The Louis Riel Institute Archives and Special Collection is an emerging archive within a Red River Métis heritage organization. The collection is currently undergoing major professional processing, arranging, and documentation. This internship offers a rare opportunity to work in a developing archive where many systems, workflows, and policies are still being established—providing hands-on experience and meaningful contributions to foundational archival work.
Position Overview
The archive assistant (Intern) will work closely with the Head Archivist to support the final stages of preparing the LRIASC for public access. This role offers comprehensive training in archival workflows, digitization, arrangement, preservation, and reading room operations. The intern will participate in both daily duties and project-based work.
The position will take place from June 8th 2026 until March 19th 2027, and be 35 hours a week.
This internship is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain substantial, real-world experience in archival practice, especially within an Indigenous cultural heritage context.
Key Responsibilities
Reading Room Administration
• Retrieve materials requested by patrons
• Monitor and assist patrons in the reading room, ensuring proper handling and security of archival materials
• Rehouse all requested materials at the end of each day
Higher-Level Supplemental Processing
• Digitize audiovisual and other materials
• Assist with migrating the remaining portion of the collection from Excel into the Collection Management System
• Create archival descriptions using notes prepared by the Head Archivist
Processing and Arranging New Acquisitions
• Learn and assist with accessioning, processing, and arranging new acquisitions
• Once trained, independently process new acquisitions from start to finish
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Museum Studies, Information Studies, Archival Studies, Library Science, Indigenous Studies, History, or a related field
• Ability to learn new software and digital tools quickly
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to follow procedures
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with patrons
• Demonstrated interest in archives, museums, cultural heritage, or information management
Preferred Qualifications
• Master of Information (or Master of Archival Studies / Library Science)
• Experience handling archival materials, artifacts, or special collections
• Knowledge of Red River Métis history and culture, including lived experience
• Knowledge of Michif and/or French
• Experience with digital asset management, digitization, content management systems, or metadata entry
Eligibility (YCW Requirement)
Applicants must meet all Young Canada Works eligibility criteria, including:
• Being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Being legally entitled to work in Canada
• Being between 16–30 years of age
• Being a college or university graduate
YCW eligibility will be verified during the interview process.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. However, first consideration will be given to Red River Métis applicants, in alignment with LRI’s mandate and commitment to supporting Red River Métis youth leadership and professional growth.
To submit an application, we invite you to send us a cover letter and CV by email to archives@lrilearn.ca before May 18th 2026. Please indicate in your application if you are Red River Métis. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted the following week.