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, Métis, 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.

 

 

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.