President and Academic Dean

President and Academic Dean

Introduction The Shingwauk Education Trust has established the Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) as a teaching lodge to offer culturally appropriate postsecondary education courses of particular interest to Anishinaabe students. In partnership with Algoma University, SKG offers the only university degree program in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway language) in Canada and an Anishinaabe Studies degree program. SKG also offers land-based courses to students. The twodegree programs are fully accredited by the Ontario Postsecondary Education Quality Assurance Board (PEQAB). In future, SKG will expand its programming. Henceforth, new course programs will be accredited by the new Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC). SKG is already fully accredited by the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). SKG students also take Algoma University courses and participate fully in student life at Algoma U., whose students in turn are welcome to take SKG courses and participate in Anishinaabe cultural programming at SKG. The opportunity (and the challenge) for SKG, as an Anishinaabe-governed institution of higher learning with the Anishinaabe world-view, is to deliver Anishinaabe education in a cooperative environment of equality and respect. 1 page

History On May 19, 2006, a historic Covenant was signed between the Shingwauk Education Trust and the then Algoma University College. In 2018, SKG and Algoma University, now a fully independent degree-granting university, have negotiated an addendum to the sacred Covenant that recognizes that SKG is the teaching lodge which will deliver Anishinaabe education in partnership with the University. SKG will co-operate reciprocally with Algoma University to provide culturally appropriate events, ceremonies and activities for Anishinaabe students at both institutions. This agreement, based on the vision of Chief Shingwaukonse, was developed with a foundation of mutual respect and modeled after the Two Row Wampum treaty. The Covenant is a solemn document through which both parties pledge to work together for the furtherance of Anishinaabe education and research. The history and location of SKG on the site of the former Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools, provides a foundation for SKG to be a leader in Anishinaabe learning. 2 page

The Institution A new and exciting environment is developing for Indigenous post-secondary education in Ontario and for all Indigenous institutes in the province, including the SKG. The provincial government has recently passed legislation legally recognizing Indigenous institutes as the third pillar of the provincial post-secondary education system. The government has also committed multi-year funding to the nine Indigenous institutes, including SKG. This presents SKG with an enormous opportunity to realize their vision for Anishinaabe education in the region. SKG plans to begin to deliver the Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe Studies programs directly to SKG students. Currently, these programs are delivered by Algoma University in partnership with SKG. As part of SKG s commitment to outreach to Indigenous communities, SKG recently offered these courses at Lac Seul First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, again in partnership with Algoma University. SKG plans to continue to this effort by also expanding its land-based education programs, perhaps, offering certificates for completion of land-based courses. In 2019, SKG will take up its new home in the Anishinaabe Discovery Centre (ADC). The ADC will house SKG classrooms, the Library and Archive, faculty and administrative offices and other student facilities. A high priority for SKG will be to grow the in-house Library and Archive into a state-of-theart centre for scholarship and research that will serve not only SKG and other education institutions across Canada, but also the broader Anishinaabe communities and society as a whole. The Library and Archive will provide a permanent repository for Anishinaabe created information of enduring value. To guide the development of SKG, the Board of Directors adopted the final draft of the Strategic Plan on February 21st, 2018. The Board is committed to reviewing the Plan progress at every Board meeting. These are the strategic priorities identified: 1. Strengthening the partnership with Algoma University 2. Good governance: the Anishinaabe Way 3. Curriculum development and granting degrees 4. Creating a campus culture that is welcoming, respectful, warm and supportive of Anishinaabe students, with cultural events and activities that enrich campus life 3 page

Vision and Mission Vision Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig will preserve the integrity of Anishinaabe knowledge, understanding and heritage to provide high quality, culture-based education in a positive, co-operative and respectful environment to present and future generations of students. Mission Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is committed to the restoration of the original spirit and intent of Chief Shingwauk, who envisioned a teaching wigwam where his people could acquire the necessary educational tools needed in a modern society without compromising the values of Anishinaabe culture and traditions. To develop academic programs which reflect the Anishinaabe world-view and focus on needs of Anishinaabe students and communities. To offer an Anishinaabe Studies program distinguished by Anishinaabe ways of learning and knowing, its unique structure, areas of study and generation of new knowledge. To become a teaching and research centre of excellence. 4 page

Cultural Values, Seven Grandfather Teachings 1. Nibwaakaawin (wisdom) values scholarship, learning, creativity and research. 2. Zaagi idiwin (love) values a supportive, experiential learning environment. 3. Manaadendamowin (respect) values an environment of respect, equality and reciprocal co-operation in learning as envisioned by Chief Shingwauk. 4. Aakode ewin (bravery) is committed to the Covenant and its addendum with Algoma University and other community partnerships for learning. 5. Gwayakwaadiziwin (honesty) acknowledges the tragedy of the residential school experience as a contradiction of Shingwauk s vision and is committed to revitalizing that vision for the benefit of Anishinaabe learners. 6. Dabasendamowin (humility) values the gifts of Mother Earth and the heritage and teachings passed down from the Grandfathers. 7. Debwewin (truth) values and integrates the Anishinaabe world-view. 5 page

