Overview
Indigenous Studies prioritizes cross cultural knowledge and communication as well as increasing knowledge about Indigenous people from Indigenous perspectives — centred within Mi’kma’ki.
Currently only available as a minor.
At a Glance
Curriculum
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?
Related programs:
INDG 1001 — 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 2001 — Introduction to Mi'kmaw Language
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.
INDG 3201 — 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 3901 — 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 — 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.
Find a full list of Indigenous studies courses in our Academic Calendar — Indigenous Studies.
Faculty Spotlight
Marsha Vicaire
Assistant Professor, Indigenous Studies
Careers
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.
Extras
Territory of Mi’kma’ki
Mount Allison would like to acknowledge that we are located within the territory of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. 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.
/current-students/canadian-studies-program
Admission Requirements
Academic Awards
Mount A is #2 in student awards
Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.