okiskinohamâkew (educator)

Competition 781

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $64, 206 - $107, 006

Location - Work primarily takes place at  First People's House on 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 First Peoples 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 more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 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 for the Dean of Students and 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 encompasses numerous holistic programs to support the overall success of our FNMI students on campus, one of which is the Transition Year Program. The Transition Year Program (TYP) plays a unique and crucial role for many FNMI students, providing an in-person community-based program that celebrates and honors FNMI identities, languages, cultures and histories, while also establishing space and foundation for both personal and academic success wrapped in mentorship, empowerment from FNMI staff and Elders.

Position Summary

In the course of program delivery, the okiskinohamâkew, TYP is expected to work independently, and in cooperation with the other Associate Director. okiskinohamâkew will play a vital role in the overall design and implementation of holistic programs and services that are grounded in cultural ways of knowing and being that coincides with TYP's long-range goals and vision for the next seven generations of TYP students still yet to make their mark here at the University of Alberta.

The okiskinohamâkew, TYP must function collaboratively and meaningfully in the provision of holistic supports that assist with current, prospective and first year continuing TYP students, within the overall constraints of the operational needs of the program. The okiskinohamâkew is dually responsible alongside the Associate Director for the overall recruitment, instruction, retention and effectiveness of TYP. 

Duties

Curriculum Development and Teaching

• Creates a classroom environment that is equitable, kind and community and kinship based.
• Develop culturally relevant and academically sound curriculum with inclusive instruction (including grading) of multiple sections of UNIV 101/102 (1.5 units of course weight) specific to TYP students per academic year that encourages exploration of their traditional cultures and histories along with perseverance in their academic journeys.
• Is responsible for instructing 2-3 sections of UNIV 101 (fall term) and UNIV 102 (Winter) each academic year.

Program Planning

• In collaboration with the other Associate Director would develop academically sound and cultural-based programming for TYP students throughout the academic year.
• Supporting TYP students who require assistive technology, sensory tools, multi-sensory learning materials, video-based curriculum, project-based learning, and social-emotional learning tools in their success with TYP and their future studies.

Admissions Management

• Under the supervision of the AD FNMI, the TYP okiskinohamâkew would oversee the TYP application review, interview process, admission, and enrollment of applicants.
• Provides accurate assessment of FNMI student qualifications for strong candidacy towards acceptance into a university degree program and successful completion of TYP.

Minimum Qualifications

• Is First Nation, Métis or Inuit
• Is fluent in their tribal language (Stoney, Dogrib, Cree, Chipewyan, Dene, Inuit, Blackfoot, Ojibwe, Mechif)
• Is a traditional knowledge keeper/cultural ambassador with a deep understanding and connection to their First Nation, Métis or Inuit community and with Elders
• Broad and substantive experience as a cultural ambassador, traditional knowledge holder, an authentic leader, who has experience in student services, team building, and strategic planning
• Master's Degree required, post-secondary teaching experience strongly preferred

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)    a certified copy* of a Status card from the Government of Canada;

b)    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;

c)    a certified copy* of a Nunavut Trust Certificate card;

d)    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;

e)    written confirmation of Indigenous identity from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada or Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated;

f)     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 

• High level of diplomacy, ingenuity, interpersonal skills in terms of conflict management/problem solving and creativity under stress
• An educator who is respectful, experienced, creative, enthusiastic, adaptable and patient
• A collaborative leader who creates an environment where ideas and achievements are recognized, rewarded and celebrated at all levels