NIKANAHTPAT (DIRECTOR OF THE MI'KMAQ-WOLASTOQEY CENTRE)

University of New Brunswick; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian University in Fredericton is seeking a Nikanahtpat (Director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastogey Centre) for a full-time, 5-year term. This role involves collaborating with university units to enhance Indigenous student success and managing the budget of the centre. The ideal candidate should be of Indigenous First Nations, Metis, or Inuit heritage, possess a Master's degree, and demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous cultures and rights. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Full pension

Minimum of three weeks vacation annually

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Dental, life, and health insurance

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of Wabanaki history, Indigenous rights, and cultures.
• Experience in supporting Indigenous students' success in post-secondary education.
• Proven ability to oversee programs and support Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with university units to lead recruitment and support Indigenous student success.
• Create a welcoming environment that connects students to their culture and community.
• Support the budget of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastogey Centre in consultation with the Dean.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Financial management

Human resources skills

Education

Master's degree or related experience

Job description

Closing Date: January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM

MI'KMAQ-WOLASTOQEY CENTRE

The Mi'kmaq-Wolastogey Centre (MWC) works closely with the 15 First Nations communities in New Brunswick and those in the Atlantic region. MWC currently supports Indigenous student success by enhancing cultural and spiritual wellbeing through traditional ceremony and Indigenous world views, academic advising, mental health and career counselling, experiential education and land-based opportunities. The MWC plays a key role in recruitment and retention of Indigenous students.

Nikanahtpat (Director) is a Wolastoqey word that means "one who leads by mind, body and spirit"

WHAT WE OFFER

Full-time | 5-year term | Fredericton Campus| On-Campus

Standard Work Hours: Mon - Fri | 8:15 am - 4:30 pm |36.25 hours per week

Salary Range: $78,733 - $107,305 per annum

YOUR FOCUS

The University of New Brunswick welcomes applications for the position of Nikanahtpat (Director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastogey Centre). The Nikanahtpat position is a university wide, five-year term appointment currently reporting to the Vice Provost Learning and Student Experience and the Dean of Education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The University of New Brunswick welcomes applications for the position of Nikanahtpat (Director of the Mi'kmaq-Wolastogey Centre). The Nikanahtpat position is a university wide, five-year term appointment currently reporting to the Vice Provost Learning and Student Experience and the Dean of Education.

• Responsible for collaborating with other university units to lead recruitment and student success efforts and for expanding student supports offered by MWC to the UNB Saint John Campus and Moncton site.
• Create a welcoming and supportive environment and programming that fosters Indigenous students' success through connection to ceremony, traditional and contemporary cultures, community and academic goals.
• Work closely with Kcicichtuwinut (Knowledge Keeper in Residence), the Council of Elders, Piluwitahasuwin (AVP Indigenous Engagement) and First Nations communities to achieve their goals.
• Participate in policy development at MWC, Faculty and University levels.
• Responsible for the budget of MWC in consultation with the Dean of Education.
• Support open and respectful relationship with all partners.

WHAT YOU BRING

UNB is committed to fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. Candidates are required to be an individual of Indigenous First Nations, Metis or Inuit people's heritage, with preference to those from the Wolastoqey or Mi'kmaq Territory. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

The successful candidate will have a Master's degree or have related experience as well as experience in supporting Indigenous students' success in post-secondary education. The successful candidate will have knowledge of, and a demonstrated passion for, Wabanaki history, Indigenous rights, languages, traditional and contemporary cultures, worldviews and ceremony.

The successful candidate will also have proven interpersonal, leadership, financial and human resources skills to oversee all programs of the MWC and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action, UNB's TRC Strategic Action Plan.

WHY CHOOSE UNB?

UNB offers a large variety of benefits for employees, including a full pension, a minimum of three weeks of vacation annually, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and dental, life, and health insurance.

ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL GROUP (APT)

This position is part of the non-union Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) group.

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.