Assistant Professor in Indigenous Women and Cultures of Resistance

The Indigenous Studies Program in the Department of Humanities draws on a range of disciplines, including anthropology, art, education, environmental studies, gender studies, geography, history, languages, law, literature, music, political science, and sociology.

Applicants should have a clearly articulated program of research or research creation, or professional practice that is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous ways of knowing, Indigenous ways of life, Indigenous arts, Indigenous research methodologies, Indigenous issues, and Indigenous language(s). Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate courses, conducting research, mentoring and supervising students, contributing to the development and growth of the Indigenous Studies program, and engaging with Indigenous communities. The ideal candidate will be able to teach in the primary area of Indigenous women, gender, and sexuality as well as any of the following secondary areas: Indigenous art, cultural production and music; Indigenous languages, literature and storytelling; and Indigenous education and environmental knowledges. The Indigenous Studies program offers comparative courses in Black and Indigenous history and literature - scholars who can teach in this area are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have lived experience and deep connection to Indigenous communities.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous women faculty, this position is open only to qualified scholars who identify as both Indigenous peoples of Canada (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) and as women. The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. To be considered, applicants must identify as both Indigenous peoples of Canada and as women on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below).

York University is committed to providing an inviting, rich and supportive work, study and research environment to Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. This includes: cultivating understanding of, respect for and connections with Indigenous communities; integrating Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research; collaborating with Indigenous communities; and supporting the recruitment and success of Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. These efforts are guided by the Assistant Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Council, and the Indigenous Framework for York University and include the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages, the Centre for Indigenous Student Services and Skennen'kó:wa Gamig, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students.

Candidate Qualifications

• Degree: PhD or PhD near completion, or PhD equivalent (e.g., MA/MFA) with a substantial record of professional experience in the field of Indigenous Women’s Issues is required.
• Scholarship:
  • A coherent and well-articulated program of research / research creation and/or professional practice and specialization in the areas of Indigenous women, gender and sexuality in relation to Indigenous cultural production, education and the environment.
  • A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research and/or research creation.
  • A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field as evident (e.g. a record of high-quality publications and reports; conference and public presentations; awards and achievements).
• Teaching:
  • A record or evident promise of excellence in undergraduate teaching and dedication to students (e.g. teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovation including in experiential education connected to Indigenous communities; student and peer evaluations).
  • The successful candidate will be expected to teach an introductory Indigenous Studies course, as well as upper-level courses in the area of specialty.
  • Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
• Additional:
  • Speaking of an Indigenous language is an asset.

Hiring Policies

• The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Assistant Professor is in the range of $135,000 to $165,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. York University offers generous benefits and salary provisions.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Professor Susan Warwick, Chair, Humanities Department (humachr@yorku.ca)

Application Process

• Due date for completed applications: October 31, 2026
• Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter addressing how the candidate meets the qualifications listed above; 3) statement describing applicant’s core approaches to teaching, research, and service (1000 words maximum); 4) names and contact information for three referees willing to provide a confidential letter of reference. Reference letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Direct questions about the position to Professor Susan Warwick, Chair, Humanities Department (humachr@yorku.ca)
• Submit materials: https://apply.laps.yorku.ca

Learn More About York

• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework for York University.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile.

First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory. More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Today, York University campuses are located on the Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the lands of the Anishinabek of the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our campuses are also situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.