Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 13

The base salary will be $62,480 - $89,040 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, 1 year temporary full time contract opportunity.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives will lead system-wide change required to advance truth and reconciliation efforts, achieve equitable outcomes for Indigenous peoples, and implement Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. The Office will be committed to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, and fostering an academic environment, where all students, staff, faculty and community members experience the university as a welcoming, supportive, culturally-safe environment in which Indigenous languages, ways of knowing, being and doing are respected and supported.

Responsibilities

The Indigenous Culture and Language Reclamation and Revitalization Coordinator will play a central role within the Wampum Learning Lodge in advancing Western University’s commitments under the Indigenous Strategic Plan and the institutional vision articulated in Towards Western at 150. This position will lead the development, coordination, and sustainability of initiatives that support the reclamation, revitalization, and intergenerational transmission of Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge systems within the university and in partnership with Indigenous Nations and communities.

Grounded in relationship, respect, and reciprocity, the Coordinator will create culturally-grounded learning opportunities that welcome Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members - while also engaging allies in meaningful learning that deepens understanding and appreciation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Working closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, language speakers, and community partners, the role will support programming, resources, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen cultural continuity, foster belonging for Indigenous learners, and contribute to transformative educational experiences across campus. In doing so, the position will help ensure that the Wampum Learning Lodge serves as a vibrant gathering place for cultural resurgence, language revitalization, and community-engaged learning that advances reconciliation and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Qualifications

This position is designated for candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) from Turtle Island and can affirm claims of Indigenous membership and citizenship as required within Western’s MAPP Policy 1.58 – Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Membership and Citizenship. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a major in Indigenous Studies, First Nations Studies, Indigenous Languages, Indigenous Education, or a closely related field with demonstrated focus on Indigenous cultures, languages, or community engagement
• Graduate degree (e.g., Master’s) in Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education, Linguistics, Cultural Revitalization, or a related field is preferred

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience supporting Indigenous language revitalization and/or cultural programming
• Demonstrated experience supporting Indigenous language reclamation or revitalization initiatives and working respectfully with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers
• Experience working within post-secondary or community-based Indigenous learning environments
• Established relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers
• Experience developing culturally grounded evaluation approaches for programs and community initiatives

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultural teachings, protocols, and community engagement practices
• Knowledge of culturally appropriate facilitation and program coordination practices
• Indigenous cultural competency with an ability to work collaboratively in community-engaged and intercultural environments
• Familiarity with Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Lenape or other Indigenous languages relevant to local Nations
• Knowledge of Indigenous affairs practices in postsecondary educational contexts
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities including First Nations band structures and processes, and of Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives, particularly local Indigenous communities (i.e., Chippewas of the Thames, Oneida, and Munsee-Delaware)
• Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to apply creativity, innovation and resourcefulness to daily work
• Ability to understand student and community needs and expectations and provide excellent service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization's strategy and goals
• Ability to display a blend of diplomacy and persistency to achieve goals while working collaboratively
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

Affirmation Policy

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Western Values Diversity

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/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.