Indigenous Arts Certificate

Quick Facts

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: Three semesters
• Format: Full time, Part time
• Start date: September
• Location: Abbotsford campus
• Cost: Tuition and fees

Features

• Field trips enhance classroom learning
• Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
• Application fee waiver available
• Program eligible for financial aid

Program Description

Nurturing Cultural and Creative Connections

The Indigenous Arts Certificate at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed for Indigenous learners who want to explore creative practices connected to culture, identity, community, and resurgence.

Through this certificate, students will engage with Indigenous arts practices alongside conversations about Indigenous rights, histories, sovereignty, settler colonialism, and contemporary Indigenous experiences. The program combines hands-on creative learning with critical Indigenous studies, mentorship, and community-based experiences.

Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic practices, including:

• Visual arts
• Digital media
• Film
• Performance
• Storytelling
• Photography
• Weaving
• Carving
• Beading
• New media

Whether beginning an artistic journey or looking to deepen an existing practice, this program supports learners at different stages of experience.

Why Study Indigenous Arts at UFV?

• Cultural and Identity Connection: Explore Indigenous creative practices in relation to cultural reclamation, resurgence, and community knowledge systems.
• Hands-on Experiential Learning: Participate in workshops, field trips, guest artist sessions, and community-engaged learning experiences.
• Learn in a Supportive Cohort: Study alongside a community of Indigenous learners in a culturally grounded environment centered on mentorship, care, and shared learning.
• Flexible Learning Pathways: Complete the certificate through full-time study or part-time options that support work, family, and community responsibilities.
• Continue into Further Studies: After completing the certificate, students may apply to programs such as:
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Media Arts
  • Visual Arts Diploma
  • Theatre Diploma

The program emphasizes experiential and community-connected learning. Depending on student interests and opportunities available, learning experiences may include:

• Community engagement
• Guest artists and cultural practitioners
• Workshops
• Field learning opportunities
• Collaborative projects
• Portfolio development

Career Expectations

The Indigenous Arts Certificate helps students develop creative, cultural, and professional skills that can support a wide range of artistic, community, and educational pathways.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship, experiential opportunities, and portfolio development, students will strengthen their ability to communicate ideas, tell stories, engage with communities, and create meaningful artistic work grounded in Indigenous perspectives.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as:

• Visual arts and studio practice
• Digital media and creative production
• Community arts and cultural programming
• Indigenous arts organizations
• Museums, galleries, and cultural centres
• Arts education and youth programming
• Cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Public art and community-engaged projects
• Creative entrepreneurship and freelance artistic practice

As Indigenous artists, creators, and cultural leaders continue to play an important role in shaping communities, preserving knowledge, and advancing cultural resurgence, the skills developed through this certificate can help prepare graduates to contribute through both creative practice and community engagement.

Entrance Requirements

For detailed entrance requirements for the Indigenous Arts certificate, please refer to the UFV Academic Calendar.

International Student Admissions

This program is open for international students.

Upgrading Options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses.

Prospective students should explore upgrading options available. Current or returning students are encouraged to connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:

• University-level upgrading (100 level and above): Qualifying Studies Advisor
• High school equivalent courses (below 100 level): Upgrading Advisor

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver