Position Description
Canada Research Chair Tier I
Indigenous Health Equity and Inclusion
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations) as well as the Tsuut'ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The university recognizes that the City of Calgary is also home to Region III of the Métis Nation of Alberta. By virtue of the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the university recognizes that we are all treaty people. The City of Calgary is home to a culturally diverse community. Together, we share this land, strive to live together, learn together, walk together, and grow together 'in a good way.'
In the spring of 2016, The University of Calgary (UCalgary) set out to build the Indigenous Strategy (ii'taa'poh'to'p) by gathering stories and perspectives from Traditional Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, agencies, and communities. The strategy was adopted in November 2017 with a foundation in transformation, renewal, and shared ethical space. It includes 27 recommendations that address ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being, touching on all aspects of the university. The university is enacting the strategy's directions through an Elders/UCalgary leadership Circle of Advisors, the UCalgary Indigenous Strategy Implementation Committee and its seven sub- committees, and the ii'taa'poh'to'p Student Circle of Advisors, as well as several other faculty-based committees and action plans.
ii'taa'poh'to'p guides UCalgary on its path of transformation and communicates its commitment and responsibility for truth and reconciliation. The strategy is and will remain a living document within the institution, whereby progress will be monitored, and content and direction will be renewed through a process of evaluation and evolution. https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous/ii-taapohtop
This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope.
The University of Calgary is committed to Indigenous leadership, engagement, and the advancement of systemic change. The University is seeking candidates for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the area of Indigenous Health Equity and Inclusion, recruited by the Faculty of Social Work and to be jointly working with the Faculty of Arts, Cumming School of Medicine, and the CIHR funded Networks for Indigenous Health Research Program (CIHR-NEIHR). The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Professor (with tenure).
The Canada Research Chairs Program stands at the centre of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries in research and development. It invests approximately $295 million per year to attract and retain a diverse cadre of world-class researchers, to reinforce academic research and training excellence in Canadian postsecondary institutions. Tier 1 Chairs are tenable for seven years and renewable once. Tier 1 Chairs are intended for outstanding and innovative world-class researchers whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their fields and who are recognized internationally as leaders in their fields. They must have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and, as chairholders, be expected to attract, develop, and retain excellent trainees, students, and future researchers; and be proposing an original, innovative research program of the highest quality. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada's CRC website, including eligibility criteria.
This position provides an opportunity for an outstanding and innovative world-class researcher to have an active program of research (as someone recognized as a leader in their field, nationally and internationally). They would conduct an original, innovative research program of the highest quality in Indigenous health equity, inclusion and data sovereignty. The Chair will develop and expand this research area and seek interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Social Work and across the university as well as local, national, and international communities. The research program will be focused on national engagement and developing theoretical foundations, and will contribute to creating conditions for Indigenous peoples to flourish and increasingly have data sovereignty. By exploring and utilizing Indigenous research methodologies, knowledge, values, and cultures to enhance the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children, families, and communities, the candidate will implement an innovative and socially significant research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Under this umbrella the CRC will explore Indigenous research and data sovereignty as transformative praxis; and promote and advance health equity through inclusion of diverse Indigenous leadership, voices, and action. The Chair will develop and expand a decolonizing research program that actively seeks interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Social Work and across the university, with the CIHR-NEIHR national program, as well as local, national, and international Indigenous leaders and communities. The research and training program will focus on bridging critical Indigenous studies with a strong applied research and knowledge translation focus, and in doing so the CRC will be a key leader and contributor to the CIHR-NEIHR program. The CRC will aim to create positive conditions for Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples to utilize the Chair as a resource for building ethical and decolonized partnerships, practices and outcomes with non-Indigenous decision-makers. Purposely operating in spaces that traditionally have excluded First Nations, Métis and Inuit leadership and voices, the CRC will explore and utilize Indigenous research methodologies, knowledge, values, and cultures to advance health equity and inclusion and Indigenous sovereignties. The candidate will implement an innovative and socially significant research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment, contributing to the larger Indigenous health and wellbeing agenda for children, families and communities.
