Michif Language Research Assistant

MNA • Edmonton, AB

44d • Onsite

About The Position

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is recruiting for a full time Michif Language Research Assistant to join the Intergovernmental Relations department as a part of the Language Revitalization team dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Michif and other Métis languages. Reporting to the Michif Language Manager, and working closely with the Senior Michif Language Coordinator, the successful candidate will support the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s efforts to design and undertake language revitalization initiatives. The Michif Language Research Assistant will provide support to the Language team in research, language documentation efforts, transcription, and language data input and management to assist with language revitalization and reclamation projects, events, reports, and initiatives.

Requirements

• A strong passion for the Michif language and a commitment to its preservation and revitalization.
• Demonstrated community volunteer experience, showcasing the ability to engage with community members.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to work in a diverse and fast paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Receptive to constructive feedback, committed to continuous improvement, and aligns personal development with overarching team objectives.
• Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage deadlines.
• Ability to identify issues and implement creative and strategic solutions to overcome problems.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) or similar software.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential and politically sensitive information.
• Culturally sensitive and compassionate.
• Clear understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and knowledge of Métis history, culture, and languages, with an understanding of language revitalization principles.
• Post secondary education in Linguistics, Anthropology, Native Studies, or a related field. Relevant training and lived experience will be considered.
• Ability to work a regular schedule of Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, as well as occasional evenings and weekends.
• Some travel within Alberta is a requirement, including some overnight stays. Additional, less frequent, out-of-province travel may also occur, with notice.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and operational vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Michif language, history, and culture, and its significance within the community is an asset.
• Basic understanding of linguistic documentation methodologies is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the collection, organization, and management of Michif language data crucial to the department’s language documentation efforts.
• Assist in the accurate and complete transcription of audio recordings, interviews, and historical materials in the Michif language.
• Input language and transcription data collected in digital and physical formats into digital archives and language resource databases.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of corpora in all Michif languages.
• Support linguistic research by collaborating with other team members to produce academic publications on a variety of aspects of the Michif languages and current revitalization efforts.
• Maintain proper documentation and metadata for all collected research materials.
• Assist with the retrieval and analysis of language data, from both internal and external sources, as requested in the support of the department’s projects and initiatives.
• Assist Language team members with developing data collection tools and protocols to support the department’s projects and initiatives.
• Assist in synthesizing specialized linguistic research into easily understood and accessible formats for community projects and initiatives.
• Assist the Michif Language Programs Administrator in organizing community events, fostering community engagement, and facilitating team organization.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating community discussions on language revitalization and reclamation.
• Support the development of language revitalization workshops, events, and training sessions.
• Help engage fluent speakers of the Michif languages in documentation initiatives and oral history projects.
• Provide logistical support for outreach activities and language-related initiatives.
• Assist in organizing meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring smooth team operations.
• Support the planning and execution of Michif language events and programming.
• Assist in preparing progress reports, grant applications, and funding requests.
• Assist in maintaining an updated schedule of language research activities and events.
• Support volunteers and community members involved in language documentation, revitalization, and reclamation initiatives.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• The opportunity to work for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops.
• An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, languages, and art.
• Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
• Generous time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees