Instructor, Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies

Vancouver Island University; Powell River; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Vancouver Island University is seeking a part-time instructor for Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Successful candidates will create engaging course content, work with faculty, and demonstrate commitment to Indigenous communities, leveraging their qualifications and experience in a supportive teaching environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit plan

Ample paid holiday time

Professional development opportunities

Desirable pension plan

Well-being initiatives and services

Strategic discounts

Flexible work opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; equivalent education and Indigenous knowledge may be considered.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology relevant to the position.
• Committment to working with Indigenous communities and knowledge of their histories.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver course content for INDG 103 and INDG 104.
• Work collaboratively with Indigenous/Xwulmuxw faculty, instruct, assess, and grade students.
• Assist students through office hours.

Skills

Proficiency with technology

Commitment to working with Indigenous communities

Knowledge of Canadian Indigenous histories

Team-oriented approach

Responsive to diverse learning styles

Education

Master's degree in Indigenous Studies or related discipline

PhD degree in Indigenous Studies or related discipline (preferred)

Job description

The Department of Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies is seeking a candidate to teach two courses offered through hybrid delivery in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Duties:
The position is part time, comprised of INDG 103 in Fall 2025 and INDG 104 in Spring 2026, both delivered at ourtiwšɛmawtxʷCampus in Powell River on Wednesdays from 1-4 pm. These hybrid classes are face-to-face with synchronous online students in attendance as well.

• The successful candidate will create and deliver course content;
• Work collaboratively with Indigenous/Xwulmuxw faculty;
• Instruct, assess and grade student achievement in the courses offered and assist students through office hours

INDG 103: Introduction to Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies I:
A multidisciplinary introduction to Indigenous studies, drawing on readings, seminar discussion, and writing to explore essential themes. Special emphasis will be given to historical, cultural, and socio-political processes that shape Indigenous experiences and realities. Selected case studies will be used to illustrate these processes.

INDG 104: Introduction to Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies II:
A multidisciplinary introduction to Indigenous Studies, drawing on readings, seminar discussion, and writing to explore essential themes. Focus will be on B.C. Indigenous, especially the peoples of the North Pacific Coast.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree in Indigenous Studies or a related discipline from an accredited institution. An equivalent combination of education and Indigenous knowledge/lived experience may be considered.

• Demonstrated proficiency with technology relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Canadian Indigenous communities and their histories, the histories of government policy, and Indigenous-settler relations.
• Candidates must demonstrate a solid commitment to working in a team-oriented environment and be responsive to diverse learning styles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Indigenous Studies or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Preference will be given to applicants with ties to the local Tla'amin Nationand/or familiarity with Indigenous communities and pedagogical practices.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.