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Current Positions:

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Indigenous Educational Assistant

Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre, Queen’s University Biological Station

Terms of Position

Up to 35 hours per week, $25/hour

Start Date: September 25, 2023

End Date: December 22, 2023

Project Description

With support from local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, teachers, and Queen’s STEM faculty the Queen’s University Indigenous Land-based Learning STEM (QUILLS) program has created five grades 7-10 STEM Learning Bundles braiding together Indigenous land-based knowledge, locally conducted STEM studies, and Ontario Science curriculum outcomes. The five themes informing the Learning Bundles include: 

• the biodiversity crisis
• global climate change
• traditional Indigenous knowledge systems and the environment 
• invasive species,
• contaminants in the environment

QUILLS is also finalizing five ten-minute videos showcasing Indigenous land-based knowledges and locally conducted STEM research to accompany each Learning Bundle. Local teachers in the Limestone District School Board and Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Boards are also invited to take part in professional development sessions geared towards helping teachers integrate the Learning Bundles into their teaching in a good way.  

Job Summary

The Indigenous Educational Assistant will assist with the delivery of the QUILLS program at the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (https://elbowlakecentre.ca/) and ultimately ensure that lesson plans and teaching materials are freely accessible to teachers and students across Canada.  Supporting the QUBS Outreach & Teaching Coordinator in the ongoing development of education programs, teacher guide and in-person sharing of lessons with student groups and teacher professional development workshops.  

Key responsibilities include:  

1. In collaboration with Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keepers, STEM researchers, practicing teachers, and Education professors, the Indigenous Educational Assistant will assist with delivering the curriculum-linked, classroom-ready Learning Bundles in the five theme areas listed above. Each with an emphasis on STEM, diversity, and experiential learning, and is intended to motivate students to explore science and have a greater understanding of the natural world from an Indigenous perspective. 
2. Assist with offering hands-on, land-based training opportunities for teachers at Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre focused on Grades 7 through 10 curriculum expectations via field-based professional development workshop, each with a distinct theme. 
3. Assist in finalizing five ten-minute videos showcasing Indigenous land-based knowledges and languages in addition to locally conducted STEM research intended to accompany each Learning Bundle. 
4. Assist with developing and uploading multimedia (video and audio) on-line resources (including Indigenous language resources) for all Learning Bundles featuring Indigenous and diverse women researchers, teachers, and students in-lab and field.  
5. Through attending local conferences and/or events, present and promote program materials throughout surrounding school divisions.

Qualifications/Background

• Level of education preference B.Ed. or B.Sc.
• Applicants are required to provide information to verify their Indigenous identity as per the Queen’s Interim Policy on the Hiring of Indigenous Specific Positions
• Demonstrated teaching experience in a formal and/or informal learning environment involving children and youth.
• Availability on occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to work from home (remote) as needed and have transportation to Elbow Lake for in-person land-based programming.

Please provide a resume and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experiences and why you are interested in the position  to emily.verhoek@queensu.ca by Sept 15, 2023.