The Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research, and Wellness Education at xwci̓cə̓səm hosts internships each year to enrich its programming with in-depth student learning, providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and conduct their research. Interns are eligible to receive course credit toward their UBC degree. Interns gain skills and expertise in ethnobotany, working with traditional knowledge, medicines, and foods, intergenerational learning, communications, Indigenous research methodologies, and community collaboration. Their research and reflections provide evidence to improve these programs and make future recommendations regarding student engagement.
The Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research, and Wellness at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems invites applications for the Summer 2025 Internship Positions.
SUMMER-INTERNSHIP-2025_xʷc̓ic̓əsəm-Indigenous-Land-Based-Internship Information Sheet PDF
xʷc̓ic̓əsəm is situated on the unceded lands and waterways of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people at the UBC Farm. This program is led by Indigenous faculty members and supported by Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, community members, and coordinators. The Centre aims to address educational and research needs related to Indigenous knowledge and its intersections with other ways of knowing. It emphasizes Indigenous land-based health and wellness, traditional plant knowledge, food sovereignty, food security, and land stewardship. The internship seeks to enhance participants’ access to Indigenous knowledge and practices about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of medicinal and food plants, Indigenous research methodologies, and land-based pedagogies. The Centre provides research and educational programs that support UBC’s teaching and learning initiatives while collaborating with Indigenous communities, organizations, schools, and other groups to create opportunities for networking and socio-cultural interactions.
Internship Overview
The Summer Internship Program enables interns to engage in ongoing land-based research projects and pilot-scale research initiatives. Interns may assist in data collection using qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies. Furthermore, interns will acquire skills and experiences related to Indigenous land-based research, research ethics and protocols, and community engagement through gardening, land stewardship, restoration projects, and collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders.
The internship program lasts for 8 weeks, worth three credits, or for 16 weeks, worth six credits. All students must enroll in the directed studies course APBI 497 in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, irrespective of their degree program, unless they receive special permission from the instructor. Course credits may be earned towards their UBC degree, pending approval from their respective faculty programs.
Intern Engagement Responsibilities
– Engage in weekly academic discussions.
– Develop and complete a land-based education, research, or community engagement project.
– Support Elders and Knowledge Keepers during land-based activities and regular garden maintenance.
– Coordinating, promoting, and evaluating workshops or tours throughout the growing season.
– Contribute to knowledge mobilization by sharing land-based activities on the Garden’s social media channels online.
– Co-supervise and collaborate with volunteers to carry out garden activities.
– Assist with the collection of research data as required.
– Get involved in food production activities at the Musqueam Garden.
Preferred Qualifications:
– UBC undergraduate student (3rd or 4th year) or graduate student with an interest in Indigenous health and wellness, Indigenous knowledge, food sovereignty, food security, gardening, or related topics.
– Some experience conducting literature reviews and implementing qualitative and quantitative research methods is desirable.
– A keen enthusiasm for acquiring experience in research, Indigenous land-based pedagogical practices, communication skills, and mentorship in cross-cultural community engagement.
– Ability to work comfortably in teams and independently with minimal supervision.
– Awareness of and sensitivity to Indigenous worldviews, cultural diversity, histories, and contemporary issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
Internship Details:
– This internship is unpaid.
– A commitment of at least 10 hours per week for either 8 weeks (3 credits) or 16 weeks (6 credits).
– The first cohort runs from May 1 to June 30 and the second from July 1 to August 30, 2025. A flexible schedule will be arranged with the candidate after the selection process.
– Dr. Eduardo Jovel, LFS Associate Professor, and Dr. Alannah Young, Senior Research Associate, will oversee the internship. The supervisors will work together to outline individual or team projects, deliverables, and terms of supervision.
How to Apply:
Please submit an up-to-date CV and a concise cover letter (maximum 700 words in Microsoft Word or PDF format) that includes:
– Information on personal and professional background.
– Focus areas, interests, objectives, and goals.
– Goals and expectations for the internship.
Applications must be emailed to indigenousgardenlfs.irp@ubc.ca
And cc: alannah.young@ubc.ca; eduardo.jovel@ubc.ca
SUMMER-INTERNSHIP-2025_xʷc̓ic̓əsəm-Indigenous-Land-Based-Internship Information Sheet PDF
Please note that there is a limited number of positions available.
The application deadline is Sunday, April 21, 2025.
The 2025 application is now OPEN