First Nations Studies with Women’s Studies Cross-Appointment Department of First Nations Studies
Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities
Tenure-Track
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a Tenure-Track position in the Department of First Nations Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor with proposed starting date of July 1, 2026. Candidates must be willing to develop and teach courses cross-listed with UNBC’s Women’s and Gender Studies program. As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and with UNBC’s mission and vision statements, we are seeking a candidate with scholarship in First Nations Studies/Indigenous Studies and with a commitment to teach in Women’s Studies.
The Department of First Nations Studies and the Women’s Studies programs have been cornerstones of UNBC since its inception. They respond to the education and research priorities that emerge in this region, which is culturally and linguistically diverse. The rich history of this area provides a vibrant and vital backdrop to contributions of these programs, faculty, and the broader UNBC community. Indigenousfocused supports within UNBC include the First Nations Centre, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and the Edie Frederick Research Studio. There is also the Northern Feminist Institute for Research and Evaluation (Northern FIRE) that supports a wide range of research and educational activities across northern BC.
The Department of First Nations Studies invites applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, and who have a record of instruction and research experience in the fields of First Nations Studies/Indigenous Studies, and who have an interest in and commitment to teaching into Women’s and Gender Studies. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code and the Employment Equity Act. Consideration may also be given to those who can otherwise demonstrate an ability to meet the requirements of the position specific to building and advancing Indigenous relationships and language revitalizing efforts.
Scholarly expectations for this position are framed by the four values of relationship, respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Applicants with a PhD will be prioritized. However, applicants currently enrolled in a PhD (ABD) may be considered. The Department of First Nations Studies and the Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and the Humanities are committed to supporting this position and the scholarly development of the successful candidate to meet ongoing faculty needs in the field of Indigenous Studies.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.
Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
About the University and its Community
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.
UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert.
UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~80,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading postsecondary institution.
Salary
The salary for this position will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience as per the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The annual salary range for this position is expected to be from $ 85,473 to $123,948. Please refer to the link below to the Collective Agreement (Article 48) for more compensation information:
https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/salary-grid-increases-july-1-2024-updatedcola.pdf
To Apply
Applicants should create an applicant profile and apply to this position by uploading and submitting the following documents
- cover letter indicating potential contributions to the Program;
- curriculum vitae;
- a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
- the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
- the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here:
https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/humanresources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf
Voluntary Form:
- the Self-Identification from, which can be found here:
https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idreviseddec2022- fillable.pdf
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at [email protected]. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Inquiries: Dr. Nancy Stevens, Chair, First Nations Studies
[email protected]
250-960-5784
The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.
We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC; however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.
This position is subject to budgetary approval.
Applications received on or before March 27, 2026 will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
