Indigenous Experiences (Elective) Coordinator

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.

The Office of Vice Dean Indigenous Health (OVDIH) is a unit within the Dean's Office at the College of Medicine whose social justice mission is to humbly walk alongside all people of SK and the College of Medicine towards equitable health, well-being, and belonging; seeking truth and justice now and for the future generations. We build and challenge the capacity of the College of Medicine community to enhance the skills, attitudes, and education necessary to support the citizens of Saskatchewan so they can grow and thrive.

The office supports a coordinated approach to community engagement for priority projects of the college and works collaboratively across the college and provincial health system to ensure the high-level aspirations of the college and departments related to Indigenous Health, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Social Accountability strategy are met. The office also works closely with the new Department of Indigenous Health and Wellness (DIHW) to help set up and grow the department in a sustainable and good way.  Indigenous-led establishment of partnerships through respectful Indigenous community engagement protocols that reflect the diversity of the population, building access to networks of community partners, and determining respectful sustainable resource strategies, will be the distinctive work of the office and department. As well, the office works with the DIHW and others internally and externally to uplift Indigenous concepts, methodologies, and pedagogies.

Primary Purpose:  To coordinate Indigenous elective opportunities throughout the province of Saskatchewan for undergraduate medical students by building and maintaining relationships with Saskatchewan Indigenous communities, which may include agencies and organizations. As well, this position will support the DIHW and UGME’s Indigenous Initiatives and Programming teams in the coordination and delivery of events and activities for students.

Nature of Work:   Working from the Saskatoon or Regina campus, this position will report directly to the Manager, Office of Vice Dean Indigenous Health (OVDIH); work collaboratively with the UGME Elective Coordinator and Sr. Lead Indigenous Initiatives and Programming, UGME. The accountability of the role is to the Associate Dean, UGME, Associate Dean, Regina Campus and the Vice Dean Indigenous Health. This position is part of a cross-functional provincial team of UGME, OVDIH, and DIHW administrative and support staff that work collaboratively to support the work of the UGME program, community engagement, clinical and observership learning opportunities within the UGME. 

This position handles fast-paced work and is subject to internal and external deadlines and working some evenings and weekends, particularly from August to May.  The incumbent will build and maintain important relationships with administrative staff within the College of Medicine’s UGME, Indigenous Programming & Initiatives, OVDIH and DIHW as well as Indigenous communities within Saskatchewan.

Working collaboratively and having knowledge and experience with Indigenous cultures, knowledges and traditions are essential to success in this role.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Indigenous Electives & Experiences

• Collaborate with the UGME Senior Lead Indigenous Programs and Initiatives and with the UGME Elective Coordinator to lead/co-lead the development and implementation of Indigenous elective opportunities.
• Support relationship building with communities that offer Indigenous community physician related and allied-professional elective experiences.

Relationship building (people, partners, leadership)

• Foster and nurture relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders to establish meaningful partnerships and collaborations.
• Act as a liaison between the CoM and relevant Indigenous communities, promoting open communication and dialogue, and building on current established relationships

Community Engagement

• Build connections with Indigenous communities, community-based organizations and businesses that are beneficial to the success of the Indigenous Health strategy, and to organize their participation with the UGME Indigenous electives and experiences.
• Build and maintain a database of community contacts and partners.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and assessment of a community engagement strategy for the UGME Indigenous programming, initiatives, electives and experiences.
• Ensures communications from the OVDIH and UGME to Indigenous community members and leaders are conducted in a respectful and effective manner.

Support & Mentorship

• Model a spirit of guidance, support, and mentorship for learners, encouraging their success and well-being throughout their academic journey, as well as supporting development of essential competencies specifically linked to cultural humility, self-decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppression.
• Advocate for the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous students, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Provide in scope support of faculty & instructors as they decolonize elective experiences.

Experiential Learning, Teaching and Scholarship

• Collaborate with faculty and instructors to develop and integrate Indigenous perspectives, content, and teaching methods into elective experiences
• Assist with the implementation of experiential learning opportunities that promote cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness in urban and rural Indigenous contexts.
• Contribute to research and scholarship related to Indigenous health, rehabilitation, and education, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and innovation.

Other Duties as assigned in support of the UGME vision of preparing future physicians to be healthcare leaders who provide culturally safe care, advocate for health justice, and serve urban, rural and Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, throughout Canada and the world.

Education: 

An undergraduate degree, preferably in a health-related field. Experience related to leadership of a diverse and complex organization would be an asset.  An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. 

Experience: 

At least three years’ related experience is required.  A combination of education and experience may be considered.  An understanding of the University of Saskatchewan’s interrelated structure and processes would be an asset. 

Lived experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations, preferably in an educational or healthcare setting. Demonstrated ability to support students, including Indigenous students. 

Skills:  Ability to work and make decisions both independently and collaboratively as well as excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.  Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of anti-racism, anti-oppression, decolonization, and reconciliation frameworks is an asset. Ability to work with College of Medicine leadership and the OVDIH Indigenous Community Council to co-develop and co-implement Indigenous electives, experiences and initiatives. Ability/openness to engage in professional development specific to expanding knowledge and practice related to curriculum development and experiential learning approaches. Commitment to personal and professional growth in the areas of Indigenous engagement, cultural humility, and reconciliation.  Must be willing to travel within Saskatchewan.  A valid class 5 drivers license is required.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Marianne Bell at (306) 966-1592.

Department: College of Medicine
Status: Term with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with flexibility during certain times of the year.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $50,780.00 - 79,344.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 4/1/2024
Closing Date: 4/15/2024
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable