"Indigenous Engagement Librarian"

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the University Librarian and working closely with First Nations, Mètis, and Inuit members of the university community, the Indigenous Engagement Librarian guides reconciliation and decolonization initiatives in the libraries and is responsible for the daily operations in Nanda Gikendan Gamik, participating in long term planning for the centre.

The Indigenous Engagement Librarian will ensure that the Library’s reconciliation and decolonization initiatives, stemming from the Strategic Plan, Academic Plan, and Library Plan, are coordinated and integrated across all libraries on both campuses. Through this work, the Indigenous Engagement Librarian will incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into library spaces, systems, resources and services.

Responsibilities also include the provision of specialized, equitable, respectful, and inclusive reference and research support, information literacy instruction, and the development of Indigenous collections and other special collections housed in Nanda Gikendan Gamik. Collaboration with other librarians, university partners and external groups is integral to this role.

Indigenous Engagement Librarian Responsibilities

• Responsible for the daily operation of Nanda Gikendan Gamik including managing the physical space and technology available, and providing instruction in the use of specialized resources.
• Cultivate partnerships and actively engage with Indigenous Learning faculty, staff, and students, as well as university partners and external groups, to integrate the library’s resources into curricula and research projects.
• Develop and deliver library instructional programming and online teaching resources such as LibGuides, instruction videos and other online content to support the research needs of students and faculty.
• Provide in-depth and at times specialized reference and research support, both in person and virtually.
• Promote Nanda Gikendan Gamik and the library to university students, faculty, staff, and outside visitors. Provide orientation and tours.
• Engage in collection development and management of print and electronic resources to support the Department of Indigenous Learning, northern and regional research, and other disciplines.
• Support and respond to academic inquiries regarding Indigenous history and culture and provide assistance regarding Lakehead University’s Indigenous Content Requirement (ICR).

General Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of the Library’s Liaison Librarian team, supporting students and faculty in assigned academic disciplines.
• Contribute to the leadership of the library by participating in Librarians’ Council as well as various library and university committees.
• Commit to assessment and evidence-based decision-making related to services, collections, technology, and physical spaces.
• Contribute to research and scholarly activities, professional services, service to the university, and service to the profession and community.
• Promote library services and collections through a variety of communication channels to connect with undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and
• Participate in the provision of virtual and in-person reference

Qualifications

Required

• A graduate degree from an ALA-accredited school of library and information
• Cultural competency, such as lived experience as an Indigenous person, extensive knowledge of Indigenous culture, worldviews, protocols and values, and/or strong ties to First Nations, Mètis, or Inuit from Turtle Island.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues in Indigenous librarianship and research, with a commitment to continued learning and growth.
• Experience developing instructional materials and conducting information literacy instruction sessions and workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective and collaborative professional working relationships and partnerships within the library, across the university and beyond.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and organizational
• Flexibility and willingness to take
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team

Preferred

• Preference will be given to candidates who are Indigenous (First Nations, Mètis or Inuit from Turtle Island).
• Experience with Ex Libris Alma and Primo
• Familiarity with collection development processes and
• Oral or written ability in an Indigenous language is an asset, but will not be

Some evening and weekend work may be required

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document), quoting Reference # LIB-2025-26-03 should include: a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae and a completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form.

Applicants should submit their electronic application to:

Gisella Scalese

Interim University Librarian

Lakehead University Library

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Email: applications.library@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to budgetary approval.