Instructor, Indigenous​/ Xwulmuxw Studies

The Department of Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies (I/X) is seeking an instructor to teach one course during the Fall 2026 semester at our Nanaimo campus. This is an opportunity to engage students in exploring the historic and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the Canadian state while contributing to a collaborative learning environment grounded in Indigenous knowledges, relationships and perspectives.

The Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Department (formerly the First Nations Studies Department) is founded on - and guided by - important principles that emphasize the significance of Indigenous knowledges in teaching and learning within the program, reciprocal and respectful relationships with local Indigenous communities, local Elders as teachers and guides in the classroom for faculty and students, and inclusivity as the basis for all programming.

The Department is committed to combining excellence in academic practice with Indigenous ways of knowing and being in order to provide students with a culturally responsive and ethical educational experience, as well as opportunities for personal growth.

The successful candidate will create and deliver course content, work collaboratively with Indigenous/Xwulmuxw faculty, instruct, assess, and grade student achievement, and assist students in office hours.

An examination of the historic and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the Canadian state. Involves lectures and discussions on the Royal Proclamation, Indian treaties, Canadian Indian policy and legislation, and the development of First Nations political movements.

This course is scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:00 p.m.

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.

Subject to funding and enrollment.

Master's degree in Indigenous Studies or a relevant discipline, from an appropriately accredited institution;
Experience teaching at the undergraduate level;
Demonstrated commitment to working with Indigenous communities.

PhD candidate or completed PhD in Indigenous Studies or a relevant discipline, from an appropriately accredited institution.

• comprehensive benefit plan
• ample paid holiday time
• professional development opportunities
• desirable pension plan
• well-being initiatives and services
• strategic discounts
• flexible work opportunities

• 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.