RFP: Historian Services

Maicnet; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) is seeking a qualified historian to conduct in-depth historical research and produce a report on the Native American population in the Twin Cities. This project aims to engage the public and foster understanding of Indigenous history through community involvement and comprehensive methodology. Ideal candidates will have experience with Native histories and oral history methodologies, along with strong communication and research skills.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in Interpretive Planning or similar.
• Experience working collaboratively with Native communities.
• In-depth knowledge of the American Indian Movement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research using primary and secondary sources.
• Perform oral history interviews with identified stakeholders.
• Produce a comprehensive written report for the Interpretation Plan.

Skills

Historical research

Oral history methodologies

Communication

Organizational skills

Cultural protocols

Education

B.A. degree in Public History

National Association of Interpreters certification

Job description

Introduction

The Minneapolis American Indian Center (“MAIC”) is seeking proposals from qualified
and experienced historians to conduct research and provide a written history of the
Native American population in the Twin Cities. The historic research will be utilized in
the interpretive planning process which tells the story of the MAIC.

Project Overview

The MAIC is at a transformative point in its history due in part, to fulfilling the first phase
of its mission to providing a newly renovated safe space to offer resources for the
Indigenous community. The facility marks a major milestone in the organization’s history
with its completion. This project specifically aims to create an Interpretation Plan to
engage the broader public and further foster awareness and understanding about our
Native community that have utilized the MAIC since its inception in 1974. This work will
involve research and elder interviews with relevant community members, leaders, and
stakeholders to explore contemporary Indigenous histories, locally and connect people
through their experiences.
The MAIC is undertaking this project to document the historical development of the
Native American population in the Twin Cities as it relates to the formation of the MAIC,
the American Indian Movement and within the American Indian Cultural Corridor. The
selected historian(s) will be responsible for attending community meetings, researching
primary and secondary sources, and conducting oral history interviews. This will
culminate into a comprehensive report towards developing an implementation strategy
for an Interpretation Plan.

Objectives

• Collect, research and conduct heritage preservation work in regard to Native
  American traditional knowledge, neighborhood identity, cultural, economic,
  political, social and oral histories of the Twin Cities.
• Support a commitment that encourages cultural continuity and authentic
  representation of Native American histories.
• Respect the participants for sharing their stories and knowledge for the
  betterment of the community and the urban Native experience as contributors to
  the archives of the MAIC.
• Participate in the overall Interpretive Planning process that tells the story of the
  Indigenous cultural landscape as it relates to the community and development of
  the MAIC.

Scope of Work

The historian(s) will be expected to:

• Conduct thorough research using primary and secondary sources
• Perform oral history interviews with identified stakeholders
• Produce a written report, including:
  • Detailed report with findings and analysis for future research and
    interpretive planning
  • Relevant historical materials shared with interviewees/narrators
  • Survey of oral history collections pertinent to building the MAIC story
• Present findings to stakeholders through public forums and community
  gatherings.
• Collaborate with project staff to ensure historical accuracy and relevance
• Coordinate and cooperate with film, video and audio technical contractors

Deliverables

• A detailed research plan
• Interim progress reports
• Final written report
• Public presentations
• Attend community meetings with elders, partners, stakeholders and program staff

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience of historical research and writing concerning Native
  American/American Indian/First Nations/Indigenous communities
• Experience conducting oral history interviews or working collaboratively with oral
  historians in Native communities
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• In depth knowledge of the American Indian Movement; population of the Twin
  Cities and the American Indian Cultural Corridor of Minneapolis
• Experience with Native American/American Indian/First Nations/Indigenous oral
  history methodologies, including cultural protocols and ethical considerations to
  informed consent
• 2 years of experience in Interpretive Planning or similar
• B.A. degree in Public History, Heritage Interpretation or National Association of
  Interpreters certification as an Interpretive Planner.

Proposal Requirements

Interested applicants must submit a proposal that includes:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
• Proposed Methodology
• Describe the approach to conduct the research and accomplish the project
  objectives
• Work Plan and Timeline
  • Outline key milestones and a timeline for completion
• Budget
  • Provide a detailed cost estimate, including fees, travel, and other
    expenses
• Writing Sample
  • 3-5 samples previous work relevant to this project
• References
  • 3 professional references

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance and in-depth of experience working with tribal communities (30%)
• Quality of proposed methodology (30%)
• Proposed budget (20%)
• Writing quality and clarity (10%)
• References (10%)

Submission Details

Proposals must be submitted no later than May 26 5:00 p.m.

Submit proposals via email/mail to: [e-mail]

The MAIC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and is not obligated
to contract with any applicant. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
The MAIC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate regarding race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry,
disability, age, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, public assistance
status, or membership/activity in local human rights commission.