Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies

Posting Type
Permanent
End Date (if applicable)
Classification Title
Administration 12
Pay Band
12
Min Salary
$103,244
Max Salary
$137,659
Position Summary
As part of the Academic Leadership Team, the Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies provides leadership, strategic planning and Indigenous centered expertise, experience and cultural knowledge to advance Indigenous postsecondary education and applied research at the College. This role is imperative to the future of the College’s growth and relevance therefore, context-sensitive advisement to the Dean, Senior Academic Team, and the wider College community is critical. The Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies is responsible for the oversight of Indigenous Academic Programming, identification of new Indigenous programming opportunities, and facilitating relationships internally across the institution. With support of the Vice-President Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships and Strategies, the Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies will work with external Indigenous communities and organizations, in an effort to meet the needs of Indigenous communities in northwestern Ontario. The Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies is responsible for the facilitation of a supportive, culturally-safe learning environment for students by creating an equitable and respectful community at the College. The Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies reports to the Dean of the School of Health, Negahneewin & Community Services and works collaboratively with all members of the Academic Leadership Team in the design and implementation of college-wide and divisional goals and objectives to ensure that an effective learning environment is maintained for students, faculty and staff. The Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies works collaboratively with the Indigenous Content and Pedagogy expert supporting implementation of the Indigenous Learning Outcomes across all programs of Confederation College. The Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies, with approval of the Vice President Academic, may also lead special projects and initiatives in collaboration with the Vice President Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships and Strategies.
Location/Campus
Thunder Bay Campus
Education
Minimum level of formal education required for the position
Post graduate degree (e.g. Masters) or equivalent
Specific course(s), certification, qualification, formal training or accreditation required for the position
Additional Requirements
Knowledge of northwestern Ontario or northeastern Ontario, and consistent experience working with and in service to Indigenous Communities/leaders in this area.
Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous peoples, nations and confederacies. Familiarity with current governance structure and the legal, economic, political, social, cultural context and environment of the Indigenous Communities within northwestern Ontario, northeastern Ontario, and similar landscapes in Canada.
Superior conflict resolution, negotiation and collaboration/team building skills.
Excellent communication skills, including demonstrated logical and theoretical skills to communicate complex ideas
The incumbent must be of Indigenous ancestry (i.e., Turtle Island - First Nations Status and non-Status, Métis or Inuit) and have strong ties to Indigenous community. They must possess a deep knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions and understand the diversity of First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures. They have experience working with Indigenous communities, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Knowledge of Northwestern Ontario, local community structures, needs, and political environments is an asset.
Field(s) of Study
Post-secondary credentials at a graduate level preferably in Indigenous Studies, Counselling, Social Work, Political Science, History, English or related disciplines. Progressively responsible and equivalent experience along with a bachelor’s degree will be considered.
Experience
Typical number of years of experience, in addition to the necessary education level, required to perform the responsibilities of the position
Minimum of five (5) years
Type of Experience
Understanding of the national and international discourse on decolonization among Indigenous Studies scholars
Commitment to academic leadership in Indigenous Studies aligned with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) and addressing colonialism and decolonization strategies in the College
Understanding and appreciating Indigenous culture, customary knowledge and the lived experience of Indigenous peoples in northwestern, or northeastern Ontario and other parts of Canada
Understanding and appreciation of public post-secondary learning environments relating to Indigenous students, their learning experiences, persistence strategies, and graduation rates
Understanding and commitment to addressing systemic racism, discrimination and inequities experienced by Indigenous people as faculty, staff and in particular students in the postsecondary env