Kwusen is Hiring!

Indigenous Rights Research Assistant

As an Indigenous Rights Research Assistant at Kwusen, you will work with our team to support Indigenous communities conducting research and documentation of Indigenous Rights, Title, and land use. As part of a company that works exclusively with Indigenous Nations, you will contribute to Indigenous data sovereignty and support Nations conducting Rights-based research across B.C. and Alberta. You will also work with our team to support Indigenous communities conducting research and data analysis related to climate change, environmental monitoring, land use, and Indigenous participation in Environmental Assessment processes.

This position will start between April 15th and May 31st, depending on the availability of the candidate and Kwusen’s needs. The position will be based in downtown Victoria, BC (on Songhees and Esquimalt territory).

Hourly wage: $23/hour

What you'll do:

• Providing research support, including archival, genealogical, and secondary research
• Providing support to First Nations on Kwusen’s software applications
• Digitizing analogue collections (i.e., audio cassettes, VHS, etc.)
• Reviewing and editing transcripts
• Completing spatial and multimedia data entry and data management for research projects and environmental data using Indigenous community databases
• Completing advanced thematic coding of interview transcripts
• Editing interview and other videos using Adobe Creative Suite
• Using Google Earth and QGIS to complete basic GIS tasks
• Provide support to our Research Team in designing and conducting community-based research projects related to Environmental Assessments
• Assisting with report formatting and copy editing

What you bring:

• We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience and/or interest in any or all areas below:
• Audio/video Digitization
• Interview Transcription
• Indigenous land management and environmental assessment research
• Research and spatial (GIS) data management
• Digital design
• Technical support
• Graphic design

You are looking for the following in a work environment:

• Fast-paced
• Variety
• Teamwork
• Multiple projects
• Collaborative puzzle-solving
• Active communication on many channels

Examples of the types of skills and experience we are looking for in your application:

• Experience working in or with an Indigenous community or organization
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, History, etc.
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks with great attention to detail in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to clearly communicate technical details and build rapport with people of diverse backgrounds
• Experience in research data analysis
• Experience in graphic design
• Experience completing digital data entry
• Experience or demonstrated interest in issues affecting Indigenous communities in Canada
• Good listening skills and the ability to be supportive when assisting people with diverse levels of computer skills
• Basic knowledge of at least one mapping program (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth, etc.)
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google Workspace
• Experience with video editing

A little about us:

Kwusen Research & Media is dedicated to research and digital solutions to support Indigenous sovereignty. We work exclusively with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada to collaboratively conduct community-based research on Indigenous knowledge and land use. Our approach emphasizes supporting community members in researching their own traditions and land use practices utilizing innovative digital technology to manage research data. Our digital tools are used by 50 Indigenous communities across Canada to collect, manage, and store Indigenous land use data, as well as to assist in the management of natural resource sector consultations/referrals.

Your application:

Working exclusively for Indigenous clients, Kwusen values the perspectives, knowledge and experience brought by individuals with Indigenous backgrounds in the work and goals that we pursue. As a result, Indigenous applicants will be given preference in our hiring process, and we encourage self-identification in your application. Please email Alissa Cartwright at jobs@kwusen.ca, subject “Indigenous Rights Research Assistant” with the following:

• Your CV
• A cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references

Please note that we will be evaluating applications and contacting candidates on a rolling basis. We encourage early submissions. We thank all applicants for their interest; only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.