Indigenous Initiatives Librarian

• Current Students
• Recent Graduates
• 0–5 Years of Experience
• 5–10 Years of Experience

• Archives
• Information Systems
• Knowledge Management
• Library – Academic

Situated at the University of Victoria Libraries, on the historic lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, and the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose relationships with the land continue to this day, the Indigenous Initiatives Librarian (IIL) will have a key role in building upon and enhancing the ability of UVic Libraries to support the University’s stated intent to “be a global leader in…advancing respect, reconciliation, and mutual understanding”.The position will appeal to individuals with a high degree of acumen, a passion for making change, and a direct interest in the broad practices Indigenous memory work spanning all manner of initiatives from oral histories, community engagement, data sovereignty, public legal education, research and scholarship, and the preservation and rebuilding of Indigenous legal and cultural traditions.

The work is guided by the UVic Strategic Framework and a number of plans including UVic’s Indigenous Plan, Aspiration 2030: UVic Research and Creative Works Strategy, Equity Action Plan, Strategic Enrolment Management Plan, and UVic Libraries Strategic Directions. The successful candidate will work closely with a broad range of communities internal and external to the Libraries and University, to assist the Libraries to decolonize and rebuild Indigenous communities and peoples as expressed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, DRIPA, OCAP Principles, the Principles of Reconciliation, and Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and a broad range of other social justice matters facing BIPOC peoples.

The University of Victoria ranks consistently in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. As an internationally recognized teaching and research institution, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places, and the planet. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation.

UVic is committed to reconciliation.We continue to strive to build better, meaningful partnerships and working relationships with Indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples and communities are an important part of building our university for the future. As part of the Libraries’ and University’s commitment to supporting Indigenous colleagues, Indigenous librarians have the use of paid Special Leave to attend Indigenous ceremonial gatherings or cultural activity in order to fulfil cultural obligations.

Summary of Responsibilities & Reporting:

The Indigenous Initiatives Librarian (IIL) will be situated within the portfolio of the Director, Engagement and Learning, reporting to the Head, Engagement and Learning; and will also maintain a close working relationship with the Associate University Librarian, Reconciliation, as well as the Indigenous Initiatives – Law librarian and many other colleagues within the Libraries.

The Indigenous Initiatives Librarian will:
• Undertake liaison duties including reference, collection, instruction, research assistance, and faculty and student engagement in the areas of Indigenous Studies,Indigenous Education, and Indigenous Governance
• work directly with Indigenous communities and researchers (on campus, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally), as well as the multiple partner communities that the Libraries serve
• foster close working relationships with groups such as UVic’s First Peoples House, Old Ones/Elders, leaders and experts, Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement , Indigenous Law Students Association, Native Students’ Union, Indigenous Student Support Centre, local Indigenous communities, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, the JD/JID faculty, and the Indigenous Law Research Unit
• have a role in monitoring, assessing, and evaluating practices related to Reconciliation within the Libraries
• adopt a human rights based and Indigenous law approach to decolonization that recognizes the many ways, shapes, and forms colonization has impaired and affected people across a broad range of equity deserving groups in society
• bring a strong operational and student-centered focus and will work closely with colleagues from across UVic Libraries and its peer institutions nationally and internationally to identify and address privilege and power within past and present collections and access processes of the Libraries

Depending on background, knowledge, and experience the IIL will be assigned duties within the Libraries that will include some combination of the following, as capacity allows:
• engaging with the complexities of Indigenous archival, data, and digital research, with an active role in addressing long-standing preservation, access, and dissemination issues related to Indigenous research materials in Canada
• supporting the Libraries’ initiatives to decolonize library practices, placing special emphasis on how information is collected, presented, organized, disseminated, accessed and preserved through UVic Libraries’ physical and digital spaces

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from an accredited school of library science, or*

– a relevant professional degree directly applicable to the area of scholarship for which the librarian is responsible, or

– a Master’s or higher degree in another discipline with expertise and excellence in professional practice relevant to the position (or the equivalent combination of education and experience in archival science in the case of an Archivist)

– *Please note, if the candidate agrees to complete a MLS from an accredited school of library science before the end of the probationary period the Libraries will provide financial assistance to the successful candidate for the acquisition of the MLS qualification should they not yet have the required qualification
• High level of understanding of the national efforts of Truth and Reconciliation and decolonization and rebuilding underway across Canada
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with the campus communities, with special attention on projects or initiatives that promote decolonizing and rebuilding practices
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with Indigenous students, researchers, and communities
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous knowledge resources and Indigenous research methodologies
• Ability to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of a wide variety of BIPOC and other equity seeking groups
• Demonstrated collaborative team leadership skills and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated success in collaborative planning, project management, and service delivery
• A commitment to professional ethics and continuous learning and development, and ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a rapidly changing environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills essential
• Background in Indigenous studies, law, and culture
• Familiarity with one or more Indigenous languages
• Knowledge of pedagogical approaches necessary to further decolonization in library instruction
• Supervisory experience an asset

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Scholarly and Professional Activities

Participates in Libraries and University committees, councils, task forces, and teams as appropriate. Keeps up-to-date with developments in the profession and related fields, and on broader issues that affect the practice of librarianship. Participates in professional organizations as appropriate. Undertakes research and engages in scholarship as appropriate.

Standards of Performance & Additional Information

Faculty, Librarians, and Archivists at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association. Standards of performance are assessed as set out in the Evaluation Policy for Librarians. Please note that reference checks will be done and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement. The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.Please indicate in your application package if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

This is a Limited Hire. In accordance with the University’s Equity Plan and pursuant to section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be limited to members of the following designated group: Indigenous Peoples. Candidates from this group must self-identify in their application.

Salary and Benefits

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Application Process

To be considered, please submit a letter of application; a CV; and, the names of three references by noon (Pacific Standard Time), Thursday, May 23, 2023 to Jonathan Bengtson, University Librarian, University of Victoria Libraries at ulo@uvic.ca. Interviews are anticipated to be held in June 2023.