Research Chair, Indigenous Water Governance

Research Chair, Indigenous Water Governance
School of Indigenous Governance
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Full‑time, Term
75 hours biweekly
Wage: TBD based on qualifications

Employment Opportunity No.: 25.141
Closing Date: December 5th, 2025

Please note: Only applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) will be considered for this opportunity.

Background

Yukon First Nations have long maintained a commitment to stewardship activities aimed at ensuring water flowing through their territories is protected in a manner that sustains cultural values and traditional uses, now and for future generations. While these interests are enshrined in Canada’s constitution through the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA), many of the most significant and consequential features for shaping policy within this unique legal landscape have yet to be explored or fully realized.

Following the failure and abandonment of a number of mines, Yukon First Nations leadership are renewing calls for improved policies and plans to protect water, wildlife and people. Climate change further threatens northern waters and critical salmon habitat, emphasizing the need for centering Indigenous Peoples’ knowledges and voices in policy development through research and education that not only contributes to the knowledge and expertise needed for realizing the vision and interests of Yukon First Nations governments in water governance but that furthers Indigenous‑led policy research and ultimately, advances Indigenous self‑determination.

Key Responsibilities

1. The 5‑year program of the Academic Research Chair will focus on two complementary and phased components: Collaborative Research Program (Yr 1‑5) – The co‑led policy research program in Indigenous Water Governance includes two Chairs that will be based in Canada’s North, conducting policy research about northern waters. The Academic Research Chair will collaborate with a Knowledge Holder Chair and Indigenous Steering Committee to elevate the visibility of and exposure to water policy review, development and reform within the context of Yukon First Nations Final Agreements. Research and scholarship in Indigenous water governance will highlight Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights to self‑determination, including the power to make decisions based on Indigenous legal orders and protect water for cultural needs and traditional uses, now and for future generations.
2. Northern Water Policy and Leadership Development Program (Yr 3‑5) – Under the guidance and structure of the Research Chairs, Phase 2 entails further collaboration with Yukon First Nations in co‑designing and co‑delivering a pilot policy and leadership development program. Yukon University is committed to designing a delivery model that enables participants to access most of the program in their home communities. The pilot will serve as a model for an approach that could provide the structure for Yukon U to collaborate with Yukon First Nation governments to build other policy and leadership programs that directly contribute to the self‑determination of Yukon First Nations governments and peoples.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completed or in progress PhD in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of relevant research methodologies and their application in a northern context.
• Knowledge of current discipline‑specific research and knowledge in a northern context.
• Experience partnering with Indigenous communities and governments on research activities.
• Experience in developing research programs and designing and carrying out research projects in an academic environment.
• Experience creating student research projects and supervising and mentoring students, including mature students and non‑academic learners.
• Strong communication, relationship building and intercultural competencies.

For More Information

Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow
Dean, Applied Science & Management
Email: fschmiegelow@yukonu.ca

Application Process

Send your cover letter and resume to the Human Resource Services via email: hr@yukonu.ca. Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Official transcripts may be requested.