Piluwitahasuwin (Associate Vice President, Indigenous Engagement)

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is among Canada's top comprehensive universities. UNB has two main campuses in Fredericton and Saint John which stand on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land.

Piluwitahasuwin is a Wolastoqey term meaning 'one who promotes change in a good way toward truth' and UNB is seeking a Piluwitahasuwin (Associate Vice President, Indigenous Engagement) who will work collaboratively with partners internal and external to the University community to lead these initiatives forward and promote change toward truth. They will lead the development and management of Indigenous strategies and partnerships and collaborate externally with various Indigenous organizations, communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and other leaders, to create respectful environments that support success.

This is a bi-campus position situated in the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor. A member of the leadership team, Piluwitahasuwin works in partnership with the provost and vice presidents, the vice provosts, senior management, deans, the director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, the Council of Elders, and faculty and staff on both campuses.

The Search Committee for the Piluwitahasuwin (Associate Vice President, Indigenous Engagement) welcomes recommendations from the Wabanaki communities and encourages Wabanaki and Indigenous community members and potential candidates to connect with the Office of the President at [email protected] to further discuss this opportunity.

As a vital link between the University of New Brunswick and the Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq Culture and Territories, Piluwitahasuwin will develop and foster positive internal and external relations between the broader University community and the Indigenous community, territory, and its stakeholders. The TRC Strategic Action Plan has been described as a Sacred Bundle, a path with responsibilities, obligations, and guidance for action. The AVP will walk that path in partnership with the Indigenous Advisory Council, the Council of Elders, deans, the director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, stakeholders, faculty, and staff to ensure UNB, as an institution, is informed by Indigenous knowledges and worldviews and fosters an authentic sense of belonging and recognition of treaty rights for Indigenous people.

The ideal candidate comes to the role with authentic knowledge or the capacity to acquire the local Indigenous territory, culture, history, leadership, language, Peace and Friendship Treaties, and sociopolitical context. They understand and believe in UNB's mission and vision related to the TRC Calls to Action and UNB's Strategic Action Plan and have a strong desire to work collaboratively across the University to continuously strengthen the plan, implement initiatives, build reconciliation, and deepen relationships with Indigenous communities. Wide-ranging experience across multiple sectors, including education, have prepared them well to serve as a key resource to senior leaders as they look to propel change across a wide spectrum of inter-connected portfolios, including support for language revitalization. The University of New Brunswick is actively seeking an Indigenous candidate who will work towards Indigenization of the academy by actioning change through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply however preference may be given to those from the Wabanaki Territory.

UNB is committed to fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. This position will uphold UNB's commitment to increasing the representation of under-represented groups. Therefore, only applicants who are of Indigenous ancestry will be considered for this opportunity. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Confidential inquiry before applying?

Please contact Shawn Quinlan (Associate Vice President of People & Culture) [email protected]

Review of applications will begin immediately. Closing date for this competition will be February 28, 2025.

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

WHY CHOOSE UNB?
UNB offers a large variety of benefits for employees, including a full pension, a minimum of three weeks of vacation annually, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and dental, life, and health insurance.

ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL GROUP (APT)
This position is part of the non-union Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) group.