Why do Indigenous histories matter? What can you learn from Indigenous languages? What do you know about Indigenous cultures and communities in Canada and around the world? What should you know about Indigenous Peoples?
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The World Council of Indigenous Peoples defines Indigenous peoples as “people living in countries which have a population composed of differing ethnic or racial groups who are descendants of the earliest populations living in the area and who do not as a group control the national government of the countries within which they live.”
Located in Blackfoot territory, the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge is dedicated to community-engaged scholarship and research of the priorities and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and throughout the world. Within the department, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students have the opportunity to learn and think about Indigenous knowledges in creative, transformative and critical ways. The department offers courses that engender a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ languages, knowledges, cultures, histories, politics, arts, intellectual traditions, and research methodologies.
Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU). Indigenous students have an active presence on campus through the ISU, which supports annual Indigenous Awareness Days and various other community events. The department area houses the Tatsikiistamiik Student Lounge.
Elder-in-Residence Program. The department area houses the Carolla Calfrobe Elder and Ceremony Room, where students can meet with Elders to receive support, advice and encouragement.
Indigenous Studies Degrees. The Department of Indigenous Studies offers a major in Indigenous Studies for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can choose to do a general major in the humanities or social sciences and select Indigenous Studies as one of your three streams, or you can create your program by combining Indigenous Studies with a second area of study in an individual multidisciplinary major. You can also opt for Indigenous Studies as your BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs, or continue your education with an MA in Indigenous Studies or a PhD with an Indigenous Studies focus.
Indigenous Studies Courses. You will have the opportunity to take courses on:
• Indigenous Research Methodologies
• The Métis
• Indigenous Literatures
• Blackfoot Languages
• Indigenous Philosophy
• Global Indigenous Histories
• Indigenous Peoples & Law
• Indigenous Women
• Indigenous Health
• First Nations Governance
• Indigenous Art
• Comparative Indigenous Resistance
• Language Revitalization
• Linguistics of Indigenous Languages
• Indigenous Pop Cultures & Cinema
• International Treaty History
• Indigenous Legal Traditions
• Nations and Regions
• Indigenous Archaeologies
Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.
Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses (usually six) comprising a secondary focus of interest. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors
Learn more about Indigenous studies at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/indigenous-studies .
Faculty members in the Department of Indigenous Studies often involve undergraduate students in their research project. Our faculty members collaborate with Indigenous communities, and organizations, other departments, community members and employers on local, national and international research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience in Indigenous research methodologies.
Current Research & Areas of Interest:
• Indigenous Self-Government
• Treaties & Indigenous Law
• Global Indigenous Activism
• Decolonization & Settler-Colonialism
• Indigenous Health
• Indigenous STE(A)M
• Land-based Learning
• Indigenous Identities
• Global/Local Nations & Regions
• Story, Narrative, Literature
• Perspectives of the Past
• Indigenous Languages & Linguistics
• History of Indigenous Languages
• Language Revitalization
• Blackfoot Language
• Contemporary Indigenous Creative Expressions
Skills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in the program, you will also improve your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario. As a graduate in Indigenous Studies, you will possess a unique knowledge skill set that will enhance your future career prospects.
Career Opportunities. Your undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies also provides an excellent foundation for the following areas:
• Fine Arts
• Politics
• Administration
• Indigenous Outreach
• International Affairs
• Art History
• Economics
• Human Rights Work
• Social Justice Work
• Indigenous Issues Lobbying
• Governmental Diplomacy
• Historic Site Administration
• Public Relations
• Art Appraisal
• Science & Industry
• Language Revitalization
• Demography
• Preservation Planning
• Civil Service
• Environmentalism
• Historical Documentation
• Film Production
• Not-for-profit Organizations
• Museum Curation
• Tribal & Local Government
• Archaeology
• Research
• Creative Writing
Graduate Studies & Professional Schools. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs, at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Your undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies also provides an excellent foundation for law, management, journalism and education.
“Work in silence and let your success be your noise.”
- Shay-Lynn, Indigenous Studies
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.
Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.
To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising