Elder in Residence

Position Summary

The Elder acts as a link between local Nation communities and North Island College to provide direction, as well as support access and retention of Indigenous learners in post-secondary education by having a presence at the Mixalakwila Campus in Port Hardy. Of special focus will be supporting the Awi’nakola Program (we are one with the land and sea)- an adult based upgrading program that combines in-class instruction with outdoor exploration. The Awi’nakola program draws on Kwakwak’wakw ways of knowing and being to inform the learning and is open to ALL learners.The Elder in Residence position is available for NIC employees and staff who may seek outguidance regarding items of protocol; providing welcomes and territorial acknowledgements; providing guidance around decolonization, Indigenization, andreconciliation; and attending classes to provide knowledge on their area of expertise; and more.The Elders may be asked to sit at college-based Council and Committee meetings to ensure Indigenous voice is included.The Elders provide support and advice to all areas of the college, including students and employees. Working with NIC policies and guidelines, the Elders’ primary role issupport for students, and to provide advice and support for NIC’s mandate for Indigenous education. The Elders are members of the NIC Faculty Association, and unique as respected individuals who ensure indigenous ways of knowing and being become part of the college community.Through support, respect, leadership, and walking in a good way the Elders :

• Provide guidance and support for students and employees, as required
• Provide guidance with Indigenous Protocol and enact Protocol when required
• Demonstrate commitment to student success and be apolitical locally and provincially
• Provide cultural guidance and mentoring throughout the college
• Promote and support the preservation and use of local Indigenous languages
• Participate in the instruction of classes when requested by an instructor
• Assist the college in promoting a welcoming environment for Indigenous people and positive relationships between the college and Indigenous communities served
• Provide cultural and spiritual assistance as requested
• Participate in NIC events such as student orientation, luncheons, graduation, etc.
• Actively support the North Island College mission, vision, and values Position Competencies - Creates a Positive Climate and Culture;
• Effective Communication Skills;
• Effectively Develops Goals & Objectives;
• Focuses Effectively on Key Results and Priorities;
• Demonstrates a Focus on Continuous Improvement;
• Interpersonal Effectiveness. Duties & Responsibilities Required Education & Experience Must be a Indigenous Elder with the respect and recognition of his or her own
• community and other communities in mid- to northern Vancouver Island;
• Good knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices and protocols is required; Local
• knowledge is an asset;
• A working knowledge of an Indigenous language is desirable;
• An interest in post-secondary education is essential and familiarity with the post-secondary
• environment is an asset;
• Must have the ability to develop rapport with students and be seen as a source of

guidance in ways that will encourage and support students by maximizing promotion of

learning about cultural ways. Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities - Be a good role model and mentor