The Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies (IKERAS) has openings for Sessional Instructors during the Fall 2026 semester. These positions are subject to final budgetary approval.
The salary scale for these positions is $7,404.00 - $8,515.00.
Course dates: September 8, 2026 – December 23, 2026.
Please note: the courses offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course.
UPEI is recognized as a leading, innovative center of excellence in learning, teaching, scholarship, and research. While it is strongly connected to the vibrant social and cultural environment of Prince Edward Island, it enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond the Island’s shores. The IKERAS faculty has strong ties to the local Indigenous communities on and off reserve.
Visit some of the vibrant local Indigenous organizations highlighted on our faculty website: https://www.upei.ca/faculty-of-indigenous-knowledge-education-research-…
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is located on Epekwitk, part of the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw nation. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which recognize Mi'kmaw title and establish the ongoing relationship between the Mi'kmaw nation and the Crown. We are all treaty people.
IKE – 1040 – 02 Indigenous Teachings (3 Credits)
With respect to the traditional and unceded territory of Epekwitk (PEI) and Mi'kma'ki, this course is an introduction to the three groups of Indigenous peoples recognized in Canada. Anchored in Indigenous knowledges, students will learn about ceremonies, protocols, traditions, and cultures. This course further introduces Canada's history of colonization and cultural assimilation policies. These will help to begin fostering an understanding of Indigenous worldviews and fulfill the University of Prince Edward Island's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
IKE – 1040 – 04 Indigenous Teachings (3 Credits)
With respect to the traditional and unceded territory of Epekwitk (PEI) and Mi'kma'ki, this course is an introduction to the three groups of Indigenous peoples recognized in Canada. Anchored in Indigenous knowledges, students will learn about ceremonies, protocols, traditions and cultures. This course further introduces Canada's history of colonization and cultural assimilation policies. These will help to begin fostering an understanding of Indigenous worldviews and fulfill the University of Prince Edward Island's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:30 am – 9:20 am
IKE – 1040 – 05 Indigenous Teachings (3 Credits)
With respect to the traditional and unceded territory of Epekwitk (PEI) and Mi'kma'ki, this course is an introduction to the three groups of Indigenous peoples recognized in Canada. Anchored in Indigenous knowledges, students will learn about ceremonies, protocols, traditions, and cultures. This course further introduces Canada's history of colonization and cultural assimilation policies. These will help to begin fostering an understanding of Indigenous worldviews and fulfill the University of Prince Edward Island's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
Tuesday from 7:00 pm – 9:45 pm
IKE – 2230 The Mi’Kmaq of Eastern Canada (3 Credits)
This is an ethnological-style course examining traditional Mi'Kmaq culture and how it has evolved historically. It introduces students to L'nu cultural practices about the body, food, traditional medicines, religion, politics, and the natural world.
Monday/Wednesday from 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
IKE – 3056 Indigenous Peoples & Justice (3 Credits)
Students will be introduced to how colonialism perpetuates inequality of Indigenous peoples and results in their over-representation in the criminal justice system, now referred to as 'the new residential schools in contemporary Canadian society' and other unjust systems in Canada. Students will understand the systemic issues that prevent the fair and equitable treatment of Indigenous peoples despite measures that are intended to curb the rise of their incarceration. An examination of social justice and criminological theories will be of benefit to students interested in understanding inequities in larger systems beyond criminal justice and potential pathways to end this disturbing reality.
Thursday from 5:30 pm – 8:15 pm
Qualifications:
Successful applicants will have a minimum master’s degree with an avid interest in actively supporting students’ intellectual development and learning competencies inquiry. In addition, applicants must be well-versed in capturing oral and written stories of Elders and Knowledge Keepers by traditional and respectful means.
Candidates are required to state their Indigenous status in the application, and proof of such is part of the hiring process.
The UPEI Faculty of IKERAS emphasized experiential learning in teaching Indigenous pedagogies and scholarship; candidates who can contribute to that focus are encouraged to apply. In addition, our faculty values candidates with strong academic qualifications, traditional knowledge, leadership in reconciliation, and direct Indigenous lived experience.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster in the academic unit.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research outline, and teaching dossier (e.g., teaching philosophy, teaching evaluations, previous syllabi). Candidates should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to the address below. Electronic submissions are encouraged. An application package including and addressing all of the elements listed above must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to:
Dr. Angelina Weenie, Dean
Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies (IKERAS)
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada C1A 4P3
Email: [email protected]
In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.
UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
Closing date for applications is July 10th, 2026; however, the competition will remain open until the positions are filled.
