001 - Intern, Archivist Assistant

Métis Nation; Sault Ste. Marie; Hybrid; CAD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday closure

Public holidays

Wellness days

Education incentive

Community impact

Employee Assistance

Dell program

Citizenship in MNO

Job summary

The Archivist Assistant internship at the Métis Nation of Ontario provides hands‑on experience in archival processing, digitization, and metadata creation within the Powley Institute. You will support reference services, community engagement, and collaborative projects that strengthen the Institute’s collections.

As a recent graduate, you will work under supervision, gain practical skills in archival workflows, documentation, safety, and ethical stewardship of Métis knowledge and records, while

Qualifications

• College diploma or equivalent required.
• Recent coursework or internship in archives, libraries, museums, or cultural heritage.
• Hands-on archival tasks experience from coursework or practicum.
• Familiarity with archival standards (RAD, ISAD(G), Dublin Core) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process archival materials: sorting, arranging, labeling for long-term preservation.
• Create descriptive metadata and finding aids; enter data into archival systems (AtoM).
• Participate in digitization, file naming, QC, and uploading to repositories.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Research assistance

Customer service

Documentation

Education

College Diploma

Tools

AtoM

Archival management systems

Job description

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:59 AM

Position Details: New position

Contract Term: 1- Year

MNO’s culture is at our core
The MNO workplace culture is full of potential ready to be unlocked. As our Self-Governance agreement materializes, we are building a workplace culture of action, responsibility, and most importantly a desire to serve the Métis community. When defining what MNO culture is, it’s difficult, because of our diverse leadership styles, and the different programs and services offered. What that really means is there is a place for almost everyone under the MNO employer umbrella. We recognize people are different, and that is our source of strength. We bring opinions together, welcome healthy conflict, and look to always find answers, not problems.

• Annual paid two- week holiday closure in December
• 16 paid public and employer holidays
• 15 paid health & wellness days
• Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
• Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
• An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
• Other perks
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
• Dell member purchase program
• Be a citizen of the MNO (Metis Nation of Ontario)
• Have graduatedwithin the last year
• Have an education in the field of study relevant to the Internship

About the Role

The Archivist Assistant is a one‑year internship opportunity for a recent graduate (within the past year) beginning their career in archives, records management, or cultural heritage. As part of the Powley Institute, the Archivist Assistant supports the preservation, organization, and accessibility of materials that reflect the history, governance, and cultural life of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Working under the supervision of the Archivist and reporting to the Manager, this role provides hands‑on experience in archival processing, digitization, metadata creation, and community‑focused stewardship practices.

The Archivist Assistant contributes to day‑to‑day archival operations, assists with digital and physical preservation activities, and helps maintain clear and accurate documentation across archival workflows. The position also supports reference services, community engagement initiatives, and collaborative projects that strengthen the visibility and accessibility of the Institute’s collections. This internship offers a meaningful professional development experience for an emerging practitioner, providing mentorship, skill‑building, and exposure to Métis‑led approaches to cultural knowledge stewardship and ethical archival practice.

What you will be doing

• Supports the processing of archival materials, including sorting, arranging, labelling, and preparing records for long‑term preservation under the guidance of the Archivist.
• Assists with the creation of descriptive metadata and finding aids, entering information into archival management systems (such as AtoM) to improve access and discoverability.
• Participates in digitization activities, including scanning, file naming, quality control, and uploading digital objects to appropriate repositories following established workflows.
• Provides front‑line reference and research support, helping staff, researchers, and community members locate and access archival materials while upholding privacy and cultural protocols.
• Monitors the physical condition of archival materials, reporting issues, supporting basic preservation tasks, and ensuring proper handling, storage, and environmental practices.
• Supports community‑based archival initiatives, assisting with outreach activities, exhibitions, workshops, and events that promote engagement with the Powley Institute’s collections.
• Maintains accurate documentation and tracking of archival activities, including accession records, processing notes, and digital file inventories.
• Collaborates with Institute staff and external partners, contributing to project work, special initiatives, and day‑to‑day operations that strengthen the Institute’s archival capacity.
• Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
• Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
• Performs other job/branch‑related duties as required.

Qualifications

• College Diploma
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Recent experience gained through coursework, internships, co‑op placements, or volunteer roles in archives, libraries, museums, cultural heritage, information management, or a related setting.
• Hands‑on experience with basic archival tasks, such as sorting, arranging, describing, or digitizing records, whether through academic projects, practicums, or community‑based initiatives.
• Experience working with digital tools and information systems, including data entry, file management, scanning equipment, or content management platforms.
• Experience providing customer service, research assistance, or front‑line support, demonstrating the ability to work respectfully with diverse users, community members, or researchers.
• Experience working in team‑based or project‑based environments, showing reliability, communication skills, and the ability to follow established procedures.
• Foundational knowledge of archival principles and practices, including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation, gained through recent coursework or practical experience in archival studies, library and information science, history, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of archival description standards and metadata practices, with the ability to learn and apply tools such as RAD, ISAD(G), Dublin Core, or similar frameworks under supervision.
• Comfort working with digital tools and archival management systems, including the ability to support digitization workflows (scanning, file naming, quality control) and maintain accurate digital records.
• Strong organizational and attention‑to‑detail skills, with the ability to follow established procedures, maintain clear documentation, and manage multiple tasks in a structured environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support researchers, staff, and community members respectfully and professionally, and to explain archival processes in accessible terms.
• Ability to handle archival materials safely and responsibly, including following preservation guidelines, environmental controls, and cultural protocols related to Métis and Indigenous knowledge stewardship.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Special Services Organization

The Métis Nation of Ontario is a special services organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

AODA Statement

The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.

Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.

Special Services Organization

The Métis Nation of Ontario is a special services organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.

The Métis Nation of Ontario uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help in the screening and assessing of applicants within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).