Nikamawti’ket – Indigenous Student Navigator

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The Opportunity

Nikamawti'ket (translates to "trailblazer, leading the way")

Acadia University acknowledges that we are located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw nation. This land is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, first signed in 1726, between the British and the Mi'kmaq, which did not cede land but instead recognized Mi'kmaw title and established enduring relationships between nations. We are committed to actively supporting decolonization and Indigenization at Acadia through sustained partnerships with Mi'kmaw leadership, Elders, and communities.

As part of this important work, we are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to serve as our Nikamawti'ket - Indigenous Student Navigator. This key role will support Indigenous students throughout their academic journey-providing guidance, advocacy, culturally relevant support, and a strong sense of community and belonging.

Key responsibilities include:

• Student Support & Advising: Offer one-on-one academic advising, help students navigate university systems, and connect them to appropriate academic, cultural, financial, and wellness supports.
• Cultural Advocacy & Programming: Promote culturally responsive practices and reconciliation initiatives across campus. Collaborate with Indigenous communities and support student groups, including advising the Indigenous Students' Society of Acadia (ISSA).
• Community & Belonging: Build strong relationships with students and coordinate programming through the Indigenous Resource Centre to foster connection, identity, and success.
• Outreach & Transition: Support the transition of Indigenous students to Acadia and assist in outreach and recruitment in collaboration with the Indigenous Student Programming Advisor.
• Institutional Collaboration: Work with faculty, staff, and local Indigenous communities-including high schools-to identify and support current and future Indigenous students.
• Advocacy: Advise the University on institutional barriers impacting Indigenous students' access, belonging, representation, and wellbeing.
• Record Keeping & Development: Maintain advising records, ensure confidentiality, and engage in ongoing professional development aligned with best practices in Indigenous education.

We're seeking a community-oriented individual with deep knowledge of Indigenous cultures and student experiences, and a strong commitment to advancing reconciliation and equity within the post-secondary education environment.

As part of our strategic commitment to reconciliation and equity, preference will be given to Mi'kmaw and/or other Indigenous applicants from across Mi'kma'ki.

We are seeking a passionate and community-driven individual who is:

• Lived experience as a Mi'kmaw or other Indigenous person, with a strong understanding of the diverse identities and experiences of Indigenous students.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field with experience working with Indigenous peoples in social services, health, or education; or a diploma in a related field combined with a minimum of five years of relevant experience supporting Indigenous communities in these sectors.
• Knowledge of the social, educational, and cultural issues affecting Indigenous youth, especially in Mi'kma'ki.
• Experience with trauma-informed and culturally safe student support practices.
• Experience in advising, mentorship, or counseling, ideally in a post-secondary or student services setting.
• Skilled in event planning, student engagement, and digital outreach, including social media.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, video conferencing, and information systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience designing and delivering training or workshops, including in online and collaborative formats.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on Indigenous student success.

For further information or to request a detailed job description, please contact Keilani Tupper at [email protected].

Acadia University, located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq nation, is one of Canada's leading primarily undergraduate institutions. For over 185 years, Acadia has been providing students with a learning environment that ensures they have every opportunity to succeed in life. Our graduates emerge with the tools required to be global citizens and community leaders. Acadia's faculty and staff are key to our institutional success and share a commitment to provide our students with a high quality post-secondary education. As a staff member, you will be part of this transformational educational experience where innovation is encouraged, and your ideas are welcomed.

Acadia University is located only one hour from the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia's beautiful Annapolis Valley in the Town of Wolfville. Wolfville offers residents an affordable lifestyle, outstanding recreational opportunities, internationally acclaimed restaurants, a healthy economy, and the best weather in the Atlantic provinces. The Town of Wolfville is one of the fastest-growing communities in Nova Scotia where people find the perfect mix of small-town livability and urban energy. It's a place that people love to live, and those who do not live here love to visit.

To see more information on why Acadia is an employer of choice, please visit our website at www.hr.acadiau.ca.

TO APPLY: To apply for this opportunity, click on the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume, and professional references.

Please be advised that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The University reserves the right not to fill this position. A six-month eligibility list may be established from this competition to fill future vacancies for identical positions.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Acadia University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, and persons of any minority sexual orientation or gender identity. Consistent with the principles of employment equity, the primary criterion for appointment to a position is qualifications and professional excellence. Candidates who identify as a member of one of the aforementioned groups, and who wish to have the application considered as such, are invited to submit the online Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Form as part of their application package.

Acadia University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Acadia University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [email protected].