Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Metro Vancouver invites applications for an Indigenous Artist, Writer, Musician, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence. This position emphasizes community engagement through a variety of creative practices and comes with a salary of $7,000 per month for three months, starting either January or May 2026. Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience and a passion for engaging with the broad KPU community.

Qualifications

• Established or emerging Indigenous artists, writers, musicians, or knowledge-keepers are encouraged to apply.
• Writers should have at least one book published or equivalent major project.
• Artists should have an established or emerging record of work.
• Knowledge-keepers should demonstrate active practice through community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Organize and host a series of events for the Faculty of Arts and KPU.
• Give guest lectures and/or readings.
• Consult with writers or artists of various abilities.
• Engage with departments and broader KPU community.

Skills

Relevant community-based experience rooted in Indigenous communities

Enthusiasm for engaging with writers and artists

Ability to travel between campuses

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Dean and Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts.

SUMMARY

The Faculty of Arts invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous artists, writers, musicians, and knowledge-keepers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, for one position as Indigenous Artist, Writer, Musician, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence. Please note other areas of focus not listed may also be considered.

These residencies will support Indigenous knowledge in research and in the creation of new works in variety of fields, including but not restricted to Indigenous governance, health, pedagogy, sustainability, literary composition and spoken word, filmmaking, music, the visual arts (carving, weaving, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, sculpture, printmaking, etc.), performance and interdisciplinary creative practices.

All residents will be able to divide their time between their own projects and contributing to the Faculty of Arts.

In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Faculty of Arts (faculty, students, and staff) and the broader KPU community. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/arts

The Indigenous Residency positions will be for 3 months. The positions will begin either in January or early May 2026. Candidates should indicate in their application which start date (January; or May 2026) works best for them.

Residents will be paid $7,000 per month for the duration of their residency. There will also be some funding available for KPU-specific events and general support.

Applications should include:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the project; and a description of the kind of events you would like to plan and how you see these contributing to the KPU community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc).
• Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Surrey, Richmond, and/or Langley campuses) in the Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 semester.
• A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience.
• A writing sample of no more than 5 pages (if applicable)
• The names of two references.
• KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Actions and to supporting Indigenous writers and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the writers and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, creativity, and intercultural communication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The organization and hosting of a series of events for the Faculty of Arts and KPU that may include the following: a one-day symposium; craft talk; public readings; curated reading.
• Giving guest lectures and/or readings within the Faculty of Arts.
• Consulting with writers or artists of various abilities 2 days a week.
• Meeting regularly with the Associate Dean and/or Dean, Faculty of Arts.
• Engaging with departments, and/or faculty, staff, and student groups in the Faculty of Arts and the broader KPU community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledge, and traditions.
• Writers should have at least one book published, or a book contract with a professional publishing house, or an equivalent major project in spoken or written text and have been active in their creative discipline(s).
• Artists/musician should be active in their creative discipline(s) with an established or emerging record of work as made evident through exhibitions, recordings, reviews, articles public performances, etc.
• Knowledge-keepers should have an active practice made evident through exhibitions and/or publication, community engagement, and written and/or oral research.
• Similar evidence of achievement in area of specialization.
• Enthusiasm for engaging with writers of various abilities.
• Willingness to organize and plan events.
• Enthusiasm for consulting with artists of various abilities.
• Ability to travel between campuses is required.

*Salary Information

Anticipated pay rate: Residents will be paid $7,000 per month for the duration of their residency.

Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don't check every box?

We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.