Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.
As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.
We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.
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Competition ID: 4710
Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled
External Closing Date: Open Until Filled
# of Openings: 1
- Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type: On-Call
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):Hours of Work (BCGEU):Hours per Week (BCGEU):
We are currently seeking an Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence to join our Faculty of Arts.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Dean and Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts.
SUMMARY
The Faculty of Arts invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous artists, writers, musicians, and knowledge-keepers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, for one position as Indigenous Artist, Writer, Musician, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence. Please note other areas of focus not listed may also be considered.
These residencies will support Indigenous knowledge in research and in the creation of new works in variety of fields, including but not restricted to Indigenous governance, health, pedagogy, sustainability, literary composition and spoken word, filmmaking, music, the visual arts (carving, weaving, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, sculpture, printmaking, etc.), performance and interdisciplinary creative practices.
All residents will be able to divide their time between their own projects and contributing to the Faculty of Arts.
In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Faculty of Arts (faculty, students, and staff) and the broader KPU community. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/arts.
Residents will be paid $7,000 per month for the duration of their residency. There will also be some funding available for KPU-specific events and general support. We encourage applicants with a specialization in healing through culture or a wellness-related area.
KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Actions and to supporting Indigenous writers and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the writers and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, creativity, and intercultural communication.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The organization and hosting of a series of events for the Faculty of Arts and KPU that may include the following: a one-day symposium; craft talk; public readings; curated reading.
Giving guest lectures and/or readings within the Faculty of Arts.
Consulting with writers or artists of various abilities 2 days a week
Meeting regularly with the Associate Dean and/or Dean, Faculty of Arts.
Engaging with departments, and/or faculty, staff, and student groups in the Faculty of Arts and the broader KPU community.
QUALIFICATIONS
Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledge, and traditions.
Writers should have at least one book published, or a book contract with a professional publishing house, or an equivalent major project in spoken or written text and have been active in their creative discipline(s).
Artists/musician should be active in their creative discipline(s) with an established or emerging record of work as made evident through exhibitions, recordings, reviews, articles public performances, etc.
Knowledge-keepers should have an active practice made evident through exhibitions and/or publication, community engagement, and written and/or oral research.
Similar evidence of achievement in area of specialization.
Enthusiasm for engaging with writers of various abilities.
Willingness to organize and plan events.
Enthusiasm for consulting with artists of various abilities.
Ability to travel between campuses is required.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are asked to submit:
A curriculum vitae.
A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the project; and a description of the kind of events you would like to plan and how you see these contributing to the KPU community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc).
A statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Surrey, Richmond, and/or Langley campuses) in the Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 semester.
A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience.
A writing sample of no more than 5 pages (if applicable).
The names of two references.
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $45.00
Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?
We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at
[email protected].
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
