Shq'apthut Coordinator & Elder Support

Duties:

• The Coordinator is responsible for cultivating an environment that honours Indigenous cultures, traditions, and Knowledge systems.
• Facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Shq'apthut, A Gathering Place, ensuring it remains a safe, supportive, welcoming, and culturally rich space for students.
• Work in partnership with the Administrative Assistant to the Director to maintain and administer a well-organized and efficient office practice for the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement and Shq'apthut.
• Cultivate strong relationships with Elders-in-Residence and other Knowledge Keepers honouring their wisdom and guidance.
• Work with the Elders-in-Residence and Manager, Indigenous Initiatives to prepare a variety of funding proposals and budgets.
• Effectively communicate to promote dialogue and understanding about the role of the Elders-in-Residence at VIU using strong intercultural communications skills. Ensure protocols for working with Elders are followed and work with Manager, Indigenous Initiatives to ensure questions and concerns are addressed.
• Coordinate and manage Elders' calendars including managing incoming requests and invitations, ensuring provisions are made to escort Elders to engagements, where necessary.
• Provide reception services: order supplies, photocopy, scan, file, design forms using various formats, promote events. This will also include helping students with reception services: for example, file conversions, printing.
• Manage Shq'apthut bookings ensuring related policies and procedures are followed.
• Provide back-up support within OIEE related to human resource processes, including appointments, hiring committee process, stipends.
• Work with the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives to hire, direct and supervise work-op students and student departmental hires.
• Support Elders in their day-to-day work (example: technology questions, schedule and book their holiday time and make benefits claims, preparing for class visits, language classes, on-the-land activities, booking facilities, etc.)
• Coordinate, support, and oversee all activities at Shq'apthut such as workshops, events, ceremonies, cultural teachings, and other activities led by Elders, community members, and the VIU community.
• Cultivate a tone of respect, empathy, and collaboration among all members working, learning, and growing at Shq'apthut.
• Provide information about Shq'apthut to faculty, staff, and visitors including student groups interested in learning about Indigenous perspectives.
• Serve as a liaison between Indigenous communities and students, campus stakeholders, and external partners ensuring the voices of Indigenous students and Elders are centered.
• Contribute to institutional efforts towards decolonization and reconciliation in alignment with the mission, vision, and mandate of the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement.

This work involves remaining stationary at a computer using a mouse, keyboard, and telephone. Some local travel required to purchase supplies/food, support in-community events and occasional light tidying of the space may be required.

For this position, we also want to highlight that First Nations, Inuit, or Metis ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for excellence in the position. Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, this opportunity will be limited to applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

Required Qualifications:

Strong cultural competencies including an understanding of the diversity of Indigenous cultures with a personal commitment to incorporating Indigenous practices, local Indigenous protocols, traditions, and Knowledges.

Understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities and learners.
One-year certificate in Applied Business Technology, or equivalent, from an appropriately accredited institution.
Minimum of year recent directly related experience working within a post-secondary setting. A combination of education and experience, including traditional qualifications, may be considered for this role.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and challenging environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to think critically -and problem-solve effectively.
• Proficiency and demonstrated experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and other programs such as Canva, Eventbrite, etc.
• Proven superior intercultural communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict.
• Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-service and support team.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and have a confirmed satisfactory driving record.