Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations (IIR)

The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge) is Iniskim, or Sacred Buffalo Stone, and is located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory in southern Alberta. Thanks to determined and forward-thinking group of citizens who believed southern Alberta warranted its own university, ULethbridge open its doors in 1967 and established our home in west Lethbridge. ULethbridge has supported the region, Alberta and Canada through teaching, research, and outreach activities, and has prepared thousands graduates to make important contributions in communities around the world.

Each year, ULethbridge welcomes approximately 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students from nearly 100 countries to our campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. Today, approximately 55,000 ULethbridge alumni are making important contributions in communities across the globe.

We are an inclusive university that values diverse experiences and backgrounds, ensuring all students find their place and purpose here. Our people are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for both our students and employees.

Leveraging the depth of student engagement enabled by our smaller size, we distinguish ourselves by holding the undergraduate and graduate student experience at the forefront of our exceptional teaching, research, and support activities. Our liberal education approach enables students and alumni to critically integrate ideas and experiences across disciplines, equipping them with the adaptive thinking and the skills necessary to navigate, succeed, and contribute to a rapidly changing world.

We are a public comprehensive university, with campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, deeply committed to excellence and free inquiry in research, teaching and learning, and to supporting the aspirations of regional communities while having a global impact. We forge and strengthen meaningful connections within and between our communities, both on and off campus, and with our alumni community.

Together we engage our diverse communities and transform lives.

In 2025, ULethbridge launched its new strategic plan, a shared vision to challenge boundaries and inspire curiosity; be a place where people aspire to learn, work, and contribute; engage communities and shape the future. To learn more, please visit: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/strategic-plan

Position Summary
The University of Lethbridge is committed to meaningfully implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, ensuring that the University is a safe and welcoming community for all Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members. The Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations provides strategic leadership to advance Indigenization, reconciliation, and Indigenous engagement across all University faculties, departments, and programs.

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Vice-Provost (IIR) works closely with the Office of the President, Deans, Research Services, Human Resources, Student Services, Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners within and beyond the University, and with Siksikaitsitapi, the Elders in Residence, and other invited Aa’ wah ‘ staaksa – Kaahsinnnoon. The Vice-Provost (IIR) leads the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and initiatives that embed Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and ways of knowing across teaching, learning, research, and governance.

Externally and internally, the Vice-Provost (IIR) builds and sustains reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Métis communities, Inuit partners, and urban Indigenous organizations to uplift Indigenous knowledges and meet the needs of all Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and communities. They will strengthen Indigenous representation and voices in governance and leadership, support culturally safe environments and protocols for working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and advance coordinated work across education, research, and community engagement in alignment with the University of Lethbridge’s strategic commitments.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of Indigenous histories, knowledge systems, and governance, particularly within the Blackfoot Confederacy. They will bring with them a proven record of leadership in advancing Indigenization, reconciliation, or community partnerships in a post-secondary or comparable setting, and have a demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, build collaborative relationships, and manage complex portfolios. The ideal candidate will possess an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive excellence and Indigenous ways
of knowing within academic and administrative contexts.

Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the University of Lethbridge. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send an email in confidence to apply@jssearch.ca with the subject line “Vice-Provost Iniskim”. Applications should include a curriculum vitae and letter of interest. In your submission, please provide what skills, experience and education you can bring to enhance the position.

The University of Lethbridge is located on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community.

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at human.resources@uleth.ca so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

About Lethbridge
Living and benefiting from the Blackfoot Confederacy’s traditional territory, Iniskim (ULethbridge) acknowledges and deeply appreciates the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples’ connection to their traditional territory and honour the traditions of the Blackfoot people who have cared for this land since time immemorial. Home to more than 100,000 people, Lethbridge is a place where ideas grow. It is a culturally vibrant city with a flourishing arts scene and an active social calendar. We boast stunning scenery, four distinct seasons, spectacular sunrises and glowing sunsets that illuminate Alberta’s big sky. The University sits on the beautiful coulees, looking over the Old Man River. Lethbridge is only two hours from Calgary’s International Airport and a short drive to the mountainous Waterton Lakes National Park. Lethbridge is an affordable city, with many beautiful neighborhoods on both sides of the coulees and well-planned parks connected via walking and biking paths.

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