About the Role

This research project is a collaborative ethnographic study examining the development and inaugural delivery of INTS 3330: O’to Po’pa Community Development Field School in June 2025. Grounded in Blackfoot teachings and shaped through interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration at Mount Royal University, the project explores how land-based, experiential learning rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge can support transformative, relational, and respectful education. Guided by the wisdom of Blackfoot Elders and informed by Indigenous scholarship and intercultural frameworks such as Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space, the research brings together reflections from Elders, faculty, administration, community partners, and students. As the field school becomes a permanent course offering, the project will document how Indigenous Knowledge systems, oral traditions, and community partnerships can inform enduring post-secondary pedagogy while generating practical insights for future land-based learning initiatives.

The research assistant will support the development of a final report intended for students who participated in the 2025 cohort of the course. This report will synthesize findings, highlight student contributions, and communicate key themes in a clear and engaging format. The position offers hands-on experience in qualitative research, collaborative writing, editing, and applied community-based scholarship. The tasks assigned provide the research assistant with practical experience in ethnographic research, academic and public-facing writing, qualitative analysis, and collaborative knowledge mobilization.

This is a flexible role where the work schedule is variable and may include an irregular schedule of not less than three (3) hours per shift and up to thirty-five (35) hours per week.

Responsibilities

The undergraduate research assistant will support the project by:

• Assisting in organizing and reviewing research materials generated through the 2025 and 2026 course cohort.
• Synthesizing field notes, reflections, interviews, and related course outputs into clear thematic summaries.
• Supporting collaborative ethnographic analysis through coding, memo-writing, and interpretation of qualitative data.
• Drafting sections of the final student report in accessible and engaging language.
• Editing and formatting written materials for clarity, consistency, and professional presentation.
• Assisting in the creation of visuals, timelines, tables, or other materials to enhance the final report.
• Helping prepare summaries or short communications to share project outcomes with students and stakeholders.
• Participating in regular meetings with the faculty supervisor and contributing to project planning and timelines.

Qualifications

• Must be a current undergraduate student at Mount Royal University (MRU).
• Must have participated in the 2025 cohort of the course (INTS 3330: O’to Po’pa Community Development Field School).
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and write clearly for diverse audiences.
• Interest in ethnography, community-engaged research, Indigenous studies, anthropology, sociology, or related fields.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also managing assigned tasks independently.
• Experience with qualitative research methods, transcription, coding, or report writing is an asset but not required.
• Familiarity with O’to po’pa / Sitting Don project context is strongly preferred.

Salary:                $24.81 per hour

Closing Date:    Open until suitable candidate is found.

A cover letter, resume, an unofficial MRU transcript, and the name and contact information of one academic reference should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, Coordinator, 1234.pdf).