Secwépemc Curriculum Developer, Indigenization and Decolonization at Thompson Rivers University – Kamloops, British Columbia

The Learning Design and Innovations Department at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) invites applications for a tenure-track Secwépemc Curriculum Developer, Indigenization and Decolonization, reporting to the departmental chair and the Director. This faculty position includes both professional role and service to the university, profession and/or community. The position will be a bi-partite tenure-track appointment at the rank of Instructional Support I or a tenured appointment at the rank of Instructional Support II or III, depending on qualifications and experience.

In alignment with Thompson Rivers University’s commitments to decolonization, reconciliation, and our relationships with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) and the 17 Secwépemc Nations within Secwepemcúl’ecw, this position is restricted to candidates who are Secwépemc from one of the 17 First Nations of Secwepemcúl’ecw. This restriction reflects the central purpose of the role, which is to work with faculty and departments to build understanding and learning experiences that honour Secwépemc ways of knowing, being, and doing, and to support TRU’s partnership and engagement commitments with local Secwépemc communities.

The successful candidate will have post-secondary teaching experience, knowledge of protocols of engagement, the local First Nation’s (Secwépemc) and other First Nations’ world views, culture and educational philosophies. Within the Learning Design and Innovations Department, they will work closely with the Secwépemc Cultural Advisor, the Office of Indigenous Education, and the Office of Mission Fulfillment and Quality Assurance, as well as Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) and T̓éxelc.

• Working with TRU and community partners to ensure new credentials and new courses or changes to curriculum with Indigenous content reflect TRU’s commitments to decolonization and reconciliation and embed Secwépemc knowledge, language, voices, and perspectives in culturally respectful and appropriate ways.
• Completing research and reports to advance university-wide efforts to strengthen Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous histories, and to decolonize traditional Western histories and pedagogies and methodologies in the curriculum
• Contributing to and collaborating on relevant institutional initiatives such as learning outcomes, curriculum design, assessment, course evaluation and accreditation.
• Providing guidance to teams seeking to transform curriculum via redesign or new program development for flexible learning initiatives to support TRU graduates in recognizing and respecting the value of Indigenous knowledges, ways of knowing and the value of diverse cultures and worldviews
• Supporting Indigenization goals and initiatives leading to change in educational practices.
• Supporting the development of culturally appropriate learning experiences, including following appropriate protocols, that are rooted in place and guided by the teachings and protocols of the Secwépemc people.
• Building relationships with faculties, faculty councils, and faculty regarding program reviews, course development and re-design, and other initiatives relating to Indigenizing and decolonizing curriculum and programs
• Collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Holders in the local community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty and scholars, teachers, staff, students, and Indigenous communities and organizations
• Supporting the embedding of Indigenous teaching approaches (e.g., land-based learning, storytelling, relational learning, experiential and community-engaged practices) in curriculum across all delivery modes.
• Supporting faculties, programs and individuals when changing learning modes and instructional approaches with how best to support Indigenous student success
• Developing resources related to aspects of curriculum design and development, including culturally relevant assessment of student learning

• Indigenous citizenship, specifically Secwépemc Nation citizenship*
• A completed Master's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution is required, PhD preferred
• Relevant lived experience in Indigenous contexts is critical
• Extensive knowledge of Secwépemc culture, history, people and worldviews; Secwepemctsín is an asset
• Familiarity with St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh, and Syilx cultures
• Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with multiple, diverse communities, especially local First Nations communities
• Experience facilitating learning at the post-secondary level, including topics such as decolonization and Indigenization, land-based learning, storytelling, experiential, intergenerational, and/or relational learning.
• Familiarity with current theories and practices in post-secondary teaching and learning
• Experience in educational development, engagement, and curriculum design is an asset
• Experience with long-term individual, departmental, and/or institution-wide change management initiatives
• Ability to create and design culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and relevant educational programs, services and learning resources based on Indigenous worldviews
• Digital competency
• A valid Driver’s License issued by a Canadian province or territory**

* Candidates will be asked to confirm their Secwépemc Nation citizenship as part of the application process. The hiring committee will collaborate with local Secwépemc community representatives in a manner grounded in Secwépemc values of respect, humility, reciprocity, and relationship‑building, ensuring that confirmation processes follow Secwépemc protocols and support the wellbeing and priorities of Secwepemcúl’ecw.

** The primary location for this position is at TRU’s Kamloops campus, with an expectation of predominantly on-site work delivered through a combination of in-person interactions and digital technologies. Occasional travel to Williams Lake and TRU’s Regional Centres is required.

Application Package will comprise of:

• a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position,
• current curriculum vitae,
• educational philosophy, including your scholarly informed position on one or two emerging teaching practices in higher education (two pages maximum),
• evidence of Indigenous Citizenship*,
• External candidates only -- copy of academic degree(s) or official transcripts.

About TRU

• Thompson Rivers University (www.tru.ca) is a uniquely comprehensive, student-focused institution that has provided excellent post-secondary education and training for over50 years.  TRU gives students the advantage of small class sizes, the availability of undergraduate research and a centrally located campus.  More than 27,000 students’ study at TRU either on campus or online. They consist of 10 percent Indigenous students and more than 30 per cent international students from around the globe. 
• Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the ancestral lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúl̓ecw. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot'in, Dakelh, and Syilx peoples.
• TRU's main campus is located in Kamloops, BC (www.kamloops.ca), a prosperous city in the heart of the BC southern interior.  Kamloops is a 3.5-hour drive from Vancouver and a mere 50-minute drive from Sun Peaks, the second-largest ski area in Canada. Kamloops offers world-class tourism and recreation along with excellent cultural, social, and economic opportunities in a climate with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
  

What TRU Offers

Faculty positions are placed on the salary scale in accordance with the Collective Agreement between TRU and TRU Faculty Association (TRUFA) with initial placement based on education and experience. Placement on the Salary Scale is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between TRU and TRU Faculty Association (TRUFA) with initial placement based on education and experience. This position offers an annual Professional Development Allowance, participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and 100% employer paid benefits, which includes extended health & dental, sick leave, and short term and long-term disability.

This position is located in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Inquiries should be directed to the attention of:

Melissa Jakubec, Appointments Committee Chair
Learning Design and Innovations Department
Thompson Rivers University
Email: mjakubec@tru.ca

Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, Black people and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations or gender identities. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website.

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.