Acting Director, Indigenous Studies

Western University

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee and Lenaape Nations, lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum.

Western University (Western) https://www.uwo.ca/ is a leading research-intensive university and founding member of the U15. Western delivers an academic experience second to none and boasts a history of excellence in fundamental and applied discovery. Established in 2003 with degree offerings of minor, major and honours specialization, Indigenous Studies https://indigenousstudies.uwo.ca/ at Western is an interdisciplinary program that examines the histories, cultures, languages and modern-day realities of Indigenous Peoples and communities across Turtle Island and around the world. The curriculum emphasizes theories, concepts, and methodologies related to colonialism, Indigenous Knowledges, resurgence, and decolonization.

This is an exciting and pivotal time for Indigenous Studies at Western University! Initiatives supporting Western’s commitment to reconciliation - Western at 150 https://strategicplan.uwo.ca/ - alongside the indigenization of the university’s institutional practices and spaces – are resulting in a number of ground-breaking initiatives. As the Acting Director of Indigenous Studies, you will play a critical role in developing and growing the program as the academic lead for Indigenous scholarly activity throughout the University. Working closely with internal stakeholders such as the Office for Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Faculty Advisory Council, the Indigenous Student Centre, and Western’s senior leadership team as well as with Indigenous community leaders and organizations, you will foster the program’s development and transition into a larger academic unit.

You will be an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral thinker who can inspire, lead, and engage others in a collective vision. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science, the Acting Director of Indigenous Studies will build student and program enrolment in Indigenous Studies courses. The position will be for a 3-year term, and will have overall responsibility for administrating the teaching needs of the program and overseeing the academic counselling of students. Acting as the primary point of contact with Indigenous communities with respect to the Program, the Acting Director will develop partnerships with these communities and urban Indigenous organizations to improve research, teaching, and related cooperation. With an eye to growing the reach and impact of the Program, the Acting Director will work to improve the recruitment and retention of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The Acting Director will play a central role in making the IS Program the foundation from which Indigenous scholarship continues to be nurtured and enhanced at Western.

As the ideal candidate, you have demonstrated experience in Indigenous research and teaching, with leadership that encompasses both academic and Indigenous community contexts. With a passion for mentoring and nurturing Indigenous faculty and students, you have experiences that will prepare you to enliven, inspire, and further grow the base of Indigenous scholarship in the Indigenous Studies Program at Western. You are a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive leader, readily able to work reciprocally and respectfully with colleagues and students across campus, and Indigenous Peoples, communities, and organizations in local, national, and international contexts. You are actively engaged in teaching, research, and service within or related to Indigenous studies.

The successful candidate will have a Doctorate degree or equivalent, completed or in progress, in Indigenous Studies or a complementary program and will be appointed in the Indigenous Studies Program and a department that best fits their research. Candidates must have a strong academic record including publications in academic and/or community outlets and significant experience in teaching.

The anticipated start date is July 1 2024. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application must include the following:
• Application for Full-Time Faculty Position form, which can be found here: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Names, addresses, and email addresses for three referees (we do not solicit letters until the interview stage).

Please combine all components, ordered as above, in a single PDF file and email the file to:

Chair, Indigenous Studies Acting Director Search Committee
c/o Karen Foullong, Faculty Affairs Specialist
Faculty of Social Science
Western University
Email: kfoullon@uwo.ca

Consideration of applications will commence May 15, 2024.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Karen Foullong kfoullon@uwo.ca .