Job Description

Vice-Provost Indigenous Relations, Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University operates in the unceded territories of the Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkati Peoples. These sovereign nations hold inherent rights as the original peoples of these lands, and we each carry collective obligations under the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Canada.

Dalhousie is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, distinguished by an exceptional academic and campus experience from year one. Our 13 academic Faculties expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery that results in more than $210 million in annual funded research. Our groundbreaking research is rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has earned Dalhousie a reputation as a national powerhouse and a global player.

Dalhousie supports the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Dalhousie’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026, Si’st Kasqimtlnaqnipunqekl Teli L’wi’tmasimk/Third Century Promise, has reaffirmed our commitment to deep and meaningful partnerships and relationships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada, especially the Mi’kmaw Nation, on whose territory Dalhousie’s largest campuses reside.

Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility and requires a strong understanding about the truth of colonialism in Canada and a fundamental shift in goals, structures, policies, and behaviours. In this spirit of reconciliation and in keeping with the recommendations of Dalhousie’s Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) and the goals and initiatives identified in Dalhousie’s Indigenous Strategy, we invite applications to the new position of Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations (VPIR).

The VPIR will report to the Provost and Vice-President Academic. The VPIR will work as a key partner to the Vice-Provost Equity & Inclusion and Vice-President People & Culture and as a senior strategic advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor and the broader senior leadership team.

Dalhousie University commits to providing the supports and resources necessary to allow the VPIR to succeed in their role including appropriate budget and administrative resources in keeping with recommendations made in the Dalhousie University Indigenous Strategy.

The VPIR will work closely with a constellation of people and units involved in Indigenous initiatives at Dalhousie, including the Director of Indigenous Community Engagement, with senior leaders in Faculties and units across the university, and Indigenous Committees, Councils, and working groups across campus, to develop, implement, and promote high-visibility, high-impact initiatives for Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. Through collaboration, the VPIR will continue to advance necessary and constructive change and will work to enhance the access, experience and engagement of Indigenous faculty, staff, and students at Dalhousie. It is expected that the VPIR will further shape the role based on the priorities of Indigenous Nations in Canada and Dalhousie University. This role will also continue strengthening relationships and collaborating directly with local and regional Indigenous communities served by Dalhousie.

Responsibilities of the VPIR will include:

*Serve as the institutional lead for Dalhousie’s Indigenous Strategy, working collaboratively to increase institutional capacity and expertise to ensure its successful implementation, measuring and communicating progress along the way.

*Work with other senior leaders to coordinate, assess, enhance, and report on various Indigenous initiatives, programs, and projects across Dalhousie and serve as a coordinating and amplifying presence for the many units and people involved in Indigenous initiatives across the university.

*Collaborate with university leaders in consultation with the Mi’kmaq, the Wolastoqiyik, the Peskotomuhkati, and other Indigenous peoples to develop an Indigenous hiring and retention strategy and further support pathways into higher education, transition and orientation programming, student retention, and degree progression for Indigenous students.

*Provide leadership provincially, nationally, and internationally on behalf of Dalhousie on issues related to Indigeneity and engage Indigenous populations in the region, including urban communities, in active collaboration with the Director of Indigenous Community Engagement.

*In partnership with the Vice-President People & Culture and the Vice-Provost Equity & Inclusion, serve as an advocate for Indigenous faculty, staff and students, prioritizing actions that will reduce barriers and enhance engagement and experience for these groups at the university.

*Play a consultative leadership role concerning research conducted by and with Indigenous Peoples.

To request a copy of the candidate brief, please contact [email protected].

Click on the link below to see the full job description and submit your application.
https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/17110

The application deadline is September 8th, 2024, and only applications through the link above will be considered.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In keeping with the principles of reconciliation and with Dalhousie’s Employment Equity Plan and the nature of this position, the position is designated to Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island with priority given to Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, or Peskotomuhkati candidates in recognition of the territories that Dalhousie University serves. Please note that to be considered, you must self-identify in your application materials. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation during the search process to validate self-identification. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Required languages: English

Education level: Graduate Degree

Required skills: Leadership, Communication, Relationship Building

Closest intersection: Robie Street and University Avenue