The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured position as Chair of the Department of First Nations Studies at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proposed starting date of July 1, 2025. As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship.

This is a pivotal time for the Department of First Nations Studies at UNBC. The University is actively seeking to address in meaningful and sustainable ways the 94 Calls to Action from Canada's 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission, more than one-third of which concern educators at all levels. The scope of Indigenous initiatives at UNBC are housed in our Indigenous Resource Dati and demonstrate the University’s commitment to reconciliation and action. This is a pivotal time for the Department of First Nations Studies at UNBC. The University is actively seeking to address in meaningful and sustainable ways the 94 Calls to Action from Canada's 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission, more than one-third of which concern educators at all levels. The scope of Indigenous initiatives at UNBC are housed in our Indigenous Resource Dati and demonstrate the University’s commitment to reconciliation and action. As the Chair of First Nations Studies, you will play a critical role in developing and growing the Department as the academic lead for Indigenous scholarly activity throughout the University and the region. Working closely with internal partners as well as with Indigenous leaders and organizations in the UNBC region, you will foster the Department’s development and growth. Collaborating with you in this role will be the First Nations Studies staff and faculty members. There is also a growing complement of Indigenous faculty across the university forming a community that this Chair can be a part of. UNBC also provides broad support for faculty to develop their research and teaching capabilities, a strong mandate for growth, a modern and comprehensive campus, and a distinctive quality of life across northern British Columbia.

As the successful candidate, you demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire others in a way that is consistent with UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná’, Dakelh (Carrier) phrase which means “respecting all forms of life.” You demonstrate leadership, initiative, and commitment to the Department of First Nations Studies, as well as the vision, capability, and capacity to lead First Nations Studies more broadly across the Faculty. You are a strong leader and caring mentor, able to teach in a range of subject areas as well as provide evidence of teaching and research excellence with a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing and being. A successful track record of administrative experience or leadership in education along with meaningful connections to Indigenous communities is required.

The First Nations Studies Program is strongly committed to building a team of First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit scholars and applicants for the Chair role will be required to self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) and able to provide proof of a connection to community. 
 

For information including application instructions, please see the below link to the job posting.