Deadline to Apply: Application Is Open Until Filled

If you or someone you know needs additional support to express interest in Mi’kmaq Language Services for data-related work, please reach out to us at data@unsm.org. Our team is happy to assist and accommodate your needs in any way we can.

Employment Term:             Short-term contract(s)

Overview:

The Mawkim Data Governance Team, supported by the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM), works with the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) to administer regional data collection and research processes that embody the principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®). The Mawkim Team services Mi’kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

To support the growing need for Mi’kmaq language resources for data services across communities, the Mawkim Team is seeking to establish a roster of Mi’kmaq language translators available for short-term contract work.

Scope of Work:

Successful applicants may be called upon to provide one or more of the following services: 

1. Mi’kmaq Language Resources: Develop and support Mi’kmaq language resources related to data services, including terminology lists, glossaries, plain language summaries, and culturally appropriate materials
2. Mi’kmaq Written Translation: Provide written translation between Mi’kmaq and English for meeting materials, reports, presentations, workshops, surveys, and community engagement resources
3. Mi’kmaq Oral Translation: Provide oral translation between Mi’kmaq and English for videos, audio recordings, presentations, meetings, workshops, and community engagement activities
4. Mi’kmaq Community-Based Language Support: Conduct language support activities within Mi’kmaw communities, including assisting with interviews, focus groups, surveys, and presentations delivered in Mi’kmaq
5. Mawkim Team Mi’kmaq Language Support: Support the Mawkim Team in strengthening Mi’kmaq language use, integration, and pronunciation across internal and external communications

Key Responsibilities:

Specific deliverables will vary by project but may include: 

• Meetings with the Mawkim Team: Translation support during in-person or virtual meetings 
• Word Documents: Translated terminology, reports, summaries, survey materials, meeting notes, or community engagement documents 
• Spreadsheets or Excel Documents: Bilingual glossaries, terminology lists, and other reference resources 
• Presentations or PowerPoint Documents: Slides or visual materials translated or adapted for Mi’kmaq-speaking audiences 
• Audio/Video Content: Voiceovers, interpretation recordings, or subtitled materials in Mi’kmaq and English 
• Plain Language Summaries: Concise, culturally relevant explanations of reports, survey results, or research findings 
• Community Engagement Materials: Handouts, guides, or workshop materials in Mi’kmaq for use in meetings, focus groups, or events 
• Terminology and Style Guides: Reference documents supporting consistent Mi’kmaq language use across the Mawkim Team’s communications and projects 

Qualifications:

Successful applicants must: 

• Be fluent in Mi’kmaq and English, with both oral and written fluency preferred 
• Be able to adapt language for culturally appropriate communication across a variety of contexts

Assets for ideal applicants include: 

• Familiarity with data-related materials, surveys, or research reports 
• Ability to translate technical, research, or community engagement materials accurately and sensitively 
• Previous experience as a translator or interpreter in research, public service, or community-based projects 
• Strong attention to accuracy, consistency, and cultural nuance 
• Strong written and communication skills