigenous Education Department, ensuring initiatives respect Indigenous sovereignty and align with the DRIPA Action Plan.
• Collaborate with schools to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history into the curriculum, ensuring all learners benefit from inclusive and culturally responsive instruction.
• Establish and administer the annual targeted funding budget for Indigenous Education in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council.
• Consult with local nations to develop, implement, and monitor Local Education Agreements (LEAs), Protocol Agreements, and fulfill commitments under the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA).
• Oversee the Indigenous Services Canada Nominal Roll and manage data reporting for the Ministry of Education.
• Collaborate with Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ), to develop and enhance First Nations language programs.
• Partner with colleagues in the district and Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ), to design programs and assessments that enhance Indigenous student success.
• Lead initiatives to dismantle systemic barriers, address Indigenous-specific racism, and foster anti-racist practices in schools and district programs.
• Facilitate IEC meetings and consultations with Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ), to strengthen partnerships and co-develop priorities.
• Liaise with Ministry leadership, Metro school districts, and other provincial organizations to ensure alignment with evolving priorities.
• Provide leadership for alternate programs, such as Eslha7an and Key Program, ensuring alignment with Indigenous and equity goals.

The preferred candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience and attributes:

• BC Teacher Regular Branch Certification or eligibility.
• Master’s degree in education (preferred) or equivalent graduate training.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person or extensive experience working with Indigenous communities will be given priority consideration.
• Demonstrated ability to consult with and respect the voices of rights-holders in all decisions impacting Indigenous learners, working collaboratively with the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
• Commitment to learning and supporting local Indigenous histories, cultures, protocols, and the contemporary challenges within the education system.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities.
• Experience in advancing racial equity, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices within educational settings.
• Commitment to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Effective leadership skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating district-wide initiatives and priorities.
• A track record of fostering respectful dialogue and consultation with diverse partner groups, including students, families, and rights-holders.
• Strong skills in data analysis, budget management, and evidence-based decision-making to improve student outcomes.

HIRING PROCESS:

• Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations will be consulted during the hiring process.
• Priority consideration will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, particularly those with lived experience as Indigenous persons and a strong understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary challenges within educational systems.

COMPENSATION:

• Our employees receive a very competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with the responsibilities of this position.
• The starting annual salary for the District Principal – Indigenous Leadership and Learning is $162,260 with progression based on performance to an annual salary range maximum that currently is $170,955.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Competition #M-2425-003
• Qualified candidates are invited to email a comprehensive resume, a statement of educational philosophy, and contact information for three current professional references. By applying, candidates consent to the NVSD contacting any references or past/present employers listed.
• Please indicate the competition number, and email your completed application to arichards@sd44.ca with Attention to Scott Stanley, Executive Director of Human Resources.
• Deadline: January 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected.

We appreciate your interest in applying; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The North Vancouver School District is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment which embraces diversity and honours and respects everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and welcome you to contact us confidentially if you may require an accommodation in order to participate fully in our recruitment process.