Indigenous-Directed Collections Lead (5-Year Term)

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 92,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto Mississauga seeks an Indigenous-Centred Collections Officer to transform stewardship of archaeological and cultural collections under Indigenous direction and collaboration.

Reporting to the Department Manager and OII Director, the role supports consultation, repatriation, and long-term stewardship across Indigenous territories in Ontario. Term position with renewal potential and on-site work schedule.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or equivalent education and experience.
• 6–7 years of progressive experience in collections management, archaeological or cultural heritage stewardship.
• Experience in Indigenous engagement and/or consultation.
• Experience navigating repatriation/rematriation processes, preferably with Indigenous communities.
• Indigenous membership or lived experience with Indigenous communities and strong cultural competency.
• Familiarity with Indigenous protocols and data sovereignty in Canada.
• Understanding of Canadian legislative frameworks related to archaeological stewardship and repatriation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee organization, documentation, and curation of Indigenous ancestral archaeological belongings.
• Coordinate Indigenous-directed consultation and relationship-building with Indigenous Nations through UTM OII.
• Support the Department's Collections & Data Committee in developing Indigenous-directed SOPs.
• Liaise with Indigenous communities, Anthropology department at U of T St. George campus, government partners, and other institutions.
• Coordinate repatriation, rematriation, and collaborative stewardship processes.
• Plan for long-term stewardship of existing and future collections.
• Manage logistics of stewardship and repatriation, including packaging, shipping, and transfer prep.
• Occasional travel within Canada may be required.

Skills

Indigenous engagement

Communication

Cultural competency

Collections management experience

Education

Master's degree or equivalent education/experience

Job description

University of Toronto Mississauga seeks an Indigenous-Centred Collections Officer to transform stewardship of archaeological and cultural collections under Indigenous direction and collaboration.

Reporting to the Department Manager and OII Director, the role supports consultation, repatriation, and long-term stewardship across Indigenous territories in Ontario. Term position with renewal potential and on-site work schedule.