Hoèla Weteèst’eèdeè is a community-based action research project based in Yellowknife, Ndilo and Dettah (Northwest Territories) designed in collaboration by Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) using Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) principles. This innovative research study will investigate the burden of chronic stress and the relative contribution of sources of stress related to Giant Mine; identify sub-communities in the study area who have higher levels of chronic stress and examine their unique experiences of the Giant Mine; and understand the unique health and social needs of affected communities to inform healing and mitigation activities.

The study is hiring research assistants on a 3-month term to support study implementation and data collection, including: conducting in-person and telephone survey interviews; provision of support and care for participants; and research team support.

Hours of Work: This is a part-time, limited-term position. Approximately 160 hours over 3-month contract term. This position will have a varying workload over the 3-month contract term. The first month of employment will include up to 37.5 hours per week and hours will be reduced to part-time for the remaining 2 months of the contract. Work hours will include evenings and weekends.

*** The successful candidate will be based in Yellowknife, Ndilo or Dettah working from a central site office in Yellowknife. Travel between community offices may also be required. 

Recruitment and Data Collection

• Participate in 3 days of in-person training, including: Wıìlıìdeh language and Dene wellness workshop, Mental Health First Aid, guidelines for data collection, sampling procedures, COVID measures and other study protocols;
• Sign an Oath of Confidentiality for commitment to research protocols;
• Provide interested participants with information and resources about the study (e.g., website) and respond to questions and requests for additional information;
• Monitor website and follow-up via email and telephone with interested participants;
• Screen participants (pre-survey) for eligibility to participate in the study and method of participation (e.g., self-administered (online or in-person), counsellor supported);
• Plan and conduct surveys with self-identified participants ages 16+ both in-person at the site office and via telephone;
• Review and discuss participant consent form with interested participants (e.g., clearly communicate study purpose, foreseeable risks and benefits to participation, and option to withdraw from the study at any time);
• Set-up and maintain work stations with survey forms and computer tablets for participants at the site office;
• Data entry of hard-copy survey forms and interview notes;
• Ensure secure storage of participant consent forms and questionnaires in accordance with Data Storage Protocols.

Participant Support and Care

• Ensure participant and interviewer safety through adherence to Participant Centred Care Protocols and other study procedures;
• Cultural sensitivity for working with a diverse population;
• Facilitate provision of  interpreter support, as needed (fluency in languages other than English an asset);
• Support participants to engage fully in the survey interview, including clarifying survey questions, asking for additional detail to their responses, and effective note-taking;
• Identify and respond to signs of distress or other negative reactions to study participation in order to connect participants with appropriate mental health supports (Mental health first aid, or counselling and wellness experience is an asset);
• Where appropriate, suggest counselor supported participation in the survey questionnaire or counseling follow-up/intervention to address negative emotions that arise during or following study participation;
• Offer participants contact information for after-care mental health services and the opportunity to be involved in follow-up wellness gatherings;
• Debrief participants about the study, distribute gifts for participation, and provide information about upcoming community events to discuss study findings and mitigation planning.

Research Team Support

• Coordinate work activities by working closely with other Research Assistants and members of the Hoèla Weteèst’eèdeè research team (PI, YKDFN Technical Advisor, Project Coordinators (WLU and YKDFN), Nurses, Counsellors);
• Travel to communities (Ndilo, Dettah) when appropriate.

Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with members of the Hoèla Weteèst’eèdeè research team to ensure that work activities follow the agreed timelines and protocols;
• Provide updates on targets and timelines for data collection and associated activities, and any issues encountered, to the Project Coordinator and the research team on a regular basis.

• The successful candidate will have the skills and experience necessary to work both independently and with a team in a communications and outreach role, including working with vulnerable populations, confidential materials and sensitive information.
• A University or College Degree/Diploma, or a High School Diploma with at least 1 year of related experience (or some combination of relevant education and experience) is desired; knowledge or experience with research studies or data collection is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are essential.

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 19,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well as locations in Kitchener and Toronto. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Our locations are situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier’s Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.

This position is based in Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), where Laurier has maintained a research office since 2017 for its cold regions research and for its longstanding partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Located in Chief Drygeese territory, Yellowknife is the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the homeland of the North Slave Métis.

Laurier is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier's Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.