MSW Espi-kina'matnewey wjit ta'n teli apoqnmwemk (L'nuey) Elder (Designated Position)

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Dalhousie University School of Social Work’s faculty, students, and alumni share a common objective: to embrace a critical, anti-oppressive and decolonizing approach to social work practice that includes an emphasis on social policy, professional values, theoretical perspectives, and practice methods. Reporting to the Director, School of Social Work, the MSW Espi-kina’matnewey wjit ta’n teli apoqnmwemk (L’nuey) Elder will provide cultural teachings within the MSW L’nuey program. They will work closely with the Dalhousie School of Social Work faculty and staff, the L’nuey Advisory Committee, as well as the Mi’kmaq Nation and its various communities to integrate and align programming.

• Provide Mi’kmaw cultural teachings and integrate Mi’kmaw ways of being, knowing, doing, relating, and becoming throughout the MSW L’nuey program using Indigegogy principles.
• Deliver culturally grounded instruction, including teaching or co-teaching courses, to support student learning and professional development.
• Mentor, guide, and support students in their growth as Mi’kmaw and Indigenous social work practitioners, contributing to student assessment and evaluation processes.
• Lead and support ceremonies, circles, land-based learning opportunities, cultural activities, and intensive program gatherings and camps.
• Build and sustain relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Mi’kmaq communities, organizations, community partners, and university stakeholders to strengthen program connections and community engagement.
• Provide cultural guidance to faculty and staff while contributing to the ongoing development, review, and cultural integrity of the MSW L’nuey program.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In keeping with the principles of reconciliation and with Dalhousie’s Employment Equity Plan, the position is designated to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq).

Note: To be considered, you must self-identify as an Indigenous Person of Turtle Island. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation during the search process to validate self-identification. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

Requires travel within the province as it pertains to course delivery as courses will be in Mi’kmaq communities or nearby. Must be able to work weekends or intense timeframes such as the five-day camps at the beginning and end of the program.

The successful applicant will primarily work remotely from within Nova Scotia with occasional presence in-person on-campus to meet client needs and operational requirements.

• Graduate degree in social work or a related degree in the social or health sciences, with experience working with Mi’kmaq or other Indigenous students (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Ability to provide feedback to Mi’kmaq or other Indigenous students, in helping them grow their understanding of Mi’kmaw social work.
• Demonstrated knower of traditional knowledge with leadership in the application of Mi’kmaq ceremonies and circle pedagogy which will guide the curriculum, the pedagogy and delivery of this graduate social work degree focused on Mi’kmaq ways of being, knowing, doing and becoming.
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaq ceremonies, cultural practices and teachings, and the ability to teach the deep meaning associated with these practices. Ability to lead circle pedagogy, guided by the teaching of Mi’kmaw ways of being, knowing, doing, relating, and becoming.
• Ability to work with individuals and lead groups, work as part of a team, prioritize work and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, as evident in delivering feedback to students, co-teaching communications, and networking with community.

• Access to a vehicle and a current driver’s license.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.