Historian in Residence Canada Summer Jobs 2026

Historian in Residence - Canada Summer Jobs

Location: IslamicFamily Hub (Street)

Report to: Community Relations Manager

Salary: $17 ( 16 weeks)

Position Start Date: June 1 2026

Position End Date: July 31 2026

About the Role

IslamicFamily is seeking a thoughtful detail-oriented and community-minded Historian in Residence to document and preserve the organizations history impact and community narratives. This role will focus on capturing the lived experiences of those who have shaped and been supported by IslamicFamily including founders staff volunteers and clients.

The Historian in Residence will play a key role in building a living archive of stories that reflect the organizations growth values and community impact. This work will contribute to future storytelling communications fundraising and institutional memory.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct and document interviews with:

• Founders and early leaders of IslamicFamily
• Long-standing staff and volunteers
• Past and current clients willing to share their experiences

1. Develop interview guides and consent processes grounded in respect ethics and cultural sensitivity
2. Record transcribe and organize oral histories (audio written and/or video formats)
3. Identify key themes milestones and narratives that reflect the organizations journey and impact
4. Create written profiles summaries and storytelling pieces based on interviews
5. Support the development of a digital or physical archive of stories and historical materials
6. Collaborate with the Communications and Community Engagement teams to share selected stories (where appropriate and consented)
7. Ensure all documentation respects confidentiality dignity and ethical storytelling practices

Learning Objectives (CSJ Aligned):

Through this role the candidate will:

• Develop skills in qualitative research interviewing and storytelling
• Gain experience in community-based documentation and oral history methods
• Strengthen cultural competency and ethical engagement practices
• Build experience in nonprofit operations and community impact work
• Enhance written and verbal communication skills
  
  

About Islamic Family:

IslamicFamily supports the mother fleeing abuse without asking her to compromise her identity or safety. We support the man seeking counselling that honours his values. We support youth in search of creative platforms that amplify their voice. We support families starting over amidst hardship. We are IslamicFamily created to serve. For over 30 years we have been driven to disrupt systemic inequity reflect a rich tradition with beauty innovate and serve with excellence.

Rooted on Treaty 6 IslamicFamily serves people from all walks of life. We run one of Edmontons Food Banks largest depots provide urgent financial relief support survivors of gender-based violence empower refugees and offer youth programming.

IslamicFamily is an Imagine Canada & Great Places to Work accredited charity and a proud recipient of the Government of Albertas Inspiration Award for its work combatting domestic violence (2020) the Canadian Mental Health Associations Professional Service Award (2020) the Justice Innovation Award (2022) and the YEG Startup Community Award (2022).

How to apply

Confidence (or the lack thereof) can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. Well let you in on a secret there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. This role is about growth creativity and making a difference in newcomer communities. If youre passionate about community programming and eager to learn we encourage you to apply even if you dont check every single box. Curiosity and initiative matter just as much as experience.

Submit the below through our Collage job postings portal!

To be considered for this role please submit:
> Your resume
> A cover letter or a 5m video that answers one of the following:

• Why is storytelling important in community organizations
• Tell us about a story interview or experience that had a lasting impact on you