Endowed Chair (Assistant/Associate Professor) in Indigenous Forestry

The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. In alignment with Braiding Past, Present, and Future: The University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Chair will work to decolonize the forestry curriculum and advance Indigenous perspectives in forest management. 

We seek a dynamic scholar who combines training in forest ecology and management, or a related field in natural sciences and land management, with a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western scientific practices, fostering reciprocal partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions in forestry education and research. The successful candidate will develop experiential learning opportunities, promote Indigenous-taught courses, and work closely with Indigenous communities, academic colleagues, the forestry sector and industry, to address contemporary forestry challenges. The Chair will become a critical member of the forestry faculty and a member of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management.

The hiring and recruitment process will involve engagement with Indigenous community representatives to ensure the diverse needs and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta are considered. The endowment provides start-up funds, financial support for research, and funding to hire graduate students. Additionally, a community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to support the Chair’s research and outreach activities for the first five years. Funding for this position has been provided by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA).

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a research seminar, a teaching seminar, and a community-centred presentation designed to promote open dialogue, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountability to Indigenous community partners, while informing the future direction of the Chair’s teaching, research, and outreach.

This competition is restricted to candidates who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to self-identify in their application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide documentation or community affirmation of their Indigenous citizenship, membership, or affiliation, consistent with the University of Alberta and Tri-Council guidelines.

Teaching & Curriculum Development. The successful candidate will design and deliver two courses in Indigenous forestry that integrate Indigenous Knowledge systems and Western forest science while emphasizing cultural protocols, Ceremony, and Traditional Knowledge Systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing field-based, experiential courses that blend Indigenous Knowledge systems with Western forest science.
• Creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that recognizes diverse cultural perspectives and ensures Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
• Mentoring Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in academic, career, and personal development.

Research & Community Engagement. The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary, community-driven research initiatives that address critical forestry challenges relevant to the sector while prioritizing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. A community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to assist the chair in executing key responsibilities, including without limitation:

• Conduct research integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems, forestry science, and sustainable forestry practices.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with Indigenous communities and the forestry sector to co-develop relevant research projects.
• Delivering research outcomes that will help positively inform business decisions for the forestry sector.
• Disseminating research outcomes through diverse channels, including peer-reviewed publications and community presentations, ensuring that Indigenous communities can understand and apply knowledge or practices generated through research.
• Securing external funding for research initiatives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Supporting capacity-building programs in GIS and sustainable forest management practices, ensuring these initiatives align with community priorities and enhance local knowledge and leadership.

Service & Leadership. The candidate is expected to contribute to the service and leadership of the department, faculty, or university. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Advocating for the integration of Indigenous perspectives across academic programs to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge Systems are respected, understood, and valued in forestry education and by all faculty members teaching in the forestry program.
• Promoting dialogue on Indigenous sovereignty, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and sustainable management practices.
• Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and align university activities with community priorities.

Education

• A Ph.D. in progress (completion expected within one year) or completed in Forestry, Environmental Science, Native Studies, Ecology, Environmental Sociology, Indigenous Methodologies, Indigenous Land-Use, or a related field.

Research Expertise

• Experience focusing on sustainable practices in land-use and community engagement.
• Commitment to incorporating Indigenous Knowledge systems and fostering research that aligns with the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.

Teaching Experience

• Ability to teach and mentor students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Experience engaging Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in curriculum development and delivery.

Community Engagement & Relationship Building

• Demonstrated ability to build respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, practices, and knowledge systems, particularly in Alberta.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering trust and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and other stakeholders. 

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in decolonizing curricula and fostering inclusive academic environments.
• Familiarity with diverse Indigenous nations in Alberta, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Indigenous language knowledge in Cree (Néhiyaw), Blackfoot (Niitsitapi), Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), Ojibway/Saulteaux (Anishinaabe), or Stoney (Nakoda).

Application Instructions
We encourage applications from those passionate about decolonizing academic frameworks and engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems in forest science and management. To apply, please submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining research interests, teaching philosophy, and how the candidate’s work aligns with the responsibilities of this position.
• CV, including relevant publications and research projects.
• Names and contact information of at least three references who can speak to the candidate’s scholarly and community engagement experience.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, sample syllabi).

This role requires verification of First Nation, Métis or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.

The University of Alberta is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to advancing reconciliation. This position is part of a targeted hiring initiative and is restricted to applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Candidates are invited to identify in their application. In accordance with university policy and national guidelines, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide documentation or community-based confirmation of their Indigenous citizenship or membership prior to interview.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.