oskâpêw (student helper) - First People's House

Competition 1434

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working in First People's House

The Dean of Students supports all students — undergraduate, and graduate — in the pursuit of academic and personal success. The Dean of Students collaborates with faculties, offices, and services across all campuses to deliver effective programming and provides leadership on university policies and initiatives. The Office of the Dean of Students coordinates many services that strive to create diverse and inclusive support in all stages of the student experience, including academic resources, career and professional development health & wellness services, and community resources. First Peoples' House provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) learners to achieve personal and academic growth. Respectful of the teachings of wahkohtowin (kinship) in the understanding that we are all related. The teaching is that we are to be mindful and respectful of each other as we journey Mother Earth together. Our vision is to demonstrate our commitment to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student community on campus and provide diverse support that reflects this responsibility. We will continue to honor a continuous ceremony of learning guided by our traditional teachings, and respecting the spirit of our ancestors and for all who came before us as we dream a dream bigger for the next seven generations who have yet to make the U of A their home. 

Working as an oskâpêw (student helper)

Responsible for contributing to the effective delivery and maintenance of culturally grounded and specialized programs that provide assistance to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students. oskâpêw provides information with a holistic lens of emotional, spiritual, physical, mental and financial that represents the full journey of a student. This support includes but is not limited to; housing opportunities on campus, financial resources, and personal support for FNMI students, and acts as a student advocate on matters involving academic intervention within a culturally defined scope, taking into consideration intrinsic cultural practices and socio-economic concerns. oskâpêw provides a strong link between students and the DOS, and the broader community on campus that supports FNMI  students' academic journey and personal development.

Duties 

• Effective program administration of First Peoples’ House 
• Understands wahkotowin (kinship) how in which we are all related and how we need to be respectful of each other as we journey this earth.
• Be adaptable as the successful candidate will have to walk in two worlds; staying true to their traditional teachings, ceremonies, Elders, TRC calls to action, FPH strategic plan and the IISP, while they also are required to comply with relevant U of A / DoS policies, procedures, and processes.
• Identify the needs and expectations of FNMI students to determine appropriate courses of action necessary to enhance their experiences at the University and improve satisfaction with FNMI student experiences. 
• Coordinate effective support delivery to FNMI students at the University Assists First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in their academic and personal journey with a holistic lens (emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and financial). 
• Work with Ancillary Services/Residences services to provide and expand housing options. 
• Provide consultative assistance to University faculties and departments relevant to appropriate and effective concepts of academic work with FNMI students.  
• Manage the Academic tutoring program and Writing Mentors program including hiring and monitoring of hours.
• Liaise with FNMI support agencies on and off campus Promote FNMI student concerns by initiating contact, negotiating, responding to requests, advocating, and acting as a resource with FNMI agencies, funding agencies, and other support programs such as First Nations or Metis organizations. 
• Act as referral service for FNMI students for off-campus agencies that support student mental health, cultural foundation, and the retention of FNMI students.
• Coordinate and facilitate student-focused monthly events, include but not limited to: the Annual Winter “Tawow” Fall Bridges Orientation program Fall and Winter convocation ceremonies Monthly FPH student gatherings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Holds traditional knowledge and Elder teachings with a strong commitment to ongoing ceremony and teachings.
• Holds ongoing meaningful connections to community, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and pivot to rapidly changing demands.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices.
• Excellent tact and professionalism to facilitate negotiation, conflict resolution, and handle highly confidential matters.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • To be considered eligible for this role designated for First Nation, Métis, or Inuit people of Canada for employment by the University of Alberta, applicants must provide one of the following forms of documentation:
    • a certified copy* of a Status card from the Government of Canada;
    • a certified copy* of a Métis membership card from one of the five Métis Provincial Affiliates or recognized Territorial organizations; Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Métis Nation British Columbia, Northwest Territory Métis Nation. Additionally, the student may present a membership card from the Métis Settlements General Council showing membership in a Métis Settlement of Alberta;
    • a certified copy* of a Nunavut Trust Certificate card;
    • documentation that an ancestor’s name has been entered 1) in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or 2) on the band list of an individual band, or 3) as beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement or other claim regions such as Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Inuvialuit;
    • written confirmation of Indigenous identity from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada or Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated;
    • written confirmation of membership by a band council which has enacted its own band  membership code

• *Certified copy references that the documents will be from a certified organization. Documentation does not need to be notarized to be submitted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in their tribal language (Stoney, Dogrib, Cree, Chipewyan, Dene, Inuit, Blackfoot, Ojibwe, Mechif) is an asset. 
• Relationship builder who creates and maintains authentic and positive engagement with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers (TKK), and respects all students within all levels of their journey at the UofA
• Demonstrated experience with developing and delivering culturally appropriate guidance sessions and materials in the scope of mental health, intergenerational trauma, well-being and addictions.
• Excellent and flexible in their approach and traditional knowledge when delivering to varied audiences such as with students, Elders, staff and FNMI community members.

Resume reviewing will begin two weeks from the date of this posting and will continue until the position is filled.