This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at Augustana Campus, Camrose.

The Augustana oskâpêw is responsible for contributing to the effective delivery and maintenance of culturally grounded and specialized programs for wahkohtowin Lodge that provide assistance to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students on the Augustana Campus.

This support includes but is not limited to; gatherings, financial and academic resource navigation, and overall support for FNMI students, taking into consideration intrinsic cultural practices and socio-economic concerns.

Augustana oskâpêw provides a strong link between students; Augustana campus, First Peoples’ House (FPH), and the broader UA campus that support FNMI students’ Augustana journey and personal development.

Augustana oskâpêw develops, coordinates, implements and provides assistance to FNMI students registered in undergraduate programs at the University on the Augustana Campus.

Located in Camrose on Treaty 6 territory, Augustana Campus offers a unique learning experience rooted in the liberal arts and embedded in rural Alberta. Home to approximately 900 students, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the Augustana Faculty and the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Augustana provides close-knit, supportive learning environments with extensive opportunities for student engagement in athletics, clubs, and campus life—delivering a small-campus experience with a world-class degree.

Effective program administration of wahkohtowin Lodge and/or Augustana Indigenous Student Services (ISS)

• Identify the needs and expectations of FNMI students to determine appropriate courses of action necessary to enhance their experiences on the Augustana Campus and improve satisfaction with student experiences.
• Connect FNMI students to the appropriate on or off campus resources for their healing, connecting with their history, culture, identity and coming to terms with historical and intergenerational trauma.
• Create and maintain authentic and positive engagement with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers (TKK), and respects all students within all levels of their journey at the UofA.

Coordinate effective support delivery to FNMI students at Augustana

• Develop and implement an FNMI Student Peer Mentor program that connects new students with experienced student mentors.
• Provide financial guidance specific to FNMI student funding access with reference to First Nations Education Policies, Métis Education Policies, Northern Education Policies, and funding access through the Student Finance Board, awards, scholarships, and bursary programs within the context and related parameters of being of FNMI descent.

Liaise with FNMI support agencies on and off campus

• Act as referral service for FNMI students for on and off-campus agencies that support student mental health, cultural foundation, and the retention of FNMI students.

Coordinate and facilitate student-focused events

• Build broader community connections to foster a larger support network for Augustana FNMI students that helps to build positive relationships that support and enhance diverse FNMI student monthly programming.
• Plan and implement monthly student gatherings on the Augustana Campus.

Ceremonial Annual Roles and Responsibilities

• Responsible for hosting an Elder that is present for the Convocation Honoring Ceremonies.

• Support the Dean’s Office in the overall coordination of the Augustana Round Dance Ceremony.

• This person must be First Nation, Metis, or Inuit.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Minimum of 1-3 years experience working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in a post-secondary environment.

• High level of diplomacy, ingenuity, interpersonal skills in terms of conflict management, problem-solving, and creativity, at times under potentially stressful situations.

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, creative problem-solving approaches under time restraints; potential for volatile circumstances.

• Excellent presentation, verbal and written skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in a tribal language (Stoney, Dogrib, Cree, Chipewyan, Dene, Inuit, Blackfoot, Ojibwe, Mechif).
• Undergraduate degree in Native Studies or Education.
• Degree from the Augustana Campus.

This role requires confirmation of First Nation, Métis or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.