Archivist, Powley Institute

Métis Nation of Ontario•Sault Ste. Marie, ON

About The Position

The Archivist plays a key role within the Powley Institute, supporting the preservation, organization, and accessibility of records that reflect the history, governance, and cultural life of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Reporting to the Manager, the Archivist is responsible for acquiring, appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving both physical and digital materials in alignment with archival best practices and Métis‑led approaches to stewardship. This position ensures that archival collections are managed ethically and respectfully, in accordance with community protocols, legislative requirements, and institutional standards. Working collaboratively with Institute staff, community members, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and partner organizations, the Archivist enhances access to archival materials through clear description, digital platforms, and responsive research support. The role contributes to the development of archival policies, digital preservation workflows, and outreach initiatives that strengthen the visibility, integrity, and long‑term sustainability of the Powley Institute’s collections. This position is essential to supporting the Institute’s mandate to uphold Métis self‑determination, protect cultural knowledge, and advance research grounded in community priorities.

Requirements

University Degree
3 to 5 years of experience
Graduate-level training in Indigenous studies, history, museum studies, or cultural heritage.
Professional certifications or continuing education in archival description standards, digital preservation, or records management (e.g., RAD, ISAD9G), digital preservation certificates, and metadata standards training.
Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory, principles, and standards, including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation, with the ability to apply frameworks such as Rules for Archival Description (RAD), International Standard Archival Description General ISAD(G), and digital preservation best practices.
Strong proficiency in managing both physical and digital archival collections, including metadata creation, digital repository management, and long‑term preservation strategies for born‑digital and digitized materials.
Comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation and ethical standards, such as privacy, copyright, access to information, and (where applicable) Indigenous data sovereignty and culturally grounded stewardship practices.
Excellent research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex records, develop clear access pathways, and support diverse users through responsive reference and research services.
Effective communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams, community partners, donors, and researchers, and to translate archival concepts into accessible guidance for non‑specialists.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Indigenous data governance frameworks, including OCAP®, Métis‑specific data sovereignty principles, and culturally grounded approaches to stewardship, access, and community accountability.
Knowledge of digital preservation platforms and archival management systems, such as Access to Memory (AtoM), Archivematica, Preservica, or comparable tools used for metadata creation, digital ingest, and long‑term digital storage.
Understanding of community‑based archival practices, including relationship‑centred approaches to acquisition, description, and access that honour community protocols and lived experience.
Experience with public programming and outreach, such as developing exhibitions, digital storytelling projects, workshops, or educational materials that increase engagement with archival collections.
Knowledge of records management principles and lifecycle practices, including classification systems, retention schedules, and the integration of records management with archival workflows.
Master’s degree in Archival Studies, Library and Information Science, Information Management, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Leads the acquisition and appraisal of archival materials, proactively identifying records of enduring historical, cultural, legal, or operational value and ensuring they align with the organization’s mandate and ethical standards.
Oversees the arrangement and description of archival collections, applying established archival principles and description standards to create clear, accessible finding aids, inventories, and metadata that support long‑term discoverability.
Implements and monitors preservation and conservation strategies to safeguard physical and digital materials, ensuring appropriate environmental controls, storage systems, and handling practices are consistently maintained.
Manages digital preservation activities, including the ingest, organization, and long‑term stewardship of born‑digital and digitized records, while maintaining the integrity, authenticity, and accessibility of digital assets.
Provides responsive, knowledgeable reference and research support, facilitating access to archival materials for staff, researchers, community members, and the public, while balancing openness with privacy, confidentiality, and cultural protocols.
Develops, updates, and enforces archival policies, procedures, and retention schedules, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and alignment with ethical standards, including Indigenous data sovereignty principles where applicable.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with communities, donors, and stakeholders, supporting outreach initiatives such as exhibitions, workshops, presentations, and digital storytelling that enhance public engagement with the archives.
Collaborates closely with records management teams to ensure seamless transfer, classification, retention, and disposition of records, and provides training and guidance to staff on archival and records management best practices.
Contributes to institutional planning and stewardship, participating in long‑term strategy development, managing archival projects, assisting interns, or volunteers involved in archival work.
Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
Performs other job/branch-related duties as required.

Benefits

Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits and pension plan
Generous vacation allotment starting at 15 day's for regular employees and 20 day's for management
Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
16 paid public and employer holidays
15 paid health & wellness days
Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
Employee Assistance Plan
Telemedicine plan
Health care spending account
Goodlife corporate membership discount
Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
Staple's corporate discount
Dell member purchase program
Mark's corporate discount