Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or -Keeper in Residence - Competition

Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence - Competition

Join to apply for the Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence - Competition role at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

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Competition : 4372
Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled
External Closing Date: Open Until Filled
# of Openings: 2
Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type: On-Call
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Casual Employee

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Dean and Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts.

Summary
The Faculty of Arts invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous artists,, musicians, and knowledge-keepers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, for one position as Indigenous Artist, Writer, Musician, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence. Please note other areas of focus not listed may also be considered.

These residencies will support Indigenous knowledge in research and in the creation of new works in variety of fields, including but not restricted to Indigenous governance, health, pedagogy, sustainability, literary composition and spoken word, filmmaking, music, the visual arts (carving, weaving, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, sculpture, printmaking, etc.), performance and interdisciplinary creative practices.

All residents will be able to divide their time between their own projects and contributing to the Faculty of Arts.

In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Faculty of Arts (faculty, students, and staff) and the broader KPU community. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at:

The Indigenous Residency positions will be for 3 months. The positions will begin either in January or early May 2026. Candidates should indicate in their application which start date (January; or May 2026) works best for them.

Residents will be paid $7,000 per month for the duration of their residency. There will also be some funding available for KPU-specific events and general support.

• A curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the project; and a description of the kind of events you would like to plan and how you see these contributing to the KPU community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc).
• Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Surrey, Richmond, and/or Langley campuses) in the Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 semester.
• A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience.
• A writing sample of no more than 5 pages (if applicable)
• The names of two references.
• KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Actions and to supporting Indigenous writers and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the writers and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, creativity, and intercultural communication.

• The organization and hosting of a series of events for the Faculty of Arts and KPU that may include the following: a one-day symposium; craft talk; public readings; curated reading.
• Giving guest lectures and/or readings within the Faculty of Arts.
• Consulting with writers or artists of various abilities 2 days a week.
• Meeting regularly with the Associate Dean and/or Dean, Faculty of Arts.
• Engaging with…