RRU has two faculty positions available for Indigenous scholars. The appointments are flexible as to the discipline of focus, and so this is open to Indigenous colleagues studying topics related to education, educational technology, learning design, critical pedagogy, education futures, online learning, etc etc, who may be situated in the same field as I am. A short summary appears below, but see the full posting (link above) for full details.

In collaboration with local First Nations, and with guidance from the Heron People Circle, Royal Roads University is committed to establishing an Emerging Indigenous Scholars Circle. The Circle is a community that provides connection, mentorship and support as emerging Indigenous scholars begin or are looking to augment their academic career.

Royal Roads is seeking two Emerging Indigenous Scholars to join our Circle. These three-year limited term faculty appointments will be at the assistant professor level. Indigenous applicants are First Nations, Metis and/or Inuit individuals who maintain ties to their nations, ancestors and families.  Emerging Indigenous scholars are early in their academic careers (ABD, or within the first five years of graduating with a doctorate, including those who have pursued non-academic work). We are seeking applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, areas of expertise and research interests who can contribute to our existing programs.

The successful applicant will be a faculty member based in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences or the College of Interdisciplinary Studies or the Faculty of Management, with the flexibility to teach, assist Indigenous Education initiatives and to conduct research in any area. They will have the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world through course development, teaching, and continuing to build upon their research interests.  RRU’s academic culture values research applied to real world issues, creativity, and the timely dissemination of knowledge that meets the needs of our communities.

The Emerging Indigenous Scholars Circle initiative to recruit a small group of recent or pending Indigenous doctoral graduates to three-year limited terms with the intention of providing these new academics with supported opportunities to teach, conduct research and participate in service to the academy and community to help prepare them for regular full-time roles at Royal Roads or at other institutions, or opportunities such as Canada Research Chairs. Recognizing that these scholars will be at the beginning of their academic careers, the Chair of the Circle will provide a robust support program that will include mentorship, training, and programming to augment skill development in areas such as learning and teaching, gaining research funding, Indigenous research methodologies, information literacy, understanding student support services and more. These scholars will also benefit from intentional activities designed to support them to learn and be in relation to local Lands, communities and teachings while also staying connected to their own communities. Peer support will be cultivated amongst the group, and networking opportunities would be sought for them as well. This work will rely on building strong relationships with our Heron People Circle and other local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

Since this is a special opportunity for Indigenous scholars, in accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, this opportunity is limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.  Applicants will be asked to complete self-identification information for the purposes of screening and consideration.  Please note that this information will be securely accessed only by members of the selection committee on a need-to-know basis and will otherwise be kept confidential.

Job Requirements

This opportunity is open to Indigenous scholars who maintain ties to their nations, ancestors and families through regular connection to their traditional culture(s). Arrangements will be considered to help successful candidates maintain close ties to traditional territories, sources of culture and research interests.

RRU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions can impact an early academic career. We encourage applicants to highlight in their cover letter how interruptions may have impacted them. RRU also recognizes the value of community service, professional service, and non-traditional areas of research and applicants are encouraged to describe these as well.

Ideally, RRU is looking for an individual who:

  • Is ABD within one year of degree completion, or has an earned PhD or other doctoral degree

  • Demonstrated commitment to continued practice of their culture(s), with evidence of strong ties to their nations, ancestors, families, and/or traditional Knowledge Keepers

  • Demonstrated experience building strong, positive relationships with a wide range of people, including Old Ones/Elders, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community leaders, Indigenous people living in urban settings, Indigenous and other scholars, and university community members

  • Demonstrated commitment toward advancing Indigenous knowledges, pedagogies and research traditions

  • Has exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

  • Is comfortable working in a team-based, collaborative environment