The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is located on Epekwitk, part of the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw nation. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which recognize Mi'kmaw title and establish the ongoing relationship between the Mi'kmaw nation and the Crown. We are all treaty people.

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) welcomes applications for a Mi’kmaw Language term position as Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies, beginning July 1, 2023. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be a member of the Indigenous faculty team and be expected to balance rigorous research activity, service contributions, and undergraduate and graduate level teaching. The successful candidate will have held a university degree in Indigenous Studies or any combination of Arts or Science that has substantial Indigenous focus. A record of excellence in research and teaching, or a demonstration of clear promise is required. The successful candidate will hold a PhD as the preferred degree. The university acknowledges the value of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, Indigenous contests of research, and service to Indigenous communities.

Candidates should be well qualified to design and teach courses in the Mi’kmaw Language and any combination of the following: Indigenous history, social sciences, determinants of health, ceremony, art, cultural practices, language, Indigenous entrepreneurship, Indigenous ways of being, knowing and research. Candidates that have experience in teaching Indigenous Mi’kmaw Language and developing both beginning and advance courses will be given preference.  Teaching will be both in community and on campus.  As part of reconciliation, we will work actively within community to advance the Mi’kmaw language. 

Candidates are required to state their Indigenous status in the application and proof of such is part of the hiring process.

The UPEI Faculty of IKERAS emphasizes experiential learning in teaching Indigenous pedagogies and scholarship; candidates who can contribute to that focus are encouraged to apply. In addition, our faculty values candidates with strong academic qualifications, traditional knowledge, leadership in reconciliation, and direct Indigenous land-based experience. 

UPEI is recognized as a leading, innovative centre of excellence in learning, teaching, scholarship, and research. While it is strongly connected to the vibrant social and cultural environment of Prince Edward Island, it enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond the Island’s shores. The IKERAS faculty has strong ties to the local Indigenous communities on and off reserve.  Visit some of the vibrant local Indigenous organizations highlighted on our faculty website: https://www.upei.ca/faculty-of-indigenous-knowledge-education-research-and-applied-studies/indigenous-organizations

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research outline, and teaching dossier (e.g., teaching philosophy, teaching evaluations, previous syllabi). Candidates should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to the address below.

An application package including and addressing all the elements listed above must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to: 

Dr. Gary Evans, Interim Dean
Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies (IKERAS)
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada C1A 4P3
Telephone: (902) 213-3785
E-mail: gevans@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Review of applications will begin on May 18, 2023; however, the competition will remain open until the position is filled.