Archives Technician: Indigenous Records Project

South Peace Regional Archives

Location: Grand Prairie, Alberta

Compensation: $ 17.68 per hour; approx. 292 hours

The South Peace Regional Archives (SPRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, preserving, and sharing the historical records of the region. We add value to people's lives by increasing their understanding and appreciation of the past. The Archives provides access to our records through our public reading room, outreach events, website, and social media. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers serve an area with a combined population of more than 94,000 people, within the boundaries of Birch Hills County, the City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, the Municipal District of Greenview, the Municipal District of Spirit River, and Saddle Hills County. Visit www.SouthPeaceArchives.org for more information.

Project Summary

This project will utilize records related to Indigenous peoples within the collections of the South Peace Regional Archives (SPRA). The project will examine records within 56 fonds, previously identified by the Indigenous History Committee as containing Indigenous content, in order to provide culturally-appropriate descriptions and contextual information. The project will increase access to approximately 300 Indigenous-related archival photographs and paper artifacts through digitization and promotion on social media. Through consultation with the Indigenous History Committee, the project will enable Indigenous peoples to engage in the identification of photographs and paper artifacts from the South Peace Regional Archives. It will enrich SPRA's records and also help members of Indigenous communities connect with their past.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Archives Technician (Indigenous Records Project) works with the Archivist and reports to the Executive Director. The Archives is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:30am; scheduling within these hours will be determined during the hiring process. The position duties include, but are not limited to:

* Re-appraisal: The Archives Technician will review and re-appraise 56 fonds, previously identified by the Indigenous History Committee as containing records related to Indigenous peoples. Many of these records contain descriptions that may now be disputed or considered outdated. In many cases, the descriptions provided to us come from non-Indigenous people and thus may not reflect how those Indigenous people identify themselves. The Archives Technician will select the most suitable records for description and/or re-description: approximately 35 fonds.
* Re-description: The Archives Technician will revise or supplement existing fonds- or series-level descriptions, where necessary, to reflect culturally appropriate terminology. The Technician will identify approximately 300 Indigenous-related archival items for digitization and provide item-level description of all materials selected for digitization.
* Digitization: The Archives Technician will digitize approximately 300 Indigenous-related archival items, with metadata, for upload into the SPRA's database and backup server. In consultation with the Indigenous History Committee, the Technician will upload a selection of these digitized items and descriptions online at the provincial website, Alberta on Record.
* Collaboration with IHC: The Archives Technician will collaborate with members of the Indigenous History Committee and report on project progress during monthly IHC meetings.

Qualifications    

An ideal candidate for this position would demonstrate:

* Relevant training or experience in a related discipline. Education in Indigenous studies, history, or archival studies would be considered an asset;
* Willingness to train in archival theory;
* Familiarity with primary historical research techniques and trends and awareness of the needs of disciplines that utilize archival sources. Experience working in an archives would be considered an asset;
* Awareness of Canadian and Alberta history, political climate, and social context in which records were created;
* Good understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage, Reconciliation, and the history of settler and Indigenous relations in Canada. Familiarity with local Indigenous communities and families would be considered an asset;
* Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, analytical and research skills;
* Good conflict resolution and negotiation skills;
* A strong aptitude for independent decision making and acting with initiative;
* Ability to lift 40lbs/18 kg (ex. archival boxes) on a regular basis.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Preference may be given to candidate(s) who meet the selection criteria and self-identify as Indigenous in their application.

How to Apply    

Applicants must forward an application consisting of a resume and cover letter to Executive Director, Alyssa Currie, via email at Director@SouthPeaceArchives.org in order to be considered for this position. Please indicate "AT_IRP" in your subject heading. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin on 19 October 2020, and continue until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide two references who are knowledgeable of their qualifications for this position.

The South Peace Regional Archives is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, new Canadians, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our organization.
Application Webpage:  www.SouthPeaceArchives.org/Careers