Internship Opportunities

 

Thank you for your interest in the Engage North Internship. Our program is on hold for the 2023 season but please check back for updates from our office.


 

Position Descriptions

All 2022 competitions are now closed.

Dene Tha' First Nation - Spring Internship

Community Knowledge Sharing Protocol Development 

Dene Tha' First Nation (DTFN) is requesting assistance with the development of a Community Knowledge Sharing Protocol (CKSP) Framework. This framework will help guide processes of ethical knowledge sharing and research, and will be community-driven, self-determined, and culturally appropriate.  The intern's role will be to help with the foundational work of this plan, and will include a literature review, community engagement & workshop facilitation, reviewing existing knowledge sharing protocols from Indigenous organizations across Canada, and reviewing DTFN community initiatives. This position will require the intern to travel to the Bushe River area for up to one week.  Working with a DTFN Lands Department technician, the intern will engage with community members and help facilitate discussions around perspectives on community knowledge, individual information, First Nation property and confidentiality, etc. If time allows, the intern will help co-develop tools and processes for external organizations to engage with knowledge holders and the broader DTFN community.

Travel expenses during the in-person meetings and workshops will not be the responsibility of the intern.  Accommodations will include a small kitchenette to prepare meals.  The intern should expect to be away for a full week at some point in May 2022.

Tasks:

  • Review of existing Knowledge Sharing Protocols from across Canada and a literature review of related topics
  • Review of current DTFN projects as a starting point for development of the framework
  • Plan the project development process, including considering ceremony to inform the CKSP project vision, setting up meetings with the technical team to discuss work plans, roles, expectations, timelines, etc
  • Reviewing existing knowledge sharing protocols and ethical guidance from Indigenous government organizations (regional, national, international Indigenous communities)
  • Reviewing active community initiatives to help inform the knowledge-sharing framework.

Skills:

  • The intern should be able to work with a collaborative team, with excellent communications and listening skills,
  • Knowledge of Indigenous governance framework and development would be an asset
  • Experience in community workshop facilitation would be beneficial, with some knowledge of Indigenous community protocol (knowledge of DTFN protocol and ceremony is not necessary as this will be shared prior to travel but experience would be helpful)
  • Ability to travel by vehicle to the High Level area of Alberta for up to one week in May (candidates are not required to drive but should be prepared to travel by road for up to 8 hours)
  • Must have excellent organizational skills and able to prioritize work as the intern will be required to work independently and remotely for much of the internship
  • Possess strong research skills with the ability to review and summarize information from multiple sources.

This positions is funded through the Dene Tha' First Nations Lands Department.

Position will remain open until filled but review of applications will start March 14, 2022

Hamlet of Pangnirtung - Summer Internships:

Community Development Corporation Internship (2 positions)

Pangnirtung Nunavut is a hamlet located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region on Baffin Island with approximately 1500 people living in the community.  The successful interns will have the opportunity to travel to Pangnirtung for one month early in the internship.  This will provide a chance for community members and interns to meet and discuss workplans.  Accommodations and flights will be covered for the interns.

The successful candidates will be working under the direction of the Community Economic Development Officer of the Hamlet of Pangnirtung.  The interns will be responsible for the primary research on the development of a framework that will be used to build a Community Development Corporation within the community.

Tasks:

  • Conduct primary research on the framework needed to start a Community Development Corporation using similar community size and needs models as examples; to operate in conjunction with the Hamlet of Pangnirtung and its Community Economic Development Plan, and review the existing CED Plan
  • Research will follow a logic model based on outcome expectations with steps along the way using well-defined indicators with components, expected outcomes and measures of success
  • Complete a final report for the Hamlet of Pangnirtung

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of basic primary research
  • General computer knowledge and skills (internet search engines, word processing, spreadsheets)
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Knowledge of the Inuktitut language is an asset
  • Must be able to perform tasks with minimal supervision
  • Must have good organizational skill and able to prioritize work
  • Must be open to participate in professional development activities as required to meet the responsibilities for the position.

