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Elder In Residence/Cultural Advisor/Traditional Knowledge Keeper

Job ID41-EF-5E-CC-D2-D1
CompanyQueen's University
LocationKingston
ProvinceOntario
Date Posted2019-08-08
Posted Until2019-08-22
Job TypeFull-time
Job CategoryEducation
Job DetailsView attachment
Description
Reporting to the Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives; the Elder in Residence/Cultural Advisor/Traditional Knowledge Keeper will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the histories, traditions and cultures of Indigenous peoples, communities, and nations regionally and nationally. They are a person who can integrate Indigenous values and principles into all programming, lectures, and advising. They carry their own knowledge, lived experiences and life wisdom while respecting the locations of all students, faculty, and staff. They uphold the integrity of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Queen's University, while supporting and advising the institution on ways it can continue to reconcile, decolonize and indigenize.

The Elder in Residence/Cultural Advisor/Traditional Knowledge Keeper provides ceremonies and guidance to the Queen’s community as required and supports decolonization and indigenization from an Indigenous lens. They assist the Queen’s community in responding to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action by furthering Indigenous knowledge on campus.

This incumbent will enrich all Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Queen’s programs with their life experience, knowledge and ability to affirm Indigenous ethics and teachings. The incumbent will bring Indigenous community engagement into the university in order to strengthen relationships within and between Indigenous communities and Queen’s. The Elder in Residence/Cultural Advisor/Traditional Knowledge Keeper will help to link culture, community and academia; and teaches students, faculty, and staff how to work with Indigenous community and Elders.

This position may require the incumbent to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to accommodate events, classes, conferences and/or meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide cultural-based support, advice and assistance for students, staff and faculty.
• Assist in organizing social and cultural events that bring staff, students, and faculty together.
• Create, supervise and facilitate culturally oriented workshops and courses for students, faculty, and staff to improve cultural capacity and indigenous knowledge sharing
• Responsible for conducting guest lectures and participating in interviews and discussions.
• Work with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives staff to assist in the promotion of and awareness building around Indigenous cultural issues within the university.
• Facilitate, provide guidance and supervise ceremonial activities.
• Assist on advisory groups and committees, as requested.
• Other projects, as assigned, based on expertise and knowledge base.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must have Indigenous ancestry and demonstrated connection with an Indigenous community and other Indigenous networks, preference will be given to Indigenous Peoples of North America or Peoples of Turtle Island, including those who identify as First Nation (status, non-status, treaty or non-treaty), Metis, Inuit, Alaskan Native, Native American and Native Hawaiian Peoples.
• Demonstration and verification of life and work experience as an Indigenous person in an Indigenous community environment and/or under the guidance of an Elder which has allowed for Indigenous history and cultural knowledge acquisition is required.
• 3-5 years or more of experience working in an Indigenous community providing traditional services as an Elder, Knowledge Keeper or Cultural Advisor is required.
• Recognition by Indigenous community as having lived experience, knowledge and understanding of the traditional culture of community as well as spiritual and social traditions.
• Lived experience and knowledge of traditional Indigenous cultures, ceremonial practices, protocols and songs.
• Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions in the region and beyond.
• Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous traditional healing that may include the use of traditional plants used for healing.
• Familiarity with an Indigenous language would be considered an asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in mentoring and support.
• Well-developed skills in the preparation of informative and engaging presentations/training and teaching sessions.
• The ability to prioritize workload and deal with multiple demands.
• High degree of flexibility and ability to multi-task in a busy environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent leadership and teaching skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management, interpersonal and organizational skills as well as the capability to take initiative, solve problems and suggest solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with professionals in a team-oriented environment.
• Understanding of the continuum of mental health and the relationship between holistic health and academic success of students.

DECISION MAKING:
• Decisions regarding correspondence and recommendations to appropriate university bodies with respect to individual students/clients.
• Ability to distinguish between circumstances in which decisions can be made independently and those where consultation is needed.
• Ability to determine the best recommendations to make when approached for advice or resources.
• Decisions regarding how to go about getting the information necessary to make informed recommendations; exercise judgment on the quality and reliability of information referenced.
• Decisions regarding the coordination of information, material, facilities, and logistics for programming.
LanguagesEnglish
How To Applyhttp://clients.njoyn.com/CL4/xweb/xweb.asp?clid=74827&page=jobdetails&jobid=J0419-0858&BRID=EX131060&SBDID=22166&LANG=1