Job Description

Research Assistant
National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute
Term position (August, 2026 – August, 2027)
Regina Campus

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) allows students of all nations to learn in an environment of First Nations cultures and values. The University continues to uphold its mission of enhancing the quality of life and preserving, protecting, and interpreting First Nations people's history, language, culture, and artistic heritage. FNUniv is a unique learning place specializing in Indigenous knowledge and providing post-secondary education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students within a culturally supportive environment.

The First Nations University of Canada is a federated college of the University of Regina, and its academic programs are accredited through that institution.

FNUniv’s values include wisdom, respect, humility, sharing, harmony, beauty, strength, and spirituality.

The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute

The National Indigenous Economic Prosperity Institute (NIEPI) is an academic research centre housed within FNUniv with a mission to close all socioeconomic gaps between Indigenous Peoples and the rest of Canada by measuring and monitoring the National Indigenous Economic Strategy (www.niestrategy.ca).

Reporting to the Director of Research at NIEPI, the research assistant works as part of NIEPI to conduct engagement, research, administration, and policy development related to economic reconciliation initiatives across Canada. Several ongoing projects include the development of a digital repository of economic data, investigative journalism and advanced research on economic systems, implementation of a web and social media presence for NIEPI, as well as political advocacy.

NIEPI is seeking energetic individuals with a passionate positionality that economic reconciliation is long overdue. NIEPI is seeking individuals with a strong history of leadership. NIEPI is seeking the ones the Elders foretold: the youth who walk in both worlds. NIEPI is seeking individuals committed to the self-determination effort of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island.

Duties:

In consultation with senior NIEPI leadership, research assistants are expected to:
1. Support community engagement sessions, including co-development of engagement strategy, co-facilitation of sessions, note-taking, and synthesizing community feedback in reports
2. Supporting the design and development of grant-based programs, including writing reports, researching wise practices, conducting literature reviews, environmental scans, and developing processes to manage programs (i.e., reporting structures, contracts)
3. Developing tracking tools for economic programs, which have interdisciplinary teams and multiple funding sources including:
• Clear, accountable tracking
• Engaging stakeholders to determine needs of the tracking tool
• Developing and communicating findings in reports
4. Preparing community resources, including:
• Engaging community organizations for updates
• Tracking NIES updates
• Engaging stakeholders to communicate updates and make changes to documents
• Proofreading and managing approvals of revised resources
5. Supporting the administration of large grant and community programs, including:
• Attending meetings with community partners and supporting relationship management
• Following up on partner requests
• Help organize and coordinate research-related events, workshops, or presentation.
Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, preferably in fields related to Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or Indigenous Studies. Students returning to studies in the fall, or recent graduates, are also considered. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Strong reading, speaking, and writing skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including managing projects within budget or tracking finances.
• Ability to critically read and synthesize various sources of information, including reports, meeting notes, and emails.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic data analysis software.

Salary: $25.33/hour

Closing Date: August 14, 2026

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.fnuniv.ca.

We would like to thank you for your interest and to all those that applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The First Nations University of Canada relies on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give preference in employment for this position. Please indicate your status in your cover letter or resume.

Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed by email at humanresources@firstnationsuniversity.ca We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.