Confidentiality:

The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of intern.

  • Be honest and trustworthy
  • be respectful
  • possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • be flexible
  • demonstrate sound work ethics

Applications due March 25, 2022 11:59pm

 

Nunavut Legal Aid Maliganiik Tukisiniakvik - Summer Internship

Access to Justice Internship

The Legal Services Board of Nunavut was incorporated in July 2000 and is responsible for providing legal services to financially eligible Nunavummiut in the areas of criminal, family and civil law.  There are three legal aid clinics including the Iqaluit regional clinic, Maliganiik Tukisiniakvik with 100% Indigenous employment.

Under the direction of the Access to Justice Counsel, the intern is responsible for primary research and an environmental scan of all communities serviced by Legal Aid Nunavut.  Following the scan, the incumbent will travel to one or two communities with a team from Legal Aid Nunavut to conduct community consultations, following the form of the scan, aimed at collecting information to improve and increase Access to Justice services provided by Legal Aid Nunavut and building corporate relationships. This positions will be approximately 80% remote work and 20% in-community work.  Travel and Accommodations will be covered for the intern.

Main Duties:

  • Conduct primary research for Nunavut Legal Aid, on Hamlets, organizations, community associations, elders, schools, and initiatives in communities across Nunavut.  Compile this information into an environmental scan of Access to Justice and related opportunities across the territory
  • The research will follow a logic model based on services and individuals across communities who contribute to Access to Justice.  The intern will have a high degree of autonomy and design independence in the production of this product, while having regular contact and consultation opportunities with the lead Access to Justice Counsel (lawyer)
  • Project outcome expectations will be clear and will have concrete steps along the way using well-defined indicators with components, expected outcomes and measures of success.  The subset will be Inuit and Non-Inuit Nunavummiut
  • Complete a final report with references to the sources of information and contact information for all identified organizations and individuals

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of basic primary research
  • General computer knowledge and skills (internet search engines, word processing, spreadsheets)
  • Access to and ability to use a telephone
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Knowledge and experience working with remote, northern, Indigenous communities and people is an asset
  • Knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is an asset
  • Must be able to perform tasks with minimal supervision in a remote and in person setting
  • Must have good organizational skills and able to prioritize work
  • Must be open to participate in professional development activities as required to meet the responsibilities for the position
  • Willingness to travel to a Nunavut community is not required, but is available for at minimum one community consultation

Confidentiality:

The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of intern and must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

  • be honest and trustworthy
  • be respectful
  • demonstrate integrity
  • understand and practice privilege and confidentiality
  • possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • be flexible
  • demonstrate sound work ethics

Applications due March 25, 2022 11:59pm

 

Beaver First Nation, Northern Alberta - Summer Internships

Sunset over water

 

1) Agribusiness and Youth Engagement - Deadline Extended to March 25, 2022

Beaver First Nation lands are located on an economically valuable territory with rich soil and productive farmlands. The Nation is currently building and strengthening the band’s farm, which includes both arable farmland and livestock. The Nation is also expanding their agribusiness. The Engage North intern will work as a part of the Beaver First Nation Band Office to support the business development processes. 

The intern will work directly with the Beaver First Nation Band Manager and Special Projects Support to help identify economic development opportunities and aid with the development of a business plan.  The focus will be on Beaver First Nation's burgeoning agri-food business venture, however, there may be other economic development opportunities explored during the summer of 2022.  Other duties may include completing an analysis on the current agri-food business activities, topic-specific research, drafting grant applications, and contributing to a framework for a Beaver First Nation Economic Development Strategy.

In addition, the Agribusiness and Youth Engagement intern will also help the Health and Recreation intern with hosting some after-school and summer sports activities, and mentor youth interested in entrepreneurship and leadership.  Interns are expected to engage with the community through celebrations and gatherings as they arise.  Interns are encouraged to participate in, and help with community events and celebrations.

The Ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of undergraduate course work completed by May 2022 (some exceptions may apply if candidates have additional experience relating to the internship).  Students from any faculty may apply but those in the Faculty of Native Studies, Agriculture Business Management, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Food Business Management, the Bachelor of Commerce program, Forest Business Management,  and combined degree programs are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be available to travel to Beaver First Nation and attend work between May 2 to August 31, 2022, some exceptions may be considered.

Summer 2022 - Students will work under local Covid-19 guidelines that meet the University of Alberta Risk Management guidelines.

*This position is funded through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation

Applications due March 25, 2022 by 11:59pm MST

 

Youth Recreation Beaver First Nation

 

2) Health, Wellness and Sports - Deadline Extended to March 25

The Health, Wellness and Amateur Sports intern will work with the Beaver First Nation Band Office and Health Department to help provide outdoor programming after school and during the summer months, for youth living on the Boyer and Child Lake Reserves. The intern will work with the Beaver First Nation Health Director, the Program Support Worker and others in the band office, to develop wellness programming and recreational and amateur sports opportunities for youth and community members throughout the summer. Duties may include developing after-school programming for Rocky Lane School, May through June; developing summer break programming and activities; accompanying Beaver youth to sporting events and camps within and outside of Boyer/Child Lake Reserves; participating in fundraising events for youth; organizing community-wide events to facilitate inter-generational sharing of knowledge and skills; and helping with the nation's Covid-19 response. Interns are expected to engage with the community celebrations and gatherings as they arise. Interns are encouraged to develop a wide variety of programming, including arts and crafts workshops, amateur sports training and events and leadership development workshops.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of undergraduate course work completed by May 2022 (some exceptions may apply). Students from any faculty may apply but those in Nursing, Sociology, Psychology, Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, Education, and Pre-Med are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be available to travel to Beaver First Nation and work in-person between May 2 to August 31, 2022, some exceptions may be considered.

Summer 2022 – Students will work under local Covid-19 guidelines that meet the University of Alberta Risk Management guidelines. 

*This position is funded through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation

Applications due March 25, 2022 by 11:59pm MST

 

Dene Tha' First Nation - Summer Internships

Canoe Trip

 

1) Fish Habitat and Water Monitoring - Deadline Extended until filled

The Dene Tha' First Nation Lands Department is looking for assistance with the development of a Dene Tha'-specific fish habitat and water quality monitoring program for the Hay Zama Lakes area.  The intern will work with community members and others to build a body of knowledge that will include both Western Science (WS) and Dene Tha' Traditional Knowledge (TK).  This will require the intern to complete both WS literature reviews and review community-shared information through workshops, meeting agendas, notes, and surveys.

Much of the work will be done remotely (in Edmonton or home location) with the guidance of the Dene Tha' First Nation Lands Department, however, the student will be required to travel to the Hay Zama Lakes area for one month.  During their time engaging with community, the intern will work in both the field and in DTFN communities, helping to facilitate workshops and meetings.  Accommodations in High Level will be provided, and the intern will have access to a small kitchenette and basic kitchen supplies.  Travel will be covered from Edmonton to High Level and will include travel to the worksites (Meander River, Bushe River, Chateh, and field sites).  Travel to Edmonton prior to going to the High Level area will be the responsibility of the intern.  The successful intern will be required to attend a pre-departure orientation during the first two weeks of May 2022.  Orientation will include first aid training, community etiquette, travel planning, readings and discussions.

Tasks:

  • Conduct literature review of academic and government research in fish, fish habitat, water quality, and benthic community monitoring
  • Review community engagement notes and agendas
  • Develop survey questions related to WS and TK around watershed monitoring
  • Develop user manuals and technical guides for application, targeted to DTFN technicians, community members and external partners (NGO, government, industry)
  • Conduct fieldwork and provide community training on water sampling and benthic community sampling techniques, and equipment use
  • Help facilitate in-person community meetings and workshops, including engaging with community youth and elders

