Indigenous Curriculum Lead

Part-time Appointment (approximately 0.2 FTE)
3-year term, renewable
Surrey, BC

Who We Are:
Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Help build B.C.’s new medical school from the ground up!

At Simon Fraser University’s School of Medicine (SoM), we envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care and other community-level settings and with a curriculum that considers social, environmental and prevention contexts. As we establish the school in Surrey, B.C., our growing relationships with the local community and with our partners (the Fraser Health Authority, the First Nations Health Authority, and the Divisions of Family Practice) will help us to meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve and improve access to primary care throughout the province. We seek to advance Truth and Reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented towards measurable socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role:
The School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University invites applications for an Indigenous Curriculum Lead. The appointment will be for a 3-year term, renewable, with an underlying faculty position. The underlying faculty position will be made at the appropriate rank and category, commensurate with experience. To be eligible to hold the underlying faculty position, candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate contributions to teaching, service, and scholarship related to medical education and/or medical research. This is a part-time appointment (approximately 0.2 FTE) to facilitate other commitments candidates may have.

The salary for the successful applicant will depend on the qualifications, rank, category of appointment, and experience of the candidate. For candidates with an MD, a reasonable estimate of the salary range is $55,580 – 60,580. Candidates with a PhD, EdD, or equivalent expertise with relevant experience may be considered under alternate salary models.

This position reports to the Associate Dean, Indigenous Health.

In accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous Persons who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada.

We recognize the deep knowledge, lived experiences, and cultural strengths that Indigenous scholars bring to our academic community. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing are valued and supported. We strive to create spaces where Indigenous scholars can thrive, lead, and shape the future of research, teaching, and community engagement. We welcome applications from Indigenous scholars who are interested in joining a collegial and collaborative environment that honors Indigenous sovereignty, supports community-engaged scholarship, and is committed to meaningful and sustained relationships with Indigenous nations and communities.

Short-listed candidates will be asked by the committee to submit a personal self-identification narrative and a letter of support from their Indigenous community to be considered for this position. We understand and acknowledge the deleterious effects of colonial and ongoing systems and structures such as residential schools, the 60s scoop and “status” cards on Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) identity. This process is therefore intended to be interpreted in a broad understanding of Indigenous lived experiences and Indigenous community. Examples of support could include letters from urban-based organizations, respected community elders outside place-based family/Nations for those in the process of reclaiming place-based connections and/or similar expressions of support. We acknowledge the potential emotional labour and/or (re)traumatizing impacts of sharing personal narratives in this context and encourage applicants to consider this fully in their decision-making to apply. SFU recognizes and honours the title and rights of Indigenous people as stated in UNDRIP and we respect and partner with the host Indigenous Nations on which our campuses are located. We have the responsibility to illuminate the truth of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world and to begin to chart a path of Reconciliation.

Key Areas of Involvement:
The Indigenous Curriculum Lead is responsible for embedding Indigenous knowledges, worldviews, and pedagogies across the MD Program curriculum. In fulfilling this mandate, the Indigenous Curriculum Lead works in close collaboration with Learning Modality (e.g., Case-Based Learning) and Theme (e.g., Anatomy) Leads, the Associate Dean, Indigenous Health, and staff in the Indigenous Perspectives team. The specific areas of involvement include, but are not limited to:

Curriculum Development and Integration

• Lead the development and integration of Indigenous content throughout all years of the MD curriculum.
• Collaborate with modality leads (e.g. Case-Based Learning, Simulation, Community-Engaged Learning) to ensure alignment with Indigenous ways of knowing and local Nations’ teachings.
• Ensure cases and teaching materials reflect the experiences and health realities of Indigenous Peoples, including urban, rural, and remote contexts

Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety Education

• Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum that addresses Indigenous-specific racism, trauma-informed practice, and cultural safety.
• Implement recommendations from the In Plain Sight report and the calls to action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission

Community Engagement and Knowledge Co-Creation

• Co-create learning experiences with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, and physicians.
• Support student placements and land-based learning opportunities in Indigenous communities.
• Embed protocols of relational accountability.

Curriculum and Leadership

• Mentor faculty on integrating Indigenous pedagogies and anti-Indigenous specific racism frameworks in their teaching.
• Work closely with the Indigenous Perspectives team to uphold Truth and Reconciliation commitments

Qualifications & Experience:
Required

• M.D. (preferred), PhD, EdD or equivalent professional expertise in health professions education, Indigenous education, or related field.
• Deep and sustained connections with Indigenous communities, particularly those in BC.
• Experience developing or teaching curriculum rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of colonialism, Indigenous-specific racism, and Indigenous health inequities.
• Commitment to upholding OCAP® principles and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Additional Assets

• Experience teaching in medical or health professional programs.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards for undergraduate medical education and case-based or competency-based medical education.
• Experience working within Indigenous governance or leadership structures.
• Previous involvement in Indigenous curriculum development in higher education or health systems.

*Credentials verification will be required.

How to Apply:
Please apply with the following documents via e-mail to ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca with the subject line “Application: Indigenous Curriculum Lead”

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover Letter – stating interest and accomplishments
• Names and contact details of three (3) references
• Complete the Applicant Demographic Survey administered by the Equity Office. While participation is voluntary, your participation aids the Search Committee in ensuring equitable employment practices as specified in the job posting. administered by the Equity Office. While participation is voluntary, your participation aids the Search Committee in ensuring equitable employment practices as specified in the job posting.
• Short-listed candidates will be asked by the committee to submit a personal self-identification narrative and a letter of support from their Indigenous community to be considered for this position.

SFU encourages applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications received by September 1, 2025 end of day will be given full consideration. Screening of applications will commence on September 2, 2025 but will remain open until the position is filled.

About SFU:
Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which

pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff and our community. SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca.