Chair of First Nations Studies

Chair of First Nations Studies, University of Northern British Columbia
Prince George, British Columbia

UNBC is seeking a dynamic Indigenous scholar to be part of our community as the next Department Chair, First Nations Studies.

The Organization
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities. The university shares a strong partnership with all the Nations on whose unceded and treaty territories our campuses are situated, and with other First Nations and Métis communities throughout the North.

Located in northern British Columbia, UNBC is one of Canada’s best small universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, the environment, and the North. UNBC provides outstanding learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment. As one of BC’s research-intensive universities, we bring new knowledge to our students and to the world while fostering a welcoming community that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive.

UNBC is a university both in and for the North. This mission has instilled a strong sense of ownership, purpose, and adventure among our communities. We are also Canada’s Green University™, leading the way to a more sustainable future for all. The university consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s rankings and recently placed in the top 5% of the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.

The Department of First Nations Studies
First Nations Studies is a field of study that values knowledge, wisdom, traditions and histories that reflect the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples and communities. The Department houses innovative, inclusive, and transformative programs that will broaden one’s understanding of the world. We teach our students to think logically and creatively and communicate their ideas effectively, through oral and written means. We were the first university in British Columbia to offer a Bachelor’s degree in First Nations Studies and the first department in Canada to offer a Master’s degree in First Nations Studies.

The Role
This is a pivotal time for the Department of First Nations Studies at UNBC. The University is actively seeking to address in meaningful and sustainable ways the 94 Calls to Action from Canada’s 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission, more than one-third of which concern educators at all levels. The scope of Indigenous initiatives at UNBC are housed in our Indigenous Resource Dati and demonstrate the University’s commitment to reconciliation and action.

As the Chair of First Nations Studies, you will play a critical role in developing and growing the Department as the academic lead for Indigenous scholarly activity throughout the University and the region. Working closely with internal partners as well as with Indigenous leaders and organizations in the UNBC region, you will foster the Department’s development and growth. Collaborating with you in this role will be the First Nations Studies staff and faculty members. There is also a growing complement of Indigenous faculty across the university forming a community that this Chair can be a part of. UNBC also provides broad support for faculty to develop their research and teaching capabilities, a strong mandate for growth, a modern and comprehensive campus, and a distinctive quality of life across northern British Columbia.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Academic Leadership – Leads the Department of First Nations Studies in all matters related to academics and academic excellence. Plans and administers teaching needs of FNST academic programs, strengthens educational reach and impact of the programs, and supports and grows the Faculty’s Indigenous initiatives, teaching and research goals and priorities.

Collaboration and Mentorship – Collaborates with faculty, other Program Chairs, and Faculty Deans to improve recruitment, retention, experience, and success of students in the First Nations Studies programs, and intentionally mentors Indigenous students and faculty to help them reach their full potential.

Community Partnerships and Relationships – Develops and supports partnerships and education opportunities with Indigenous communities and organizations across northern British Columbia.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement – Gathers data, input, perspectives, and collaboratively drives positive change through informed curriculum proposals, decisions, and renewal.

The Ideal Candidate
As the successful candidate, you demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire others in a way that is consistent with UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná’, Dakelh (Carrier) phrase which means “respecting all forms of life.” You demonstrate leadership, initiative, and commitment to the Department of First Nations Studies, as well as the vision, capability, and capacity to lead First Nations Studies more broadly across the Faculty. You are a strong leader and caring mentor, able to teach in a range of subject areas as well as provide evidence of teaching and research excellence with a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing and being. A successful track record of administrative experience or leadership in education along with meaningful connections to Indigenous communities is required.

The First Nations Studies Program is strongly committed to building a team of First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit scholars and applicants for the Chair role will be required to self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) and able to provide proof of a connection to community.

Qualifications and Experience
• A terminal degree in Indigenous Studies, or another discipline with connections to Indigenous knowledges.
• Candidate will be Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and have ties to their community or communities.
• Candidates should be familiar with Indigenous communities in BC, and with the context of treaty history in the province.
• Candidates should be appointable as faculty at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with a strong record of research excellence and/or knowledge creation and sharing in Indigenous community contexts.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic setting.
• A track record of inclusive, effective, and student-centered teaching.
• An established history of positive contributions to academic and/or community administration and service.
• Demonstrated experience applying and extending Indigenous theories, methodologies, and pedagogies.

Skills and Attributes
• Indigenous cultural safety and humility, with the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of diverse Indigenous communities.
• A commitment to moving through the world embodying the 4 R’s of Respect, Relationship, Reciprocity, and Relevance.
• Kindness, empathy, and collaborative leadership, able to build trusting relationships with students, peers, leadership, and local community.
• A strategic and evidence-informed decision-maker with a strong sense of social justice.
• Strong understanding of how the principles associated with equity, diversity, and inclusion inform the strategic directions within institutes of higher learning.
• Strong community-based research skills, with the ability to communicate the value and importance of their scholarship in compelling ways.
• The ability to support and mentor faculty in a unionized environment.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Debra Clinton at [email protected], Kyle Steele at [email protected], or Dr. Jennie Massey at [email protected] or submit your full application package online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17845

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