Beyond the Claims Archivist

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Beyond the Claims Archivist will have a unique opportunity to document, arrange, and catalog the varied collections and archives relating to Wabanaki REACH’s truth-telling initiative and oral history project, Beyond the Claims– Stories from the Land & the Heart. The Beyond the Claims Archivist will be responsible for creating an archival system to house and arrange a variety of materials relating to the project (including oral history interviews, transcripts, print materials, photographs, and video), uploading/describing these materials and creating associated catalog records which will become part of both a web-based archive and permanent repository database. In addition, the Beyond the Claims Archivist will work in partnership with the permanent repository to navigate the safe transition of interviews, copyright, and other materials.  The Beyond the Claims Archivist will work closely with the Project Coordinator + Wabanaki REACH staff to ensure the archiving process aligns with the mission of the organization and acknowledges narrator/community members’ wishes with the utmost respect, care, and humility.

ABOUT THE PROJECT                                                                   

Healing begins with truth. Truth begins with a story. Our newest truth-telling initiative goes Beyond the Claims to get at the heart of the land, its people, and their stories. At the center of this project is the long and complicated history of the Maine Indian land claims including the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 (MICSA) and the Maine Implementing Act (MIA), which still deeply impact folks in Wabanaki and Maine communities today. By gathering personal oral histories across a full spectrum of experiences we hope to demystify the legislation, humanize those who have been affected by it, amplify their voices, and preserve their stories for cultural continuity. Throughout the life of the project, our core intention is to make space for healing and truth-telling to happen.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Organize releases, transcripts, audio, restrictions and other materials for 40 completed interviews
• Develop catalog for related records as appropriate for incorporation into a web-based archive and permanent repository
• Processes oral history interviews, according to standard museum practices, including recording field notes, preparing audio logs, cataloging oral histories, and preparing interviews for transcription.
• Works with Project Coordinator to plan and manage a digital oral history archive with knowledge of current trends, tools, best practices, metadata standards, policy development, and issues with electronic records.
• Communicates and works with a variety of organizations, institutions, and individuals to collect, organize, and document materials related to Beyond the Claims
• Maintains knowledge of copyright, donor restrictions, and permissions issues related to processing and access of digitized materials.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES

• Understanding of and commitment to Wabanaki REACH’s vision
• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in oral history, archives management, library science, museum studies, or related field
• Related experience documenting and arranging archival collections
• Ability to work remotely, both independently and as a team member
• Commitment to collaboration, strong communication + technical writing skills
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in workplace culture and daily life
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, organize, and complete multiple projects

HOW TO APPLY Please send a brief cover letter with a summary of archival experience, resume, and three references to [email protected] with the subject line “Beyond the Claims Archivist.” Applications due by March 15, 2023.                                                                           

Foodways Intern

INTERNSHIP POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Foodways Intern

Reports to: Health and Wellness Coordinator

Schedule/Status: Part-time, Temporary ($18/hr, 20 hrs/week) for 15 weeks, Beginning in May 2023

Summary

Wabanaki REACH is seeking an individual with strong people skills and connections to the community at Sipiyak. This position requires the ability to work independently in a flexible environment and provide support to the Health and Wellness Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Supporting community gardens – tilling garden space, seed distribution, weeding, watering, harvesting; delivering food.
• Help maintain the pilot clam gardening project.
• Work with youth on harvesting and utilizing plant medicines.
• Participate in forums, meetings, learning opportunities relating to culture, traditions and ensuring healthy fishways.
• Assist in planning Fall wellness gathering to take place in Sipayik; attend and participate in the gathering.
• Take on new assignments when needed as per Health and Wellness Coordinator

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• Previous knowledge and experience maintaining garden plots.
• Capable of the sometimes strenuous nature of gardening and fishways work.
• Comfortable in working independently as well as seeking guidance

Other Requirements

• Access to reliable transportation
• Valid driver’s license
• Occasional work outside the standard workday, such as weekends or evenings

Preferences

• Longstanding first-hand experience within Wabanaki communities
• Experience identifying and crafting medicines from plants native to Wabanaki territories
• Ability to pivot tasks when needed

How to Apply

Please send a brief cover letter with a summary of experience, resume, and three references to Jill Kerr if interested in this position – [email protected]. with the subject line “Foodways Internship” Applications due by April 14, 2023.

About Wabanaki REACH

We support the self-determination of Wabanaki people through education, truth-telling, restorative justice, and restorative practices in Wabanaki and Maine communities. We design our structures and processes to be responsive to Wabanaki communities and beneficial to Wabanaki people.  We envision a future when Maine and Wabanaki people join together to acknowledge truth and work collectively toward equity, healing, and positive change. We aspire to restore right relations, responsibility, compassion, love, reciprocity, abundance, and joy. We believe in the natural strength and beauty of Wabanaki culture, language and ways of being. We believe in the power of Wabanaki people learning the truth about history and reclaiming traditional healing practices. We honor and promote Wabanaki values of taking care of one another, of being grateful, joyful, loving and forgiving.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Wabanaki REACH provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Wabanaki REACH prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.