NCIS Faculty Development Pilot Program First Steps

The National College of Indigenous Scholars (NCIS) team has been working hard since consulting with the FNUniv advisory circles. The groups met with FNUniv faculty on August 26, 2026, to share conversations with the National College of Indigenous Scholars Advisory Circle and begin imagining what a faculty development pilot program could look like at FNUniv. Faculty shared similar concerns but also noted FNUniv’s uniqueness, which brings different kinds of faculty development. After hearing from both groups, NCIS is preparing to launch early initiatives of the faculty development program.

The first of a four-part webinar series will begin in October 2026, named kwayaskātisiwin: Walking the Good Path, in the Cree language meaning of high moral standard. This virtual session on October 19, 8:30am – 10:00am (CST), will focus on Indigenous academic integrity and will be led by Métis scholar Dr. Chantal Fiola of the University of Winnipeg. https://fnuniv-ca.zoom.us/j/88290838169. The session will be recorded and available on the Indigenous Scholars YouTube channel and website (www.indigenousscholars.ca). The NCIS team are planning the remaining three sessions.

Another initiative in the works grew out of concern about the hidden curriculum behind career advancement. Members requested an online, module-based faculty development system to support scholars through career milestones such as the tenure process and annual review. Dr. Shauneen Pete, Dean of NCIS, is currently drafting what this could look like while also examining what other institutions are currently doing to replicate successes for Indigenous scholars. The draft outline will be shared with advisory circle members, who will be invited to help further define the plan.

Lauren Petersen, Research Assistant at NCIS, is working on publishing an article about the 1.4% of scholars in Canada who are Indigenous, which will help better understand how to focus future faculty development efforts.

As the NCIS communication strategy continues to grow, several Indigenous scholars across the country have reached out seeking support through current initiatives and requesting coaching through challenges they are experiencing. The steadily growing number of scholars reaching out reinforces research showing a significant need for faculty development for Indigenous scholars that is lacking in Canadian institutions. More to come in this regard, as the NCIS team research regional coaching hubs and mental health supports.

Feel free to follow NCIS on the social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube) or visit the website, www.indigenousscholars.ca for updates.

Submitted by: Anthony Nickel