Endowed Chair (Assistant/Associate Professor) in Indigenous Forestry

The University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Endowed Chair position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Indigenous Forestry. In alignment with Braiding Past, Present, and Future: The University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Chair will work to decolonize the forestry curriculum and advance Indigenous perspectives in forest management. 

We seek a dynamic scholar who combines training in forest ecology and management, or a related field in natural sciences and land management, with a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledges and Western scientific practices, fostering reciprocal partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions in forestry education and research. The successful candidate will develop experiential learning opportunities, promote Indigenous-taught courses, and work closely with Indigenous communities, academic colleagues, the forestry sector and industry, to address contemporary forestry challenges. The Chair will become a critical member of the forestry faculty and a member of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management.

The hiring and recruitment process will involve engagement with Indigenous community representatives to ensure the diverse needs and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta are considered. The endowment provides start-up funds, financial support for research, and funding to hire graduate students. Additionally, a community engagement and research coordinator will be hired to support the Chair’s research and outreach activities for the first five years. Funding for this position has been provided by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA).

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a research seminar, a teaching seminar, and a community-centred presentation designed to promote open dialogue, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountability to Indigenous community partners, while informing the future direction of the Chair’s teaching, research, and outreach.

This competition is restricted to candidates who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to self-identify in their application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide documentation or community affirmation of their Indigenous citizenship, membership, or affiliation, consistent with the University of Alberta and Tri-Council guidelines.