Course - ENVRSUST 9018 001

About Western

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

About Us

The Master of Environment and Sustainability program is a one-year, course-based professional graduate program that prepares students to address complex environmental challenges across sectors. Through interdisciplinary coursework, applied projects, and a co-op experience, students build practical skills in environmental problem-solving, policy, planning, business, and ecosystem health. Graduates leave the program ready to contribute to sustainability solutions in government, industry, consulting, non-profit, and community settings. More information on the program is available at https://www.uwo.ca/mes/program/index.html

Course Information

ENVRSUST 9018 – Indigenous-Led Approaches to Environment & Sustainability
This applied course examines Indigenous-led approaches to environmental management and sustainability, emphasizing Indigenous worldviews, knowledge systems, and leadership in addressing complex environmental challenges. Students will explore the interconnected issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental stewardship, and community resilience, with particular attention to the role of Indigenous Peoples in advancing sustainable development and
environmental decision-making.
The course explores the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, climate change adaptation, adaptive capacity, and the role of governance, policy, and institutional frameworks in supporting Indigenous-led sustainability initiatives. Students will examine opportunities for collaborative environmental management, community-based resilience planning, and approaches that recognize Indigenous rights, priorities, and perspectives. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships between Indigenous communities, governments, and other stakeholders, including the importance of reconciliation, meaningful partnerships, and culturally respectful approaches to environmental governance.
Please Note that the MES program plans to have two sections for this course:
• One section will be offered in person in the morning between 9:00 – 12:30, during the
winter semester 2027 for 6 sessions achieving 21 contact-hours throughout the semester,
delivered on Tuesdays. Classes are scheduled to take place between February 23 and April
5th, 2027.
• The second section will be delivered in class in the afternoon from 1:30 to 5:00 during the
Winter semester 2027 for 6 sessions, achieving 21 contact-hours throughout the semester,
delivered on Tuesdays. Classes are scheduled to take place between February 23 and April
5th, 2027.
• The MES program intends to hire the same instructor for both course sections.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for all activities associated with the successful delivery of the course, including but not limited to: developing, preparing, and delivering the course; setting and marking examinations, assessing the academic work of students, and reporting grades.

Candidates must be willing to undertake training as required by the Employer including, but not limited to, training in respect of health and safety, harassment and discrimination, and legislated service standards.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant discipline (or be close to completion) and a demonstrated record of high performance and expertise teaching at the university-level the specific subject area of any course for which they apply. Preference will be given to experience in teaching or researching in the specific subject area of the course applied for.

Affirmation Policy

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Applying at Western

In submitting your application, candidates should attach a curriculum vitae and evidence of successful teaching, together with the names and contact information of qualified individuals who could be contacted about their teaching experience and ability.

In accordance with the Faculty Collective Agreement, consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications, including qualifications which go beyond the requirements for the position. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

Course offerings could be assigned to the workload of full-time faculty or to part-time faculty with seniority or preference rights in accordance with the Faculty Collective Agreement, or left unfilled based on operational/enrolment requirements. All positions are subject to budget approval.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. Recent Western graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.