Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies

Program Overview

Develop your heart, mind, body, and spirit with a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, based on Indigenous philosophies and ways of knowing. In accordance with the teachings of the medicine wheel, courses are organized into four themes: Indigenous history, social relations and governance, land and culture, and world view and spirituality.

Program Structure

Through a blend of language learning, Indigenous peoples' knowledge, and other multi-disciplinary courses, the program equips you to address the challenges Indigenous communities are facing on the path to self-determination, including:

• Land claims
• Resource management
• Socio-economic development
• Policy development
• Cultural empowerment
• Indigenous resurgence

Practical Experience

Two supervised field placements provide opportunity to get hands-on experience, apply classroom learning, and build relationships with Indigenous communities and agencies. In addition, you get to participate in:

• Field trips
• Circle learning
• Interaction with Elders
• Stó:lō cultural teachings
• Special guest lectures

Career Outlook

Indigenous people are Canada's fastest-growing demographic. According to Statistics Canada, they currently account for 4.3% of the Canadian population. And this number is expected to grow to 5.3% by 2030.

Paralleling this trend is a rising awareness that the dominant post-colonial culture has marginalized Indigenous people and denied them the right to participate and have a voice. Much work must occur to repair relations between Indigenous people and settler communities.

As a result, First Nations communities and agencies, and government ministries that serve First Nations need trained leaders and advocates to work in the areas of:

• Treaty negotiations
• Policy development
• Resource management

Work opportunities also exist in public service, in schools, prisons, and municipalities that work with First Nations people.