Position Description

The Indigenous Student Advisor (ISA) plays a key role in supporting students towards the university?۪s goal of the Principles of Indigenous Education in response to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This position is involved in working collaboratively with Indigenous students, Indigenous community members, campus stakeholders, and external agencies; work collaboratively as a resource for faculty and staff; and develops and implements programming focused on supporting Indigenous students and engaging non-Indigenous students.

Reporting to the Vice-President, International & Student Affairs, the ISA works with students, staff, faculty, and community members to deliver successful transitioal supports

for Indigenous students. This can include overseeing a mentorship program, advising and creating opportunities that promote student success, and maintaining a consultative approach to the specific needs of Indigenous students.

The ISA fosters a welcoming space in the Mawita?۪mkw and offers cultural programming and resources in conjunction with the Elder, indigenous faculty and community members They also play a part in promoting partnerships with local Indigenous communities. They may be called on to support the Recruitment and Admission office in recruitment efforts. They would work with campus partners such as Athletics and Academic Supports to help ensure overall retention of Indigenous students.

Position Responsibilities

Networking/Outreach/External Representation

• Support efforts to attract Indigenous students, which includes recruitment and engagement with Director of Recruitment
• Make presentations to parents, students, staff, and faculty to create awareness of and promote the University?۪s Indigenous programming.
• Network with Indigenous communities, Indigenous faculty and liaise with Elders to solicit feedback and suggestions to ensure programming is both culturally sensitive and relevant.
• Represent Indigenous students?۪ perspective for Mount Allison at the Future Wabanaki Steering Committee.
• Represent Indigenous students?۪ perspective for Mount Allison at Atlantic Canadian post secondary indigenous groups (such as the AAU Aboriginal Affairs Committee, Aboriginal Policy Congress, Anglophone East School District First Nation Team, Wabanaki Indigenous Post Secondary Aboriginal Networking Group (WIPSANG), which includes attending monthly or annual meetings, and participating in program development in consultation with VPISA.
• Build strong relationships with Fort Folly First Nation and other NB and NS First Nations.
• Facilitate and promote Elder visits on campus
  
  

Internal Leadership

• Participate and /or co-chair Indigenous Advisory Circle
• Serve as support for internal stakeholders on Mi?۪kmaw initiatives on campus
• Serve as support for Indigenous content of the MtA website
  
  

Program/Initiatives Management

• Responsible for the coordination and implementation of programs to support and retain Indigenous students.
• Act as an advisor to Indigenous students and families with knowledge and sensitivity to intergenerational trauma and the impacts of Historical and Systemic Racism.
• Work with Indigenous students in the delivery of mentorship/peer support and monitor peer mentorships to ensure student success.
• Coordinate cultural & spiritual activities, in consultation with students, staff, faculty & elders, for example, for Sweat Lodge Ceremony, Tipi Teaching Area, Indigenous Gardens, etc.
• Develop and hold events for Indigenous Students to ensure cultural connection.
• Organize culturally based workshops and events to create greater awareness of the histories and cultures of Indigenous people in Canada, including those for MMIWG and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Responsible for promotion and coordination of experiential learning opportunities for Indigenous students related to Future Wabanaki funding which includes student recruitment to program, as well as progress monitoring and follow up to ensure success.
  
  

Administration

• Complete administrative tasks related to inviting guest speakers or committee members, event/committee meeting planning and management, and administration, invoicing, etc.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.
  
  

Key relationships and contacts

The Indigenous Affairs Coordinator Works With

• Recruitment and Admissions staff
• Student Affairs Staff
• Prospective and current students and their families
• Elders from diverse communities
• Indigenous Faculty
• Representative indigenous community organizations
  
  

Decision-making, problem-solving

The ISA is required to exercise a high degree of confidentiality and independent work in an environment while also being highly consultative.

Schedule

Given the nature of the position, flexible working hours, evening and weekend work are required.

Qualifications/skills

• Minimum of Bachelor?۪s degree in an area such as education, psychology, sociology or Indigenous studies
• Individual should be from a Mi?۪kmaq First Nation
• Minimum of 3 years working with Indigenous students and families in an educational context, preferably in a University or College environment, or a comparable combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Indigenous student needs
• Ongoing understanding of, and involvement in, Indigenous culture, communities, and traditions
• Ability to work independently and with confidentiality, as appropriate
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in Mi?۪kmaq and/or Maliseet languages is a definite asset
• Ability to use computer technology within an education context and demonstrated experience with Word and PowerPoint programs is required
  
  

If you are interested in the challenges and opportunities that this position has to offer, please forward your application to: Human Resources Department, Mount Allison University, 65 York St., Sackville, NB E4L 1E4 Fax: (506) 364-2385, e-mail: hr@mta.ca Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2023.

Mount Allison is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual and gender identities. We seek candidates with qualifications and knowledge to contribute specifically to the further diversification of our campus community.

At Mount Allison, we are committed to ensuring your interview experience is as comfortable and accessible as possible. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the interview process, please do not hesitate to inform us. Your needs are important to us, and our dedicated team is here to support you.

Visit our website at www.mta.ca/employment for other employment opportunities at Mount Allison University or to register to receive e-mail notification of new opportunities.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.