Overview
Indigenous Studies prioritizes cross cultural knowledge and communication as well as increasing knowledge about Indigenous people from Indigenous perspectives 鈥 centred within Mi鈥檏ma鈥檏i.
Currently only available as a minor.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study Indigenous studies at Mount Allison?
At Mount Allison, Indigenous Studies prioritizes culturally centred approaches to teaching and research, and seeks to engage with and support Indigenous communities.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, Indigenous Studies seeks to engage, examine, and produce both traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous knowledge, examining the Mi'kmaw concept of Two-Eyed Seeing.
Program options:
- Minor in Indigenous Studies (24 credits)
- Certificate in Studies of Indigenous History (18 credits)
- Certificate in Mi'kmaq Studies (18 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Territory of Mi鈥檏ma鈥檏i
Mount Allison would like to acknowledge that we are located within the territory of Mi鈥檏ma鈥檏i, the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi鈥檏maq.
Our relationship and our privilege to live on this territory was agreed upon in the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1752. Because of this treaty relationship it is to be acknowledged that we are all Treaty people and have a responsibility to respect this territory.
Learn more about Indigenous engagement at Mount Allison.
Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies
The Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies is a long-standing, collaborative initiative that enhances the research and teaching activities of Indigenous Studies and Canadian Studies at Mount Allison and beyond.
The Centre supports and extends student learning through an exceptional program of public lectures, conferences, and extracurricular events; hosts visiting scholars; and supports student initiatives and academic projects.
Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines and embodies the Mi'kmaw concept of Two-Eyed Seeing.
Courses analyze the historical and the contemporary, while critically examining the societal processes through time that continue to effect and affect Indigenous communities. It draws on survivance, resistance, and restorying Indigenous knowledges, while focusing learning on the generations of experiences and knowledges within the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaw people.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, Indigenous Studies seeks to engage, examine, and produce both traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous knowledge.
Indigenous Studies prioritizes culturally centred approaches to teaching and research and seeks to engage with and support Indigenous communities. The program prioritizes cross cultural knowledge and communication as well as increasing knowledge about Indigenous people from Indigenous perspectives.
Indigenous language courses are also available.
INDG 1001 鈥 Introduction to Indigenous Studies
This course is an introduction to the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the Maritimes. Topics include: Indigenous studies as a discipline, world views, societies, cultures, politics, colonization, decolonization, survivance and re-storying. It emphasizes Indigenous authors and voices and introduces principles and practices of cross-cultural communication and relationships. A key objective of the course is for students to explore, through increased skills and knowledge, their motivations, positioning, and goals in pursuing Indigenous Studies.
INDG 2881 鈥 Traditional Ecological Knowledge
This course investigates the ways in which Indigenous scientific knowledge and ways of knowing and Western scientific knowledge and ways of knowing complement one another. It discusses Indigenous research methodologies and considerations. Students also learn from Mi'kmaw and/or Wolastoqiyik Elder(s).
INDG 3201 鈥 Indigenous Health and Well-Being
This course examines histories and social determinants that impact health and well-being of Indigenous peoples from the guiding principles of Two-Eyed Seeing. Students will explore how culturally responsive and safe practices of care and well-being contribute to increasing health equity and building healthy communities.
INDG 3601 鈥 Social Aspects of Place
This course explores Indigenous conceptions of place and environment through collaborative partnerships with First Nations people and communities.
INDG 3901 鈥 Indigenous Research Ethics
This course examines how Indigenous research ethics and protocols ensure the appropriate use and protection of Indigenous knowledge systems. Students will develop the skills necessary to engage ethically with Indigenous communities by exploring how histories of Indigenous research shape ethical conduct and protocols within local communities and academic environments. The application of OCAP principles in Indigenous research will also be addressed.
INDG 4801 鈥 First Nations Treaties
This course explores historic and contemporary treaties between Indigenous Nations, Indigenous Nations and Europeans, as well as modern land claims agreements. Emphasis will be placed on the original intent of treaties and agreements, negotiation process, implementation, as well as ongoing socio-political and legal issues.
MKMW 2001 鈥 Introduction to Mi'kmaw Language (m脥kmaw脥simk)
This course provides an introduction to Mi'kmaw language for students with no or minimal knowledge of Mi'kmaw. Students will explore the connections between land, place, culture, and language while learning vocabulary, grammar, and sentence patterns both orally and through writing. This course will help students understand the importance of Mi'kmaw not only as a language but as a window to a vibrant culture.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Sasha DeWolfe
Assistant Professor in Canadian and Indigenous Studies; Director of Mount Allison鈥檚 Institute for Transformational Education
禄 Renewed partnership between 爱豆传媒app and Three Nations Education Group
What can I do with a Indigenous studies minor?
Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.
Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.
Increasingly, public and private organizations and institutions across New Brunswick, the Maritimes, Canada, and the globe are seeking individuals with knowledge and expertise in Indigenous issues.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to Indigenous studies?
Canadian Studies
Canadian Studies seeks to analyze and explain the Canadian experience and to explore Canada鈥檚 place in the world through Canadian-centred courses in a number of disciplines.
Community Engaged Learning
Community Engaged Learning integrates academic learning with community service, connecting course-based learning with real-world experiences with community partners.
History
History fosters knowledge and understanding of the institutions, ideas, groups, and individuals which have shaped the political, social, and cultural world of humankind.