The Centre for Indigenous Land-Based Education, Research, and Wellness at xwc̓ic̓əsəm, within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, invites applications for Summer 2026 internship positions.
Located on the unceded lands and waterways of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people at the UBC Farm, The Centre (xʷc̓ic̓əsəm) is led by Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, community members, students, and Indigenous faculty. The Centre addresses educational and research needs related to Indigenous knowledges, emphasizing their intersections with other knowledge systems. Its objectives include promoting land-based health and wellness, supporting traditional plant knowledge, fostering Indigenous food sovereignty, advancing land stewardship, and enhancing food security.
The Summer Internship aims to provide participants with practical experience in these areas by increasing access to both traditional and non-traditional plant and food knowledge and practices. The Centre also supports UBC teaching and learning initiatives and collaborates with Indigenous communities, organizations, and schools to achieve these goals.
The Summer Internship program immerses interns in community-based research, experiential learning, and land-based education, with a focus on Indigenous plant knowledge and community engagement. Core objectives include enabling interns to contribute to ongoing research projects, gain experience in planning and implementing pilot-scale studies, and assist in qualitative and quantitative data collection using Indigenous methodologies.
Interns will develop practical research skills and deepen their understanding of Indigenous land-based research and community-engaged practices while working alongside Indigenous knowledge holders.
Interns may select from two options based on the number of credits sought:
- Eight weeks (3 credits)
- Interns may complete eight weeks for 3 credits or sixteen weeks for 6 credits. Enrollment in the directed studies APBI 497 course within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems is required, regardless of degree program, unless the instructor grants special permission. Course credits are applied toward the UBC degree, pending approval from the respective faculty programs.
Interns Responsibilities
- Assist Elders and Knowledge Keepers during land-based activities and routine garden maintenance.
- Participate in weekly discussions.
- Document and share land-based activities through the Garden’s online social media channels.
- Support volunteer coordination and garden activities.
- Contribute to research data collection and provide program support as required.
- Assist in coordinating, promoting, and evaluating workshops or tours throughout the growing season.
- Engage in food production activities at the Musqueam Garden.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current UBC undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in Indigenous health and wellness, Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous food sovereignty, food security, gardening, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting literature reviews, implementing qualitative and quantitative research, and utilizing information technology.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for research, Indigenous land-based pedagogy, effective communication, and cross-cultural engagement.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.
- Awareness of Indigenous worldviews, cultural diversity, histories, and contemporary issues is required.
Position Details
- This is an unpaid internship.
- A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week is required for either 8 weeks (3 credits) or 16 weeks (6 credits).
- The first cohort will run from May 5 to June 27, and the second from July 7 to August 29, 2025. A flexible schedule will be arranged with each candidate following the selection process.
To earn six credits, students must enroll in both cohorts or negotiate the number of hours and the scope of the directed study project.
- Dr. Eduardo Jovel, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, will supervise the internship, including the directed study. Individual or team projects, deliverables, and supervision terms will be determined collaboratively with the supervisor.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a current CV and a brief cover letter (maximum 700 words, in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format) that includes:
- Personal/professional background information.
- Areas of focus, interests, objectives, and goals.
- Intentions and expectations regarding participation in the program.
Applications should be submitted via email to indigenousgardenlfs.irp@ubc.ca, with copies to alannah.young@ubc.ca and eduardo.jovel@ubc.ca.
The application is open now
The Application Deadline is Sunday, April 15, 2026.