The English Department at Vancouver Island University is inviting applications for a permanent position in the field of Indigenous Literatures, to begin 1 August 2022. Applications are due by 23 February 2022. For the complete job listing, please visit the VIU website.

The English Department at Vancouver Island University offers a BA program that asserts the relevance of the literary arts, critical and creative thinking, academic research, and effective communication skills. We prepare our students to read literature and culture, as well as to engage with different perspectives. By doing so, we want to empower our students to make informed decisions that benefit their communities, and to communicate these decisions effectively in written and oral contexts. The department supports the Arts and Humanities Colloquium; The Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poets Lecture Series, in collaboration with the Creative Writing Department; The MeTA Digital Humanities Lab; The Fall Feast, and talks by visiting writers.

Vancouver Island University is situated on the unceded and traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, and Tla’amin First Nations. Approximately 12% of our student population is Indigenous. VIU is committed to addressing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Among its many Indigenous engagement initiatives, VIU offers professional development opportunities such as Meyugum-thut (Ripple Project); All My Relations (Integrated Learning Series); Soup & Bannock (Lunch & Learn Series); and Hul’q’umi’num’ (Language in the Library).

Duties:

• Teach second-year and upper-level courses in Indigenous Literatures; teach a variety of English literature and writing courses, including first- and second-year. Work may be available at both the Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses.
• Candidates must demonstrate commitment to teaching, learning and student success through scholarship and institutional service. Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities outside the classroom, including student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Qualifications

Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, in accordance with the university’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan, and in recognition of the historic under-representation of Indigenous persons in VIU’s English Department, the selection will be restricted to scholars who identify as Indigenous. If you wish to qualify for consideration, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter.

• PhD (or ABD) with specialization in Indigenous Literatures from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Candidates must demonstrate competence with teaching Indigenous Literatures in English, as well as English composition courses; commitment to teaching, learning, and student success; dedication to scholarship; and a history of institutional and/or community service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Indigenous epistemologies and communities is desirable.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.