March 31, 2021

UCalgary launches Provost’s Postdoctoral Awards for Indigenous and Black scholars

Program will support a more equitable, diverse and inclusive academy

The University of Calgary has launched Alberta’s first postdoctoral award program for Black and Indigenous scholars. The Provost’s Postdoctoral Awards for Indigenous and Black Scholars is part of the institutional commitment to support the next generation of diverse researchers and community-engaged scholarship through equity-focused programs.

“At the University of Calgary, we have made foundational commitments to inclusive excellence, to attracting and supporting emerging talent, and to creating future-focused and equitable pathways for the next generations of scholars and scholarship in the academy,” says Dr. Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic). “Indigenous and Black scholars have historically been underrepresented in many fields of research and scholarship. We seek to close these gaps for Indigenous and Black researchers.”

In its first year, the program will award two Indigenous and two Black scholars postdoctoral positions at UCalgary. The two-year positions will provide a $50,000 salary, plus benefits and a $5,000 research allowance. Applicants must have arranged supervision with a full-time faculty member at the University of Calgary in order to be eligible. Early-career supervisors are encouraged to have potential postdocs apply for this award.

This program aims to attract top-tier postdocs who will be new to UCalgary at the start of their appointment. Applicants should have a record of high-quality previous research and creative contributions, and of direct engagement with Black Canadian and/or Indigenous communities in Canada.

“We are excited to announce this pioneering program that is unique to Western Canada and complements several initiatives to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the broader Calgary community. These fellowships reflect UCalgary’s commitment to creating equitable pathways to the academy, and to energizing capacity for future-focused research,” says Dr. Malinda Smith, vice-provost, equity, diversity and inclusion. “It’s a welcome step forward in our shared commitment to combat anti-Black racism and to cultivate Black inclusion.”

“This initiative is reflective of how we can do things together in a good way,” says Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous engagement. “We heard from Indigenous communities about changes needed in the university to move the Indigenous Strategy forward, and we see this initiative as an important contribution to our efforts of making meaningful change.”

How to apply

The first round of applications is due May 15, 2021. Applications must include a research project proposal, CV, two letters of recommendation, and a letter of support from the proposed supervisor. Full application details are available on the Provost’s Postdoctoral Awards for Indigenous and Black Scholars web page.

This initiative was developed in accordance with section 10.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act.

ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being. Walking parallel paths together, ‘in a good way,’ UCalgary is moving toward genuine reconciliation and Indigenization.

Recognizing a shared obligation to combat systemic racism, and the need for leadership and institutional accountability to create equitable pathways, the UCalgary’s Anti-Black Racism Initiative advances direct engagement with Black communities, cultivates opportunities, and designs spaces in which Black people can flourish.