Associate Vice President, Indigenization and Decolonization

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

Learn more about MRU’s Land Acknowledgment.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University (MRU) grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, MRU is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research.

MRU serves approximately 16,000 students, with a full-load equivalent (FLE) of 11,948. The university offers 14 bachelor’s degrees encompassing 38 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. MRU also boasts one of Canada’s elite Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited programs.

With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals.

At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace. We will further indigenize and internationalize our campus, enhance our research culture, and expand fundraising efforts. Together, we will achieve these strategic priorities through a strong focus on our employees as the driving force behind the University’s success.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Associate Vice President (AVP), Indigenization and Decolonization, is the senior leader at Mount Royal University for guiding indigenization and decolonization. The successful candidate will provide transformative vision, strategy, leadership and direction to advancing our institutional commitments to indigenization and decolonization. The AVP is a member of the senior academic leadership and actively contributes to institutional governance and initiative development with an emphasis on decolonizing and indigenizing the academy.

The ideal candidate will be a wise facilitator with a passion and capacity to build on indigenization efforts of our university. The role requires strong communication and coordination skills to collaboratively engage our internal and external communities in decolonization and indigenization with respect and reciprocity. The successful candidate will help to foster an environment where Indigenous students, faculty, staff, collaborators and community members can thrive in an inclusive environment.

This role will champion the integration of Indigenous perspectives into curriculum in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, while working collaboratively with the Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement to advance Indigenous research. The AVP will offer expert advice on policy, procedures, and institutional practices, ensuring respectful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, cultures, and protocols.

As the leader of the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization, the AVP will oversee staff and support Indigenous students and employees. Success in this role will require strong collaboration across the University and beyond, including partnerships with the Students’ Association, Academic Development Centre, Community Engagement, advisory councils, post-secondary institutions, and…