The Opportunity SKG is seeking nominations and applications for the joint position of President and Academic Dean who will lead the administrative and academic initiatives of the unicameral institution. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President leads and promotes the Vision and Mission of SKG and advances the institution s overall strategic plan. The President will increase and provide high level oversight of institution resources and establishes work plans to ensure the development of SKG. They will play a pivotal role in building relationships as well as establishing consistent, open channels of communication between SKG, Algoma University, faculty, students, funders, communities and other key partners. The Academic Dean provides vision and leadership for all academic operations and ensures program and service excellence. They will also ensure the well-being and development of faculty and students. A strategic, considerate and informed decision-making approach combined with an innovative perspective will allow the President and Academic Dean to seek and strengthen partnerships with other institutions and envision and guide SKG as it continues to develop as an independent institution of higher learning. 6 page

Key Responsibilities Governance: Vision, Mission, and Strategy o Responsible for leading a process to establish the Vision and Mission of SKG o Responsible for establishing the SKG Strategic Plan o Responsible for establishing the SKG Operational Plan o Responsible for overseeing the implementation of both the Strategic and Operational Plans and for ensuring that SKG successfully implements its Vision and Mission Governance o Provide regular and comprehensive reports to the Board o Support the Board in decision-making and implementation Administration o Lead the administrative team, ensuring respect and collaboration in pursuit of the Vision and Mission of SKG Communication o Responsible for regular communication to students, faculty and staff of SKG and for regular communication to all partners External relations: Partners o Responsible for maintaining an excellent and productive relationship with Algoma University o Responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with Aboriginal Institutes Consortium (AIC) members, Indigenous organizations and communities o Responsible for maintaining excellent relationships at the federal, provincial and municipal government levels Fundraising and grants o Lead SKG efforts to diversify funding sources to support SKG growth and development o Responsible for a fundraising program 7 page

Key Responsibilities Cont. Academic leadership: Academic Dean o Function as the Chief Academic Officer of SKG o Oversee and support the faculty in all aspects of their teaching and research work o Ensure equitable and supportive treatment of all full-time and part-time faculty o Ensure that adequate policies are in place to support all academic functions o Ensure high quality teaching and research at SKG Relationship with Algoma University o Ensure that all conditions of the partnership are being respected o Ensure seamless relations with Algoma University, in relationship to all Senate matters, such as academic quality, program and course approvals, roster scheduling, research protocols, etc. o Work closely with Algoma University s Academic Dean, Registrar and Executive Lead of Research, to ensure excellent support of the faculty and success of SKG programs and courses. Reporting: The President reports to the Board of Directors of SKG. SKG is committed to an Anishinaabe way of working and administration including especially a collaborative approach to decision-making. Because of this commitment and the current small size of the institution, SKG is seeking to keep its administrative structure as flat i.e. non-hierarchical as possible. As SKG grows, the new President and Academic Dean may choose to recommend changes to the administrative structure to the SKG Board of Directors. The current Strategic Plan proposes the following reporting structure: The Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Student Services, the Director of Development and Research, the Quality Assurance Officer and the Recruiter all report to the President. 8 page

The Candidate The candidate should have a strong understanding of Anishinaabe heritage and will bring an Anishinaabe perspective to programs. They will demonstrate research leadership in the fields of heritage and archive studies, and an informed perspective to the process of reconciliation between indigenous peoples and settler society. The selection committee recognizes that no one individual may exhibit all of the following qualifications in equal measure. Nevertheless, these criteria are seen to be desirable and will be sought in candidates for the joint position. The successful candidate will have a successful record of leadership and administration, preferably in higher education. They will also have: The ability to articulate an Anishinaabe perspective on current and emerging issues; A track record of consensus-building and inclusive leadership by example; A record of successful involvement in strategic planning; Commitment to educational and employment equity and sensitivity to cultural diversity; Ability to operate in a post-secondary environment and an appreciation for a wide variety of approaches to scholarly, creative, professional and cultural activities; The ability to inspire trust and to contribute to a positive and nurturing climate in an organization; Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both at the individual level and at the level of large and small groups; The ability to achieve the support of students and colleagues in planning and implementing of academic initiatives; The ability to manage effectively collaborative teams, institutional infrastructure and resources; and A record of scholarly and/or professional achievement. 9 page

The City Sault Ste. Marie Sault Ste. Marie, originally called Baawitigong, meaning place of the rapids, is a city on the St. Mary s River in Ontario, Canada, close to the US-Canada border. It is the seat of the Algoma District and the third largest city in Northern Ontario. It is one of the oldest settlements in North America and has a population of 75,000 people. Sault Ste. Marie has all the amenities of a big city shopping, entertainment, sports teams, festivals, and cultural activities while also having a smaller town feel. It s four distinct seasons allow residents to take part in hiking and biking, skiing and snowboarding amongst other activities through-out the year. Sault Ste. Marie is home to Bon Soo, Canada s second largest winter carnival that features music, great food, sleigh rides, and the popular polar bear swim. The city is home to two academic institutions in addition to SKG: Sault College, a college of applied arts and technology, and Algoma University. As well, Lake Superior State University is located across the St. Mary s River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Algoma District School Board and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board have over 30 elementary schools between them. To Explore Further Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Brock Higgins at 613-788-8254 x.101 or at brock@higginsinc.com For more information on Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig please visit www.shingwauku.ca 10 page