Elementary School Principal

NUSDEH WHESULH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Operated by ECHEN Healing Society

324 Hoy Street North, Quesnel, British Columbia

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Elementary School Principal

Full Time | Salary: $75,000 to $105,000 per year upon experience | Start Date: September 2026 About Our School

Nusdeh Whesulh Elementary School is a new Indigenous led independent school in Quesnel, BC, operated by ECHEN Healing Society. Our school is guided by Binygunchagh Deyen, which means Going Home in a Good Way. This philosophy is rooted in connection to the land and in whole human development. Students learn the BC curriculum together with land based teaching, language, culture, and community, so that each child grows in identity, belonging, and wellness as well as in academics.

Our school focuses on supporting vulnerable children. This includes children with higher needs, Indigenous children, children affected by violence in the home, children in care or transitioning from care, and families receiving parenting supports. Our classrooms are small, relational, and trauma informed, and students and families are supported by the programs of ECHEN Healing Society.

The Position

We are looking for an experienced and grounded leader to serve as Principal of Nusdeh Whesulh Elementary School. This is a full time position. The Principal will lead the school in its first years of operation, guide teaching and learning, oversee daily operations, and make sure the school stays true to Binygunchagh Deyen in everything it does. The Principal reports to the Executive Director of ECHEN Healing Society and works closely with staff, families, Elders, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership grounded in the BC curriculum, inclusive education, and the Binygunchagh Deyen philosophy of the school
• Lead, supervise, and support teachers, child development support workers, and school staff
• Oversee daily school operations, scheduling, budgeting, and record keeping
• Lead the development and review of inclusive education plans (IEPs) and make sure learners with higher support needs receive the support they are entitled to
• Build a safe, predictable, trauma informed school culture where every child and family belongs
• Champion land based learning, Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture across the school
• Build strong relationships with families and caregivers, including families receiving parenting supports, and connect them with wraparound services
• Work with Elders, knowledge keepers, community partners, and ECHEN Healing Society programs
• Meet BC Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements for independent schools, including reporting, inspections, and certification
• Uphold student safety, confidentiality, child protection, and duty to report obligations

Qualifications and Experience

• BC Ministry of Education and Child Care teaching certification, or eligibility for certification to work in a BC independent school
• Experience in school leadership or administration, or readiness to step into a leadership role with strong mentorship
• Demonstrated experience in inclusive education, including supporting children with higher needs and diverse learning profiles
• Experience working with vulnerable children and families, such as children affected by violence in the home or children in care and transitioning from care
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and strengths based approaches
• Understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, histories, and ways of knowing, and a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
• Strong relational, communication, and team leadership skills
• Clear Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector)

Assets

• Experience leading or opening an independent, First Nations, or community based school
• A masters degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field
• Experience with BC independent school certification, inspections, and Ministry reporting
• Experience with land based or outdoor education
• Knowledge of Dakelh or Tŝilhqot'in language and culture, or lived experience in Indigenous communities

What We Offer

• Salary of $75,000 to $105,000 per year, based on qualifications and experience
• Full time leadership position in a small school with a strong support team
• The chance to build and lead a new Indigenous led school from its first year
• [Benefits package details to be confirmed]

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, including two references, to ckelly@echenhealing.ca with the subject line “Principal Application.”

Application deadline: Ongoing. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.

Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants under Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This job is classed under School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education (NOC 40021) in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here’s how NOC describes the work in general; the posting above has the details for this job.

School principals plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of teachers and other staff of an elementary or secondary school. They are employed by public and private schools. Administrators of elementary and secondary education plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the academic affairs of a school system. They are employed by school boards.

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