The Elder in Residence at the Mixalakwila campus serves as a respected cultural leader and student‑centered support for the Awi’nakola adult upgrading program, offering guidance rooted in Indigenous knowledge, community connection, and lived experience. In this role, the Elder helps foster a welcoming, culturally grounded learning environment where students feel supported, seen, and encouraged in their educational journeys. The successful candidate works with the Indigenous Education Department and Indigenous Education Navigators to provide guidance and supports for Indigenous students. Elders may also co-deliver workshops, luncheons, and on campus events for students and staff. Elders are available to meet with students one-on-one, in groups, or in community to provide culturally relevant supports. The Elder acts as a link between local Nation communities and North Island College to provide direction. The Elder is available for NIC employees and staff who may seek out guidance in regards to: items of protocol; providing welcomes and territorial acknowledgements; providing guidance around decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation; 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 is support 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 - Provide guidance with Indigenous Protocol and enact Protocol when required - Provide guidance and support for employees - Demonstrated commitment to student success and be apolitical locally and provincially - Provide cultural guidance throughout the college - Provide mentoring as required - 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 - Be actively involved in their community - Be a good listener, a good communicator, and be empathetic - Be committed to working collaboratively with NIC students, employees and the public
Elder in Residence, Mixalakwila • Mixalakwila Campus