Mini-University Youth Mentor, Indigenous Student Centre

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) works towards fostering a thriving student environment, to inspire Indigenous students at Western to realize their full potential through the provision of culturally relevant space, services, and advocacy that encourage wholistic and strength-based approaches to learning. The ISC fits under the umbrella of Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) which leads system-wide change required to advance truth and reconciliation efforts, achieve equitable outcomes for Indigenous peoples, and implement Western’s institutional and Indigenous Strategic Plan. The OII is committed to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, and fostering an academic environment where all students, staff, faculty and community members experience the university as a welcoming, supportive, culturally-safe environment in which Indigenous languages, ways of knowing, being and doing are respected and supported.

Position Summary

Each summer, the Indigenous Student Centre hosts the Mini-University program for Indigenous Youth ages 11-17yrs and provides the opportunity for youth to experience the academic, personal, and social aspects of university life. A Mini-University Youth Mentor is responsible for the planning/facilitation of programming. Mentors must be able to work in a cohesive unit to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous youth during programming. Mentors must be energetic and encourage youth to participate in all Mini-University activities actively and meaningfully. Mentors are to be organized, vigilant, good communicators, and can easily relate to and connect with youth. Staff are required to work in-person for the duration of their contract. Mini-University staff will work out of the Wampum Learning Lodge.

Qualifications

The following are the minimum qualifications needed to fulfill the job:

• Previous experience working with youth programs or summer camps is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous youth in a group and educational setting is an asset.
• Understanding of educational barriers that exist for Indigenous youth and families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, organizations, and cultures.
• Must be currently enrolled in post-secondary education.
• Awareness of and sensitivity of the diverse nature of Indigenous cultures.
• Able to maintain and promote confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships and effective communication with students, staff, and community partners.
• Able to work well with others, maintain open and effective communication with all staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Able to work effectively under pressure.
• Mature, good character, integrity, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Applicants of First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit (FNMI) ancestry is considered an asset.

Requirements

• Must attain Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Submission of a complete application form with resume and cover letter.
• Two references and contact information.
• Must be available during program dates.

**Please note that there is flexibility in the start/end date of the role, as well as weekly time commitment excluding the weeks that the youth participants are directly engaged in programming. (Camp will take place July 14th-18th, 2025, and August 4th-8th, 2025) **

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Please note, successful applicants will be required to obtain current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record and police information) from a police service prior to camp dates.

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.