Indigenous Studies Certificate

The Certificate in Indigenous Studies is a 30-credit UQAT certificate for a diverse audience, developing knowledge and skills in understanding, intercultural communication, and intervention with First Peoples while raising awareness of current issues and concerns in the Indigenous world. It serves Indigenous students who want to deepen their knowledge of their own cultures, history, and development, as well as non-Indigenous students who work, plan to work, or simply want to learn more about the field. Aims include building critical understanding of Indigenous cultural diversity and development issues, facilitating exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, developing intercultural-communication skills, valuing the cultural identity of different Indigenous peoples, and acquiring basic knowledge of an Indigenous language. After a preparatory Introduction to Indigenous Studies activity, required courses cover contemporary Indigenous issues, Indigenous relationships with territorial development, the history of Indigenous peoples in North America, Indigenous rights, the Indigenous economic environment, Indigenous cultures and languages, knowledge transmission, health and well-being, and gender and feminism in an Indigenous context, plus one elective from options including Cree or Algonquin language, Indigenous art, or Arctic issues. Most courses are available at a distance.