The University acknowledges we are on Epekwitk, part of the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw Nation, and on which this institution stands. 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.

Dr. Kathy Snow is seeking 2 Graduate Student Research Assistants to support the activities of the SSHRC funded research project “Defining Indigenous Scholars full participation in Higher Education”, also known as Nestu'et (becoming wiser). The aim of the project is to examine intentionality, action and accountability of post-secondary education in responding to the TRC Calls to action with regard to hiring and support of Indigenous Scholars. Given the nature of this project, priority will be given to Indigenous graduate students with requisite qualifications, who will play a pivotal role in gathering knowledges. Consideration will be given to non-Indigenous graduate students (allies) with demonstrated cultural competencies and experience in engaging with Indigenous peoples and communities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary activities of the successful candidate will involve conducting a coping review of public documents, as well as organizing and participating in a capstone gathering of scholars.

• Gather, read, organize, analyze and review university policy documents in relation to historical/current context and research questions
• Aid in the organization of a gathering of Knowledge Keepers to be held in Fall 2023
• Co-author synopsis material (articles and revisions to final report) based on the intersecting work of document survey and gathering
• Communicate regularly with supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be enrolled in a Graduate program at UPEI
• Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) clearly and respectfully with a diverse array of Indigenous persons including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Scholars (current and prospective), Community Leaders and other key stakeholders
• Ability to write clearly and concisely in English for academic purposes, and adjust writing based on mentoring and editing from supervisor
• Skilled at creating a welcoming, respectful, and inviting sharing environment with attention to Indigenous protocols
• Skilled at attending to detail in research and writing
• Ability to organize information using a provided template in Microsoft Word or Excel
• Ability to synthesize and summarize information from multiple sources to make accurate and representative claims
• Ability to identify gaps in data or evidence
• Ability to coordinate logistics, travel, meals, location booking for a one-day event

Candidate may be asked to provide writing sample in order to demonstrate fulfillment of some of the above criteria.

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.