The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. In alignment with Braiding Past, Present, and Future: The University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Chair will work to decolonize the forestry curriculum and advance Indigenous perspectives in forest management.
We seek a dynamic scholar who combines training in forest ecology and management, or a related field in natural sciences and land management, with a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western scientific practices, fostering reciprocal partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions in forestry education and research. The successful candidate will develop experiential learning opportunities, promote Indigenous-taught courses, and work closely with Indigenous communities, academic colleagues, the forestry sector and industry, to address contemporary forestry challenges. The Chair will become a critical member of the forestry faculty and a member of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management.
The hiring and recruitment process will involve engagement with Indigenous community representatives to ensure the diverse needs and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta are considered. The endowment provides start-up funds, financial support for research, and funding to hire graduate students. Additionally, a community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to support the Chair’s research and outreach activities for the first five years. Funding for this position has been provided by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA).
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a research seminar, a teaching seminar, and a community-centred presentation designed to promote open dialogue, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountability to Indigenous community partners, while informing the future direction of the Chair’s teaching, research, and outreach.
This competition is restricted to candidates who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to self-identify in their application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide documentation or community affirmation of their Indigenous citizenship, membership, or affiliation, consistent with the University of Alberta and Tri-Council guidelines.
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.
Teaching & Curriculum Development. The successful candidate will design and deliver two courses in Indigenous forestry that integrate Indigenous Knowledge systems and Western forest science while emphasizing cultural protocols, Ceremony, and Traditional Knowledge Systems. Key responsibilities include:
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Developing field-based, experiential courses that blend Indigenous Knowledge systems with Western forest science.
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Creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that recognizes diverse cultural perspectives and ensures Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
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Mentoring Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in academic, career, and personal development.
Research & Community Engagement. The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary, community-driven research initiatives that address critical forestry challenges relevant to the sector while prioritizing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. A community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to assist the chair in executing key responsibilities, including without limitation:
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Conduct research integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems, forestry science, and sustainable forestry practices.
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Building and maintaining partnerships with Indigenous communities and the forestry sector to co-develop relevant research projects.
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Delivering research outcomes that will help positively inform business decisions for the forestry sector.
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Disseminating research outcomes through diverse channels, including peer-reviewed publications and community presentations, ensuring that Indigenous communities can understand and apply knowledge or practices generated through research.
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Securing external funding for research initiatives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
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Supporting capacity-building programs in GIS and sustainable forest management practices, ensuring these initiatives align with community priorities and enhance local knowledge and leadership.
Service & Leadership. The candidate is expected to contribute to the service and leadership of the department, faculty, or university. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Advocating for the integration of Indigenous perspectives across academic programs to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge Systems are respected, understood, and valued in forestry education and by all faculty members teaching in the forestry program.
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Promoting dialogue on Indigenous sovereignty, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and sustainable management practices.
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Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and align university activities with community priorities.
Education
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A Ph.D. in progress (completion expected within one year) or completed in Forestry, Environmental Science, Native Studies, Ecology, Environmental Sociology, Indigenous Methodologies, Indigenous Land-Use, or a related field.
Research Expertise
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Experience focusing on sustainable practices in land-use and community engagement.
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Commitment to incorporating Indigenous Knowledge systems and fostering research that aligns with the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities.
Teaching Experience
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Ability to teach and mentor students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
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Experience engaging Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in curriculum development and delivery.
Community Engagement & Relationship Building
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Demonstrated ability to build respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
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Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, practices, and knowledge systems, particularly in Alberta.
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Demonstrated commitment to fostering trust and collaboration with Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Preferred Attributes
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Experience in decolonizing curricula and fostering inclusive academic environments.
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Familiarity with diverse Indigenous nations in Alberta, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
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Strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
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Indigenous language knowledge in Cree (Néhiyaw), Blackfoot (Niitsitapi), Iroquois (Haudenosaunee), Ojibway/Saulteaux (Anishinaabe), or Stoney (Nakoda).
Application Instructions
We encourage applications from those passionate about decolonizing academic frameworks and engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems in forest science and management. To apply, please submit the following:
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A cover letter outlining research interests, teaching philosophy, and how the candidate’s work aligns with the responsibilities of this position.
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CV, including relevant publications and research projects.
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Names and contact information of at least three references who can speak to the candidate’s scholarly and community engagement experience.
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Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations, sample syllabi).
This role requires verification of First Nation, Métis or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.
The University of Alberta is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to advancing reconciliation. This position is part of a targeted hiring initiative and is restricted to applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Candidates are invited to identify in their application. In accordance with university policy and national guidelines, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide documentation or community-based confirmation of their Indigenous citizenship or membership prior to interview.
The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
