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.

We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships.

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): We are currently seeking an Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence to join our Faculty of Arts. This role reports to Dean and Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts. 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.

These residencies will support Indigenous knowledge in research and in the creation of current 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: 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. 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. 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; public readings; 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. 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. Willingness to organize and plan events.

Ability to travel between campuses is required. 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).

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $45.00 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! 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.

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.

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.

📌 Faculty of Arts - Indigenous Artist, Writer, Journalist, or Knowledge-Keeper in Residence (Richmond)
🏢 Kwantlen Polytechnic University
📍 Richmond