Brock University is looking to hire four new Indigenous faculty members, continuing work towards its goal of fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization.

Recruitment has begun for new tenure-track positions in Women’s and Gender Studies/Sociology; Canadian Indigenous History; and Indigenous Educational Studies, the latter for which two scholars are sought. The University aims to see an Indigenous academic fill each role.

The new positions align with Brock’s strategic priorities, which include the strengthening of relationships with Indigenous communities and partners across all sectors and activities of the University.

“In the last decade, Canadians have learned that the road to reconciliation and decolonization can be a long and bumpy one,” said Lynn Wells, Brock’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “This is no less true at Brock, yet this does not dull our commitment to this important societal project.

“We remain strongly committed to increasing the diversity of views that inform the teaching and research we do, and especially Indigenous views and ways of knowing. These four positions are a testament to this commitment and one that we plan to build on in coming years as well.”

The hiring of Indigenous scholars will benefit the University as a whole, including its students, said Robyn Bourgeois, Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement.

“There is something powerful about learning from Indigenous professors, especially for Indigenous students who need to see themselves reflected in the academy,” she said. “Many Indigenous professors also infuse Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into their pedagogy.”

The decision to hire the Indigenous faculty members was supported by the Brock University Faculty Association (BUFA).

“The BUFA executive and (Brock) jointly agreed that this was an important initiative and worked together to bring it about,” said BUFA President Michelle Webber.

Bourgeois believes Brock’s commitment to decolonization and Indigenization will play a significant role in attracting Indigenous scholars to the University.

“This is an opportunity to be part of our exciting journey to make Brock a national and international leader on Indigenous education and research,” she said.

More information on the positions can be found on the Brock University Careers website.