Employment Opportunity
Bachelor of Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems, Curriculum Developer
Contract
Remote
Are you passionate about advancing Indigenous food sovereignty through education? Do you have experience in curriculum development and a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, food sovereignty principles, and land-based learning? If so, this opportunity may be the perfect fit for you!
First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) is seeking a Curriculum Developer to help shape transformative learning experiences for learners in the Bachelor of Indigenous Food Systems program.
This role involves developing hybrid course content rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and aligned with FNTI’s teaching philosophy, program goals, and course outcomes.
If you are committed to Indigenous education, have experience in food systems, sustainability, or community-based learning, and want to contribute to innovative land- and community-based education, join us in helping to shape the future of Indigenous food sovereignty.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop course content that supports the approved course outline and learning outcomes.
- Apply AODA, UDL, Indigenous, and adult learning principles to all learning activities.
- Incorporate Program Advisory Circle feedback into curriculum design where applicable.
- Create curriculum documents using FNTI’s template, including:
- class topics, assessments, rubrics, and schedules,
- learning resources (print, video, online),
- instructor notes, handouts, lecture slides, graphics, and functional web links.
- Provide PDFs of all print and digital learning materials in final deliverables.
- Complete each course within a maximum of 135 development hours over a negotiated timeline.
- Participate in required meetings with the FNTI team to review expectations and ensure alignment with FNTI’s teaching philosophy.
Qualifications and Competencies:
- Completed Master of Education or related graduate education emphasizing experiential, land-based, or food systems learning in an Indigenous context, or a combination of education, training, and experience which FNTI deems to be equivalent.
- Significant experience with experiential learning, land-based education, portfolio development, or practicum/internship supervision is beneficial.
- Advanced knowledge of Indigenous food systems, histories, and contexts in Canada, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Indian Control of Indian Education, Indigenous ways of teaching and learning, and Indigenous language revitalization.
- Demonstrated skills and experience coordinating learning and creating curriculum materials for experiential and land-based food systems education, including practicum or internship-style courses.
About Bachelor of Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems at FNTI
The Bachelor of Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems program is a four-year Honours Baccalaureate Degree Program. The program consists of 8 semesters and 120 credits and is currently in development.
The program will be delivered in a hybrid format, utilizing FNTI’s distinctive intensive mode model to provide those interested in Indigenous food systems with a transformative educational journey. The program emphasizes community-based experiences, aligned with course outcomes, which is supported by the Integrated Experiential Learning (IEL) Office. Learners also gain a critical perspective by examining Canadian food practices and policies through an Indigenous lens.
Program Goals
- Equip graduates to advance Indigenous food sovereignty through community-led initiatives.
- Promote respectful integration of Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science.
- Support learners in strengthening food security, nutrition, and cultural continuity.
- Develop ethical leaders who advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty and self-determination.
- Embed Indigenous languages, storytelling, and cultural teachings in food systems education.
- Provide land-based and experiential learning rooted in seasonal cycles and community practices.
- Teach sustainable stewardship of lands and waters through Indigenous worldviews.
- Prepare graduates to analyze and influence food policy, treaties, and governance frameworks.
- Inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in food systems that respect cultural protocols.
- Train students in community-driven research and knowledge-sharing that honours Indigenous data sovereignty.
About FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute)
FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) is an Indigenous-owned and governed post-secondary institution dedicated to serving Indigenous learners.
Our community-driven approach and intensive program delivery model allow learners to stay connected to their families and communities while pursuing their education and preparing for meaningful careers.
FNTI is a First Nation-mandated, not-for-profit, and registered charitable organization, and is accredited by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC).
Since the Indigenous Institute Act, 2017, FNTI has been diligently working to launch independent degree programs, developed and accredited by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.
FNTI delivers programming locally through its main campus in Tyendinaga on Ontario’s beautiful Bay of Quinte, as well as virtually.
Why Join Us?
- Make an impact on the future of Indigenous education.
- Contribute to a program that centres Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, being and relating.
- Empower the future of Indigenous food systems across Turtle Island.
- Strengthen your curriculum development skills while contributing to an innovative, hybrid learning model that supports Indigenous food education at the post-secondary level.
Conditions of Employment:
- Must have access to computer and secure internet.
- Must be available to meet via zoom, at least every two weeks.
- Must be willing and able to travel on occasion, and able to flex time as necessary.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, specifically Ontario.
Notes:
- All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however FNTI provides preference to those applicants with Indigenous ancestry who self-identify.
- There are multiple roles to fill - currently vacant.
- This is a contract position with payment issued per course developed.
Thank you for your interest. Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
FNTI is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. In accordance with
the
Accessibility
for
Ontarians
with
Disabilities
Act
(AODA)
and
the
Ontario
Human Rights Code (OHRC), applicants may request accommodation related to the protected grounds at any stage of the hiring process.