Contract for Services

Position Title:                       Elder in Residence
Department:                        Aboriginal Access Services: Faculty of Access and Open Studies (FAOS) - Serving students at both the UFV Chilliwack and Abbotsford aboriginal centres, and occasionally at the Mission and Hope campuses
Hours:                                   Part-time, average of 14.0 hours/ week, up to maximum of eight months             
Start date:                            As soon as possible after closing date of applications.              

Duties & Responsibilities

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator, Aboriginal Access Services

Purpose: Interacts with students through traditional teaching and counselling contact, and provides awareness and guidance through demonstration and discussion. The elder is available to students, families and University staff creating opportunities to increase understanding of Indigenous perspectives and values.

Delivery of Programs: Creates opportunities at the Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) to engage UFV students in the teaching of their knowledge, wisdom and stories; and attends a variety of gatherings including:

·         Interaction with and guidance of students;

·         Traditional teachings, and discussions about heritage and identity;

·         Mentoring students, staff & faculty;

·         Naming/honouring ceremonies;

o    Sharing  knowledge of traditional, cultural activities: Music, dance, traditional dress & ceremonies;

o    Story telling;

o    Sweat lodge, smudging, harvesting cedar, collecting medicines & medicine walks;

·         Some related meetings, welcoming addresses and community ‘outreach’ activities.

Qualifications

·         Excellent interpersonal abilities and high level of resourcefulness;

·         Ability to function with minimal supervision, remain calm under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a team environment;

·         The ability and willingness to record standard data regarding numbers and types of student contacts, and follow-up action taken;

·         The ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in an effective and sensitive manner;

·         A valid class 5 BC driver’s licence is required as travel will be necessary.

Education & Training: Familiarity and experience with local Sto:lo knowledge, traditions and communities required.

Experience: Relevant experience including working with Indigenous communities in the Fraser Valley and with First Nations students.

Preference will be given to persons with identifiable Indigenous/Sto:lo ancestry and a good working knowledge of women’s issues, and Sto:lo Nation and Metis traditions and culture.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a criminal record check.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a one-page cover letter introducing themselves, stating reasons why they believe that they are qualified for the position of Elder-in-residence, and include a statement of previous experience working with young post-secondary and mature students.   With this cover letter please show your contact information including name, mailing address, phone numbers (land line and/ or cell), e-mail address and the names of two references with their phone numbers, who may be contacted to verify your information.

Please direct applications by August 21, 2012 to:

Attn:  Bob Searle, Coordinator, Aboriginal Access Services
University of the Fraser Valley
Canada Education Park
45190 Caen Avenue
Chilliwack, BC, V2R 0N3
Tel:  604.702.2619 | email: robert.searle@ufv.ca