Assistant Professor in Indigenous Practice

School of Social Work, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
The School of Social Work in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Professor position in Indigenous Practice. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience practicing and/or teaching Indigenous practice with individuals, families, communities and Nations. This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2025.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous faculty, this position is open only to qualified scholars who identify as Indigenous peoples of Canada (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or registered to a US nation whose homelands straddle the colonial Canada/US border). The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. To be considered, applicants must identify as Indigenous peoples of Canada on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below).

York University is committed to providing an inviting, rich and supportive work, study and research environment to Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. This includes: cultivating understanding of, respect for and connections with Indigenous communities; integrating Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research; collaborating with Indigenous communities; and supporting the recruitment and success of Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. These efforts are guided by the Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Council, and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://indigenous.yorku.ca/framework/ and include the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages https://www.yorku.ca/research/cikl/, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services https://aboriginal.info.yorku.ca/ and Skennen’kó:wa Gamig https://aboriginal.info.yorku.ca/skennenkowa-gamig/, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students.

The School of Social Work is committed to educating social workers in practices that further the goal of social justice. The successful candidate will demonstrate a substantive analysis of systemic oppression, and engagement with the School’s mission statement https://www.yorku.ca/laps/sowk/about/mission-statement/ in their teaching and scholarship.

Candidate Qualifications:
Degree: PhD, or PhD near completion in Social Work or a field related to Social Work such as education, sociology, equity studies or Indigenous studies. At least one social work degree (BSW, MSW, and/or PhD) is preferred. For applicants that do not have a Social Work degree, those with three years experience working within a human service organization or in social policy will be considered.
Scholarship:
• A coherent and well-articulated program of research and specialization in Indigenous social work.
• A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research and/or research creation.
• A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g., journal articles, books, book chapters, presentations, innovative knowledge mobilization).

Teaching:
• The School is seeking candidates to teach BSW- and MSW-level core courses from a critical perspective.
• A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., teaching accomplishments, pedagogical innovations, experiential education, course development.
• Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.

Practice:
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working with diverse and marginalized populations.
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience practicing and/or teaching Indigenous practice with individuals, families, communities and Nations.
Service: Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated record of service.

Hiring Policies:
• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here https://www.yorku.ca/vpepc/faculty-affairs/affirmative-action/ or by contacting Christal Chapman, EDI Program Manager (chapman7@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employes scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities http://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/accommodation-in-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities/ and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact School Director, Dr. Ruth Green (ruthkg@yorku.ca).

Application Process:
• Due date for completed applications: January 6th, 2025
• Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter; 3) research and teaching statement; 4) teaching materials; and 5) 3 writing samples. Three reference letters will later be requested from short-listed candidates.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Long listed candidates will be contacted by the Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives to discuss the Indigenous Peoples Belonging Verification Policy at York University.
• Direct questions about the position to School Director, Dr. Ruth Green (ruthkg@yorku.ca).
• Submit materials: https://apply.laps.yorku.ca

Learn More About York:
• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan https://www.yorku.ca/research/strategic-research-plan-2023-2028/ showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy https://www.yorku.ca/dedi-strategy/, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion https://www.yorku.ca/abr/ and the Indigenous Framework for York University https://indigenous.yorku.ca/framework/.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on Yfile https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/.

York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.

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