Community Student Researcher (Casual)

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centers across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.


Nature and Scope

The Community Student Researcher will join our research team as part of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded project focused on strengthening First Nations-led approaches to applied research. The Student Researcher will play an important role in helping the project remain grounded in community relationships, local knowledge and community priorities. This position is designed as both a research role and a student learning opportunity. This position will positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission, and mandate.


General Accountability

The Student Researcher will work alongside the SIIT research project team, community partners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and participants while gaining hands-on experience in community-based research. The Community Student Researcher will support community engagement, conversations, knowledge gathering and learning throughout the project while adhering to policies and procedures for ethical research practice. The First Nations Voices in Applied Research project brings SIIT together with community partners to learn about how applied research can better reflect First Nations priorities, relationships, knowledge and ways of doing things. Food sovereignty provides an applied context for some of the community conversations and learning taking place through the project. This position includes the following broad range of accountabilities:

Specific Accountabilities

• Support the preparation for community conversations, sharing circles, meetings and other research activities
• Attend community-based research and engagement activities
• Support notetaking and documentation of project activities
• Assist with transcription and organization of research information
• Conduct background and literature searches
• Help identify themes, perspectives and key learnings emerging from the project
• Assist with the preparation of summaries, presentations, reports and knowledge sharing materials
• Help organize research records and project materials
• Participate in project team meetings, training and mentorship opportunities
• Support respectful communication and relationship building with community partners and participants
• Follow approved research ethics, consent, confidentiality, privacy and data management requirements
• The specific activities assigned to the Student Researcher will reflect the project's research ethics approval and the student's level of experience and training

The Student Researcher will receive guidance and mentorship from members of the project team throughout the term. This position provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in:

• First Nations and community-based approaches to research
• Research ethics and working respectfully with research participants
• Community engagement and relationship building
• Qualitative research and conversational approaches
• Documenting and making sense of community knowledge and perspectives
• Knowledge sharing and knowledge mobilization
• Working collaboratively within a research project
• Understanding how applied research can support community priorities.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program
• Have an interest in Indigenous research, community engagement, education, community development, food sovereignty, applied research or a related area
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to listen carefully and respectfully document conversations and perspectives
• Demonstrate good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle information responsibly
• Willing to complete required research ethics and project-specific training
• Availability to participate in some community-based activities and travel as required. Must have a valid driver's licence and reliable vehicle.

Required Competencies: Flexible and Adaptable, Effective Communication, Relationship Building, Results Oriented, Client Focus, Initiative, Attention to Detail, Teamwork.

This is a casual position, up to 8 hours per week.

Term length: November 2026 to June 30, 2027