Project Archivist, Archives des jésuites au Canada/The Archive of the Jesuits in Canada, Montreal, QC
     

Location: Montreal, QC
Compensation: 22.00$/hour

The Archive of the Jesuits in Canada witnesses the activity of all Jesuits who worked in this country and in its foreign missions since the arrival of the first companions in 1611. It recalls the memory of their living faith, of their efforts, of their spiritual values, and of their institutions.

The Archive serves the ongoing administration of the Jesuits of Canada which includes Haiti. Its role is also to ensure the acquisition of documents, books, and works of art as well as appropriate historical artifacts relating to Canadian Jesuit history: to preserve them, to render them accessible, and to make them known.

The AJC collection comprises three distinct collections. The archival collection holds more than 1.5 km of textual records, more than 500,000 photographs, more than a thousand maps and cartographic material, hundreds of audio-visual records, as well as born-digital records. The Library and Rare Books collection contains more than 37,000 books and other published material, including 1,500 rare books. The Art and Artifacts Collection includes objects and artworks that testify to the range of activities of Jesuits in Canada and abroad.

Social Media    https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-archives-des-j%C3%A9suites-au-canada-766307293/

Description and Duties    

The main objective of the project is the processing of one fonds and one collection that testify to various encounters between Jesuits of Canada and Indigenous peoples. This includes the appraisal, the processing, and the creation of finding aids for the selected collection and fonds. The project also includes the digitization of selected records - mostly textual - pertinent to larger research undertaken at The AJC, related to its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada with Indigenous peoples, as well as more explicit initiatives in collaboration with Indigenous communities.

The fonds, titled Native Peoples Apostolate, contain correspondence that puts forward initiatives, activities, and relationships between Jesuits and various Indigenous communities. In addition, it includes various reports, studies, and commission reports that offer details about the Jesuit presence alongside Indigenous communities, mostly in Northern Ontario. Moreover, the fonds comprises information about the Anishinable Spiritual Centre and different committee reports. The fonds is comprised of approximately one metre of textual records. The dates of the material range from the early 1900s to the end of the 1990s.

The second project involves the processing of materials created and compiled by Jesuits about Indigenous languages. The collection includes, for example, a vast array of manuscript grammar notes, sermons, prayers, and catechisms in Anishinaabemowin, other Indigenous languages to be identified, and English. The collection also contains annotated published materials. The selected candidate will need to appraise the material and decide, with the help of the Processing Archivist and the Director, if these are included in the collection. Most of the records seem to be from the first part of the twentieth century. The collection contains approximately 2.5 metres of textual records.

Qualifications    

• University-level education in Archival/Information studies or a related field with a demonstrated interest in archival theory and practice, with preference for candidates with a master's degree in Information studies with a specialization in Archival studies;
• Demonstrated ability in the use of collections management tools and the Rules of Archival Description (RAD);
• Interest in digital archives, including digitization practices and processes;
• Ability to communicate information to small and large groups;
• Oral and written fluency in English, with a working knowledge of French, is required;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on collaborative initiatives;
• Ability to develop objectives and to implement procedures.

Additional Information    
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

The AJC is engaged in a process of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The AJC supports Indigenous resurgence. The selected candidate will need to demonstrate an understanding of the main challenges regarding archival concepts and practices. The candidate must be familiar with the principles stated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Taskforce of the Steering Committee on Canada's Archives as well as demonstrating a knowledge of national and international strategic orientations and principles concerning Indigenous peoples and associated archival records

How to Apply    

The deadline for applications is May 23, 2025.

Applications, which must include a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae in one Word of PDF file, should be sent to François Dansereau, Director of The Archive of the Jesuits in Canada: CANAJCdirection@jesuites.org.

Candidates must be eligible to the Young Canada Works Program. For more information: https://jeunesse-canada-travail.canada.ca/

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected for the short list will be contacted for an interview. Personal information received from prospective candidates will be used only for this recruitment process.

Application Webpage (URL)    https://archivesjesuites.ca/en/hiring-project-archivist-young-canada-works-2/
Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
Use of AI in Application Process: No