Qualifications

  • Possess a full class 5 Drivers' License (no GDL or learners' permits)
  • Have strong research skills with the ability to review and summarize peer-reviewed literature, community notes and related information, and existing frameworks across Canada
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and listening skills
  • Must be able to work independently and remotely
  • Must have good organizational skills and able to prioritize work
  • Prior freshwater community sampling, including sampling abiotic conditions, benthic community sampling, fish and benthic species identification and water sampling

This position is funded through the Dene Tha' First Nation Lands Department

Applications due March 18, 2022 by 11:59pm MST

 

2) Science Education and Curriculum Development - Deadline Extended until filled

The Dene Tha' First Nation (DTFN) Lands Department is looking for assistance with the development of a Dene Tha' fish and fish habitat curriculum and related lesson plans for grades 3 to 6.  This curriculum will be used in the DTFN school located in Chateh Alberta.  The intern will conduct Western Science (WS) and traditional Knowledge (TK) literature reviews on topics related to freshwater lakes and invertebrate and vertebrate communities.  The intern will also review related information shared by the broader DTFN community.

Working with a curriculum specialist, the intern will mainly work remotely (in Edmonton or other home location), with the guidance of the DTFN Lands Department.  Half way through the summer, the intern will travel to the High Level area in Alberta, to work for a month.  The intern will engage with the DTFN community to finalize the information to be included in the curriculum and lesson plans.  Accommodations will be covered in High Level and will include access to a small kitchenette to prepare meals.  The intern will travel to High Level together with the Fish Habitat and Water Monitoring intern, the cost of which will be covered.  If travel is required to Edmonton prior to departure to High Level, this will be the responsibility of the intern.  The successful intern will be required to attend a pre-departure orientation in Edmonton during the first two weeks of May, 2022.

Tasks:

  • Conduct literature review of TK and WS topics of fish, fish habitat, water quality and benthic community monitoring in curricula for grades 3 to 6, including exploring other programs developed across the country
  • Review Dene Tha' community engagement notes and agendas
  • Develop lessons plans related to fish and fish habitat in the Boreal forest of Alberta, using both WS and TK 
  • Develop a report outlining lesson plans and curriculum goals
  • Help facilitate in-person community meetings and workshops including engaging with community youth and elders

Qualifications

  • Possess a full class 5 Drivers' License, or equivalent (no GDL or Learners' permits)
  • Have strong research skills with the ability to review and summarize peer-reviewed literature, community notes, other Indigenous community programs, and related existing curricula across Canada
  • Must be able to work independently and remotely
  • Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work
  • Working knowledge or course-based knowledge of curriculum development and lesson planning for elementary grades is an asset
  • Workshop development and facilitation experience preferred

This position is funded through the Dene Tha' First Nation lands Department.

Applications due March 18, 2022 by 11:59pm MST

3) Health and Youth Recreation 

 

Little Team Dene Tha

Based out of the Chateh Health Centre, the Health and Youth Recreation intern will work with the Health Director, Community Health Representatives, nurses, and community members to support the health and wellness of the community.  In 2022, the intern will help provide outdoor programming after school and during the summer months, for youth living in Chateh.  The intern will also help facilitate learning opportunities for youth and adults around technology use (e.g. video conferencing platforms, basic Microsoft Office applications, etc), and help develop social media and website content for various organizations and activities in the community.  Other activities the intern may be involved with include project planning, grant writing, and supporting the Health Centre's activities.  This work will be tailored to the intern's education and skills.  Depending on the Covid-19 situation this summer, the intern may be required to work remotely for part of the summer however, the hope is that they will live in the community for the majority of the summer.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of undergraduate course work completed by May 2022 (some exceptions apply if candidates have additional experience relating to the internship).  Students from any faculty may apply but those in Kinesiology, Public Health, Education, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology and Native Studies are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills
  • Must be mature and able to work independently,
  • Experience with social media apps including Facebook and Instagram
  • Working knowledge of MS Office and video conferencing programs and technology
  • Knowledge of creating digital media content
  • Ability to work remotely in response to Covid-19 changes, should they arise

This position is funded through the Daryl K Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation

Application deadline:  March 25, 2022 by 11:59pm

Apply Now!