The Department of Visual Art and Art History in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design of York University invites highly qualified applicants for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) for an Assistant or Associate Professor position in Contemporary Indigenous Art. This appointment is contingent upon a successful nomination to the Canada Research Chairs program (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/) at the Tier 2 level. This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2024.

 

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program seeks to attract outstanding researchers for careers at Canadian universities. Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., within 10 years of attaining their highest degree at the time of nomination, with consideration for career breaks) who have the acknowledged potential to lead their field of research. Appointment to a Tier 2 Chair is for five years, is renewable once, and comes with enhanced research support from the program. Applicants who are more than 10 years from their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please see the CRC website for further eligibility details.

York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous women and Indigenous gender minorities among CRCs, this position is open only to qualified researchers who indicate on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below) that they identify both as Indigenous peoples of Canada (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, Métis) and as women or gender non-conforming (e.g., genderfluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, trans man, trans woman). 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.

 

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 and include the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services and Skennen'kó:wa Gamig, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students.

 

Recognizing that contemporary Indigenous research and scholarship tends to exceed the traditional categories of studies and studio practice, this position is designed as a research position informed by an expansive approach to studies, research/creation and the interconnections among Indigenous practices in the arts. The ideal candidate will be an Indigenous scholar and practitioner who challenges the traditional scholarship model through an expansive approach to research and knowledge generation. We are open to a diverse range of expertise and expression, including knowledge and practice in one or more areas related to contemporary Indigenous art: museum and curatorial practices; community-engaged work; public art; hybrid curatorial practices; critical race theory; settler colonial/postcolonial/decolonial studies; gender and queer theory; visual/material culture theory, among others.

 

Under the Indigenous Framework for York University the candidate will contribute to the support of First Nations, Métis and Inuit research and scholarship to build a more inclusive university environment that values the plurality of Indigenous knowledge and scholarship among students, faculty, and the university community.

 

The Department of Visual Art and Art History of York University is one of the leaders in art history and art practice in Canada. Recent renovations of undergraduate studio spaces, expansion of the MFA studios, and a visual art study centre are contributing to the growth of the department. The department is committed to teaching critical issues in art and art history, and to the ongoing development of programs in all studies and studio areas. York is a leading international teaching and research university, and a driving force for positive change. Empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective, we are preparing our students for their long-term careers and personal success. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet and our future.

 

Candidate Qualifications[1]:

• Degree: PhD/ PhD near completion by the appointment’s start, or PhD equivalent such as an MFA with a substantial record of professional experience, with a focus on Contemporary Indigenous Art is required.
• Scholarship:
  • A coherent and well-articulated program of research/research creation and/or professional practice and specialization in Contemporary Indigenous Art which may include museum/curatorial, community engaged practices, public art, hybrid cultural practices, critical race theory, settler colonial/postcolonial/decolonial studies, gender and queer theory, and visual/material culture theory.
  • A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and externally funded research and/or research creation.
  • A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field of visual arts through publication/presentation in significant journals/venues in the field; presentations at major conferences; awards and accolades; and strong recommendations from referees of high standing.
• Teaching:
  • A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students as demonstrated through the teaching statement; teaching evaluations; and evidence of teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovations including in high priority areas such as experiential education and technology enhanced learning.
  • Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
• Additional:
  • The candidate will be responsible for researching and developing courses building on Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and pedagogies. The successful candidate will teach, supervise, and mentor students at the BA, MA, and Ph.D. levels, commit to departmental and university service, and engage with York’s broad university community.

   

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 or by contacting Christal Chapman, EDI Program Manager (chapman7@yorku.ca; 416-736-5713).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous peoples of Canada will be given priority.
• York has a policy on 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 Rose Le Coche, Committee/Administrative Secretary, rlecoche@yorku.ca.

 

Application Process:

• Due date for completed applications: November 15, 2023
• Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) a letter of application; 3) a statement of research and teaching interests; 4) a current portfolio and/or evidence of research; 5) teaching evaluations; and 6) the names and contact information for three professional references.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Direct questions about the position to Rose Le Coche, Committee/Administrative Secretary, rlecoche@yorku.ca.
• Submit materials: at AMPD_CRC_IndArt

 

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 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, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework for York University.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile.

                                      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. Determined by the hiring unit and York University, not the CRC program.