Instructor, Blackfoot Language

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The Department of Indigenous Studies is seeking a Continuing Instructor II in Blackfoot Language to begin July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval.

Requirements
We are looking for a person who will drive the expansion of our Blackfoot Language course offerings and the creation of degree programs in Blackfoot Language and Blackfoot Language Education. The successful candidate will have at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Education or Indigenous Studies. Experience teaching Blackfoot Language at the post-secondary level is a requirement, as is a track record in adult Blackfoot Language curriculum development. The successful candidate will have a demonstrable interest in developing innovative culturally appropriate adult Blackfoot second language teaching and learning methods, including land-based immersion courses. We are looking for a team player who is well-connected in the Blackfoot community and willing to collaborate with colleagues and community members in co-creating new courses and programming.

Position description
The successful candidate will:
• Teach our existing introductory Blackfoot language courses
• Develop and teach dual-credit courses with local high schools
• Develop and teach new intermediate level Blackfoot language courses, including land-based immersion courses and Mentor-Apprentice courses
• Develop Blackfoot language curriculum and resources
• Contribute to the development of degree, diploma, and certificate programs in Blackfoot Language and Blackfoot Language Teacher Education
• Support other Blackfoot Language revitalization initiatives at the University and in the community

What we offer
You will work in a department that is committed to promoting and supporting the sustainability of Indigenous languages, and the Blackfoot language in particular. We are dedicated to community-engaged scholarship and research attuned to the priorities and aspirations of Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the world. Within the department, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students will learn and think about Indigenous knowledges in creative, transformative, and critical ways. The department offers courses that engender a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous peoples’ languages, knowledges, cultures, histories, politics, arts, intellectual traditions, and research methodologies. You will be supported by faculty members with expertise in Blackfoot language, second-language teaching methods, resource development, and curriculum building.

Our University
The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge) is a comprehensive and research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education where inspired scholars integrate research and creative activity with teaching. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot Territory, it is a place where student engagement in learning, creative activities, and research takes place every day. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, uLethbridge offers more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in the Faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the Schools of Liberal Education and Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, to more than 8,000 students.

Our Values
Accessibility, Belonging and Community for all are key strategic priorities for the University of Lethbridge. The University of Lethbridge recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and community and is fundamental to teaching, learning, and research excellence. The university as a whole embraces equity as a core value to build strong and vibrant communities of belonging where students, faculty and staff feel welcome, are treated equitably, and can thrive.

Our City
Living and benefiting from the Blackfoot Confederacy’s traditional territory, Iniskim (ULethbridge) acknowledges and deeply appreciates the Siksikaitsitapi 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 Waterton Lakes National Park in the Rocky Mountains. Looking for a centre with a lower cost of living than many other Canadian cities? See the Canadian Real Estate Association national price map to compare average Canadian housing prices. 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.

For more information
For enquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Hendrika Beaulieu, Chair, Department of Indigenous Studies. Email: beaulieu@uleth.ca.

Application deadline
The position is open until filled, but applications will be reviewed beginning the week of December 8, 2025.

How to apply
All applications must be submitted online and should include:
• A letter of application
• A curriculum vitae
• A statement of teaching experience including outlines of courses previously taught
• Contact information (names, email addresses and/or phone numbers) for three references. At least two of these should be familiar with your teaching and at least one should be a Blackfoot community member. References for short-listed candidates will be contacted directly with information on how to submit their reference letters.

While all applications will be considered, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

Understanding that career interruptions can have an impact on a candidate’s record of achievement, we encourage applicants to explain in their applications any impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at human.resources@uleth.ca. 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.

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