Job Posting - Student Archivist - Indigenous Burial Sites: Communities Acting Together Project
Start date: July 2, 2026
End date: August 28, 2026
Hourly wage: $24.00
Students please note - Start and End dates are negotiable for this project.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Archives Director, Chris Marshall - internal@saltspringarchives.com
The Salt Spring Island Archives is seeking a post-secondary or senior high school student to help preserve the history of two precedent-setting Indigenous land protection actions on Salt Spring Island.
Protests at Grace Islet / shmukw'elu in 2014 and Walker Hook / Syuhe'mun in 2004 both involved settler and First Nations communities working together to protect sacred ancestral burial sites.
The student will be provided with a computer and workstation at the Archives office located upstairs at the Library in Ganges. Some work from home and field work hours may be included.
Duties:
summarizing the history and timelines of the two protests
scanning and digitizing a selection of related materials (photographs, correspondence, court records)
interviews with Elders and protest participants
audio transcription
The final outcome of the project is preparing these materials for an public collections page, and the physical primary source materials will be made available for future research.
The student will be fully supported throughout the project by the Archives managers, volunteers, and our webmaster.
See these pages for recent projects by our YCW students:
https://saltspringarchives.com/First-Nations
https://saltspringarchives.com/Salt-Spring-Artists
Historical background:
The original Walker Hook records were compiled by the late Donna Martin with Sharon Bywater and members of SSI Residents for Responsible Land Use during the 2004 land action, and reflect years of community care and relationship-building.
“Although we didn't succeed in our goal to save the sacred burial site (2004) from desecration, we unexpectedly built an enduring relationship with Penelakut. The lesson being: don't get attached to the end result, as you don't know what could be learned and or gained from choosing right action." Sharon writes.
The Grace Islet collection contains valuable records of the 2014 action to protect the burial islet in Ganges Harbour being built on. Video, photos, and interviews provide context for the boxed articles and correspondence collected by the people taking action.
You could be the ideal candidate for this interesting role if you are someone with:
- a strong interest in local cultural history and Indigenous rights
- good written and interpersonal communication skills
- the ability to work independently while meeting deadlines
This is a Young Canada Works in Heritage position, with associated eligibility requirements:
• Must have Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status
• Be between the ages of 16 to 30
• Be a student of History, Indigenous History or a related field
This position requires awareness of and sensitivity to Indigenous rights and cultural safety.
Housing on Salt Spring Island, or approval for local ferry transportation, is required.
