Indigenous Community Navigator

Description:

Pewaseskwan in partnership with RareKids-CAN: Pediatric Rare Disease Clinicla Trials (PRDCT) and Treatment Network is seeking an Indigenous Community Navigator (ICN) to support the Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Indigeneity (EDI+I) Sub-Platform.

Primary Purpose:

Rare Disease patients often face discrimination, with many experiencing lifelong disability without therapy. Some patients experience added barriers to accessing Clinical Trials (CTs) as they belong to various equity-deserving groups who have traditionally experienced societal discrimination resulting in inadequate socioeconomic resources. The primary goal of this Sub-Platform is to identify and address inequities and develop plans to foster diversity and inclusion.

The Indigenous Community Navigator will work under the supervision of Drs. King and King to bring Indigenous perspectives to PRDCT research.  This includes bringing important aspects of Indigenous data governance to CTs, promoting cultural awareness and safety among network members and facilitating Indigenous participation in CTs. The ICN will play a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in rural, remote, and urban environments, using a distinctions-based approach.  The ICN will conduct an environmental scan of existing resources pertaining to PRDCT within Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are actively engaged in shaping project metrics and decision-making.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the incorporation of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Indigeneity into RareKids-CAN
• Build and nurture relationships with Indigenous communities including First Nations, Métis and Inuit in rural, remote and urban environments
• Conduct an environmental scan of existing resources pertaining to PRDCT within Indigenous communities
• Create recommendations on Indigenous data sovereignty for PRDCT by engaging with Indigenous Nations and national Indigenous educators
  
• Collaborate and exchange knowledge and best practices will other platforms regarding Indigenous engagement
  
• Design and facilitate training across the Platforms on the topics of: Cultural Safety, Community Engagement, Anti-oppression, Anti-racism, Health Determinants, Indigenous ways
  
• Lead the focus on strengthening research capacity throughout RareKids-CAN, including more First Nations, Métis and Inuit members across Canada
  
• Coordinate and contextualize Indigenous approaches across Canada on PRDCT
  
• Assemble, nurture and support a national advisory circle of Indigenous Knowledge Holders with community and institutional knowledge of Indigenous health research across Canada
  
• Work with Pewaseskwan leads and IKH circle to find and exploit the resources needed to inform EDI+I resource developments
  
• Lead discussions on EDI+I resources to guide and support PRDCT on improving Indigenous health research and care in Canada
  
• Communicate with funding partners to create plans to address their specific needs in EDI+I.

Standards of Performance:

• Deep knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness
• Experience in health research and experience in educational training
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work respectfully with others
• The successful applicant would become part of the Pewaseskwan team, and would take part in group activities including Learning Circles, gatherings and weekly staff meetings
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in practice
• Well-developed verbal, written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Disciplined approach to planning and project execution with exceptional attention to accuracy and detail
• Proven problem-solving ability in managing concurrent projects under tight deadlines

Qualifications

Education: A level of education equivalent to a Master’s degree in a related health or business discipline from a recognized program. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: A minimum of two years of directly related experience in a research environment. Knowledge of University of Saskatchewan policies and procedures will be considered an asset. Demonstrated leadership experience in the research environment and among Indigenous peoples.

Skills: 

• Experience organizing small or large professional or social in person or virtual events (particularly coordinating logistics, promotion, and communication)
• Experience with technology platforms, including Zoom and various third-party event software programs, Microsoft programs
• Knowledge around Indigenous Data Sovereignty
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong analytical skills
• Proven ability to work effectively with decision-makers to achieve solutions to unique and complex problems
• Ability to recognize and tactfully maneuver through difficult situations
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality
• Highly proficient computer skills
• Proven leadership skills

This position requires an ability to deal with competing priorities and deadlines, and personal initiative and judgment. It will suit an individual who is creative, innovative, versatile, and committed to upholding standards of equity, transparency, consistency and accuracy in forging a vital Indigenous presence in this space.

Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Managerial
Salary Phase/Band: Not Applicable
Posted Date: 10/22/2025
Closing Date: 10/28/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.