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Faculty Position (Open Rank) - Director, Indigenous Studies

Job IDA4-92-5F-6A-AD-DF
CompanyWestern University
LocationLondon
ProvinceOntario
Date Posted2023-02-02
Posted Until2023-04-03
Job TypeFull-time
Job CategoryEducation
Description
Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabek,
Haudenosaunee and Lenaape Nations, lands connected with the London Township and Sombra
Treaties of 1796, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum.

Western University (Western) is a leading research-intensive university and founding member
of the U15. Western delivers an academic experience second to none and boasts a history of
excellence in fundamental and applied discovery. Established in 2003 with degree offerings of
minor, major and honours specialization, Indigenous Studies at Western is an interdisciplinary
program that examines the histories, cultures, languages and modern-day realities of
Indigenous Peoples and communities across Turtle Island and around the world. The curriculum
emphasizes theories, concepts, and methodologies related to colonialism, Indigenous
Knowledges, resurgence, and decolonization.

This is an exciting and pivotal time for Indigenous Studies at Western University! Initiatives
supporting Western's commitment to reconciliation - Western at 150 - alongside the
indigenization of the university's institutional practices and spaces - are resulting in a number
of ground-breaking initiatives. As the Director of Indigenous Studies, you will play a critical
role in developing and growing the program as the academic lead for Indigenous scholarly
activity throughout the University. Working closely with internal stakeholders such as the Office
for Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Student Centre, and Western's senior leadership
team as well as with Indigenous community leaders and organizations, you will foster the
program's development and transition into a larger academic unit. Supporting you in this role
will be a program coordinator and program assistant, Indigenous Studies Faculty, as well as
Western's growing complement of Indigenous faculty across the university.

You will be an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral thinker who can inspire, lead, and engage
others in a collective vision. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science, the
Director of Indigenous Studies will build student and program enrolment in Indigenous Studies
courses. The Director position will be for a 5-year term, renewable, and will have overall
responsibility for administrating the teaching needs of the program and overseeing the
academic counselling of students. Acting as the primary point of contact with Indigenous
communities with respect to the Program, the Director will develop partnerships with these
communities and urban Indigenous organizations to improve research, teaching, and related
cooperation. With an eye to growing the reach and impact of the Program, the Director will
work to improve the recruitment and retention of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students. The
Director will play a central role in making the IS Program the foundation from which Indigenous
scholarship continues to be nurtured and enhanced at Western.

As the ideal candidate, you have demonstrated experience in Indigenous research and
teaching, with leadership that encompasses both academic and Indigenous community
contexts. With a passion for mentoring and nurturing Indigenous faculty and students, you
have experiences that will prepare you to enliven, inspire, and further grow the base of
Indigenous scholarship in the Indigenous Studies Program at Western. You are a collaborative,
equitable, and inclusive leader, readily able to work reciprocally and respectfully with
colleagues and students across campus, and Indigenous Peoples, communities, and
organizations in local, national, and international contexts. You are actively engaged in
teaching, research, and service within or related to Indigenous studies.

The successful candidate will have a Doctorate degree or equivalent, completed or in progress,
in Indigenous Studies or a complementary program and will be appointed in the Indigenous
Studies Program and a department that best fits their research. Applications are encouraged
from those of any academic rank. Assessment of candidates will be based on their record of
Indigenous scholarship, as portrayed in their research, teaching and leadership, and the
impacts of their scholarship in university and community settings. Applicants considered for a
probationary appointment must have a demonstrated record of, or a strong potential for,
excellence in scholarly research and teaching, appropriate to career stage. Candidates
considered for appointments with tenure must have a strong academic record including
publications in academic and/or community outlets and significant experience in teaching.

The anticipated start date will be July 1, 2023, or as negotiated. As part of Western's
commitment to respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the
hiring process for this position will be limited to Indigenous applicants as outlined in Section
14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Candidates must self-identify in their cover letter. Salary
will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Start DateJuly 1, 2023
LanguagesEnglish
How To ApplyClick "Apply Now"

To apply, please visit: boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/1713. If you have questions or would like to
learn more, contact Kathy Rahme (krahme@boyden.com) and/or Mike Young
(myoung@boyden.com).

The deadline for receipt of applications is March 17, 2023, or until position is filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral
communication skills in English.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian
citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment
process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Mike
Young (myoung@boyden.com).