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.

As part of UNB’s commitment to the process of reconciliation, the University has developed its Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Strategic Action Plan. The TRC Strategic Action Plan includes short and long-term priorities for rightful recognition of Indigenous peoples and cultures on UNB’s campuses and the role that higher education plays in contributing to the reconciliation process. 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 propel these initiatives forward and promote change toward truth.

This is a bi-campus position reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor and works closely with Vice-Presidents, 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 president@unb.ca 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 for Indigenous people.

The successful candidate will have their primary office location in Fredericton but regular travel between, and collaboration with, both campuses will be essential to successfully fulfill the mandate.

The ideal candidate comes to the role with authentic knowledge of the local Indigenous territory, culture, history, leadership, language 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 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. By employing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, they recognize the strengths and ways of Indigenous knowing, being, and doing alongside the strengths of Western knowledge and use both eyes for the benefit of all.

The University of New Brunswick is actively seeking an Indigenous candidate who will work toward addressing decolonization and Indigenization of the academy, preferably from the Wolastoqey or Mi’kmaq 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.

To apply please also submit your resume and cover letter to the Chair of the Search Committee at people@unb.ca. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.