Job Description

Dean, National College of Indigenous Scholars

5 year term

Regina, Saskatoon or Prince Albert Campus



First Nations University of Canada provides an opportunity for students of all nations to learn in an environment foundational to Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the histories, languages, cultures, and artistic heritages of First Nations people. The University is a unique and rich place of learning specializing in Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing alongside Eurocentric philosophies, theories, and practices. We are a higher education institution for everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, within a culturally strong environment.



The National College of Indigenous Scholars (NCIS) will have the capacity to impact systemic university organizational change that will benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. With the support of NCIS, Indigenous faculty can seek Indigenous representation from the members of the National College of Indigenous Scholars for tenure, promotion, merit, and research ensuring equitable and fair evaluation processes.



Stemming directly from the First Nations University of Canada's Mastercard Foundation 22.3-million-dollar donation, the creation of the new National College of Indigenous Scholars will begin with the search for a Dean. Reporting to the President, the Dean will provide leadership, administration, and academic oversight focusing on establishing the new National College of Indigenous Scholars.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



The Dean will create an inclusive and supportive environment that values and promotes Indigenous Knowledges in the Canadian academic context by:

1. hiring Faculty and Staff:

Prioritize the recruitment of Indigenous scholars/researchers and staff who are committed to Indigenous Knowledges; provide comprehensive orientation and training that emphasizes the NCIS's mission, one that prioritizes the creation of systems that supports, uplifts, unifies Indigenous scholars and researchers across Canada.

2. supporting an office start-up:

developing NCIS administrative structures and processes (i.e., policies etc.).

3. ensuring responsible resource allocation, budgeting and monitoring.

4. monitoring and evaluating NCIS:

on a national scale, compile feedback from Indigenous faculty, students, and community members to continuously improve the support of academic Indigenous scholars and researchers.

5. growing NCIS membership with Indigenous scholars and researchers.

6. regularly assessing the performance of NCIS and adjust as needed.

7. ensuring that NCIS is a place where Indigenous faculty and researchers can seek representation from NCIS membership for tenure, promotion, and merit reviews and research evaluations.

Qualifications:

The ideal Candidate will be Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) with demonstrated higher education teaching, supervisory, and research knowledge and experience working with diverse Indigenous cultures, communities, protocols and practices.

a PhD in a relevant discipline demonstrated experience as an academic leader and administrator, that includes financial and resources leadership experience in strategic planning a record of fostering collaboration internally and externally and strengthening relationships with professional organizations, government bodies and partners a deep commitment to research, student success, and administrative excellence Experience working with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, organizations and governments is required. Demonstrates a commitment to Indigenous faculty success particularly regarding programs of research and funding.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.fnuniv.ca.

Closing Date:

August 8, 2025



We would like to thank you for your interest and to all those that applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position. Please indicate your status in your cover letter or resume.



Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed by email at humanresources@firstnationsuniversity.ca We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.