Social Work - Elder Limited Term Appointment (The Indigenous Field of Study)

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Limited Term Appointment

The Indigenous Field of Study (IFS), in the Faculty of Social Work (FSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Kitchener location invites applications for a Full-time Elder Limited Term Appointment (LTA) full-time faculty position commencing on July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, subject to budgetary approval. The teaching load for this position is two course equivalents during the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). These courses will be taught at the graduate level and will be part of our IFS program. This position is a full-time faculty position; therefore, in addition to teaching, there is an expectation that our colleague will contribute to the IFS program (i.e. ceremonies, wholistic healing student evaluations, regular team meetings, admissions, convocation, IFS events and conferences).  Specifically, the Elder will be expected to assist the facilitators for Culture Camp in the Fall and to lead ceremonies throughout the program as well as provide cultural support to Full-time IFS students and faculty. There is no research or scholarship expectation associated with this position.

The FSW is located on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We are working toward a stronger emphasis on decolonizing social work practice and education and hope the candidate will contribute to this journey.

The FSW offers professional social work programs at the bachelor’s (Brantford) and master’s levels and a research-focused doctoral program. We are devoted to excellence in research, creative and critical thinking, and reflexive practice. Our students learn through traditional and innovative teaching strategies. The IFS in the MSW program embraces Indigenous-based learning. We encourage students at all levels to become active citizens of an increasingly complex and interconnected world. We fulfill our mission by advancing multi-disciplinary and marginalized forms of knowledge. Our graduates are committed to constructively engaging and working toward transforming oppressive conditions and structures and promoting well-being in individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The Indigenous Field of Study is seeking a colleague who will teach and contribute to our IFS courses in Kitchener and overall wholistic programming. The IFS has a full-time offering in addition to our part-time delivery in partnership with our community partners (Kenjgewin Teg and First Nations Technical Institute). Concerning IFS courses, we are interested in applicants who are rooted in Indigenous wholistic knowledge, worldviews, and practices. Candidates must be a First Metis or Inuit with preference for IFS alumni who have engaged wholistic practices in relation to their MSW degree, or comparable programs. Our colleague will also have the opportunity to engage with the Centre for Indigegogy: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-social-work/centre-for-indigegogy/index.html

Additional information about the Indigenous Field of Study and our IFS courses is available on our webpages: https://www.wlu.ca/programs/social-work/graduate/social-work-msw/indigenous-field-of-study/index.html; https://students.wlu.ca/programs/social-work/msw/indigenous-field-of-study/course-offerings.html 

The successful applicant will (1) hold a graduate degree, with at least one degree in social work, and preference will be given to one degree rooted in Indigenous Studies, (2) have extensive experience facilitating traditional Indigenous ceremonies (e.g.sweat lodge and fasting ceremonies) in Indigenous communties (3) have advanced wholistic healing practices/experience, as well as experience doing practice with Indigenous communities and Indigenous Peoples, (3) have a decolonizing lens of practice and an understanding of the contemporary landscape of Indigenous Social Work practices, (4) have teaching experience in land-based learning, and (5) experience teaching Online  via Zoom or a similar platform is also an asset. (6) experience with the IFS MSW program is an asset.

Applicants should submit:

1. a letter of application highlighting accomplishments and strengths in relation to the position description and requirements;
2. curriculum vitae;
3. details (name, position title, organization) and contact information (telephone and email address) for two referees;
4. a 1–2-page statement outlining the types of teaching engaged in and approaches to teaching (i.e., courses, conferences, professional development, community education) as well as their experience in facilitating Indigenous traditional ceremonies
5. a 1-page statement about how the applicant approaches Indigenous pedagogy and how their Indigeneity informs their teaching

Applications should be received by 11:59 pm (EST), June 2, 2025. Please send all materials by email to [email protected], with the subject: IFS LTA.

As you consider applying, we would like to bring the following to your attention.

Consistent with Laurier’s Indigenous Identity Verification Process, candidates are required to submit written documentation of Indigenous identity, or a self-declaration that includes specific information about their ongoing relationship to a legally recognized and inherent Indigenous community, Nation, or people, in North America. Please see here for information about this policy and what is required: https://www.wlu.ca/about/discover-laurier/indigenization/indigenous-identity-verification-process.html. As per the university’s policy, candidates who are short listed for the position will be contacted and asked for confirmation of their Indigenous identity before being invited for an interview.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at [email protected]. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity and Accessibility at [email protected].

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenships; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

• Yes, I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• No, I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to Yumna Al-Adeimi ([email protected]). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html 

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to equity and values diversity. Laurier welcomes applications from qualified candidates having disabilities, and qualified candidates of any sexual and gender identity.