The successful candidate will have a superior record of engaging outstanding students and future researchers, to build individual and community capacity through local, national and global partnerships, as well as the demonstrated ability to attract competitive research funding. In addition to maintaining an active funded research program, the Chair will be expected to supervise graduate students, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their areas of specialization, and demonstrate leadership in service, collaboration and mentorship within the university and the community. As well, the Chair will be expected to engage actively with the public and the media in matters related to the Chair. The Chair will effectively respond to important events and processes, such as the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and meaningful engagement as outlined in the Indigenous Strategy.
We take pride in our Indigenous strategy, and its grounding to deepen our commitment to social justice, walking parallel paths, and adopting respectful approaches with Indigenous peoples. This is advanced with a deep awareness of our shared present and historical relations, including our professions' role in contributing to systemic racism toward Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island and its legacy of harms.
The successful candidate will have a superior record of engaging outstanding students and future researchers, to build individual and community capacity through local, national and global partnerships, as well as the demonstrated ability to attract competitive research funding. In addition to maintaining an active funded research program, the Chair will be expected to supervise graduate students, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their areas of specialization, and demonstrate leadership in service, collaboration and mentorship within the university and the community. As well, the Chair will be expected to engage actively with the public and the media in matters related to the Chair. The Chair will effectively respond to important events and processes, such as the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and meaningful engagement as outlined in the Indigenous Strategy.
The candidate should possess a broad range of expertise and skills including:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada's most enterprising city. In this spirited, high-quality learning environment, students will thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking.
UCalgary is already one of Canada's top comprehensive research universities, with over 6,500 graduate students and 28,000 undergraduate students in 14 faculties, 146 research chairs (75 Canada Research Chairs), more than 50 research institutes and centres, over 1,800 academic staff, and over 3,200 non-academic staff across five campuses. We are proud to support our growing Indigenous student population at both the undergraduate and graduate level through our developing supports for research including the Indigenous Research Support Team and our Indigenous Engagement team. We recently completed Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High, the third-largest fundraising campaign in Canadian history, surpassing our goal and raised $1.41 Billion.
Framework for Growth is our "growth through focus" plan to meet our Eyes High ambitions and strengthen our community. It supports the University of Calgary's academic and research plans as well as the Indigenous, mental health and sustainability strategies and our global engagement plan. It is built around three big ideas that will differentiate our university and drive growth: transdisciplinary scholarship, integration with our community and future-focused program delivery that will see us expand flexibility and customizability of the UCalgary experience. To learn more about this vision: https://www.ucalgary.ca/president/growth
The diversity of our scholars and staff are reflective of UCalgary's commitment to ensure that all have a rightful place to learn and to grow. Our values underpin this commitment, through our teaching, research and community outreach, to serve individuals and communities to flourish and thrive.
Calgary resides in the vast Blackfoot territory, which is shaped like a buffalo across the land. The University of Calgary, situated near Nose Hill (a protected park), is near the nose of the buffalo (the breath of life) and the head (the intelligence) of the buffalo. Recently ranked the 5th most liveable city in the world (2019) by The Economist, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family.
Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy, and volunteerism with the highest concentration of entrepreneurs and Canadian head offices in Canada. Situated in the sunny foothills of Canada's majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by a natural area of profound beauty.
Consistently rated by the United Nations as the world's best country to live in, Canada is the world's second largest country by total area and is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. The 10th largest advanced economy in the world, relying upon its abundant natural resources and sophisticated international trade networks, Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.
The University of Calgary's comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package for this Calgary-based, English speaking position (with the ability to speak an Indigenous language recognized as an asset), please visit http://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/academic_benefits_pension.
As an inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. We encourage members of all equity-deserving groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities to apply. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity or requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected])
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the University of Calgary Careers webpage using the `Apply Now' Now. Applications should include a cover letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including the name and contact information of three references), teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and educational development plan), EDI statement, and statement of research. Please provide all documents in one file.
Questions about this position may be directed to:
Ellen Perrault, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Social Work
Email: [email protected]
The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate's research productivity.
Closing Date: January 17, 2022
Additional Information
To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Social Work visit Careers in the Faculty of Social Work.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
Posting Date: October 20, 2021
Closing Date: January 17, 2022