Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Faculty of Native Studies General Information


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The Faculty of Native Studies

Our Vision

To produce a better society by educating Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to be responsible citizens through excellent community engagement, teaching and research focused on the complexity of Indigenous issues and thought.

Our Mission

To produce graduates across the university who have respect for Indigenous knowledges, who are educated about Indigenous histories and contemporary issues, and who can work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and peoples.

Values

The Faculty of Native Studies values:

  • Our autonomy as a Faculty within the academy
  • Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches
  • The relevance of Native perspectives and Indigenous knowledge
  • The contribution of Elders to teaching, research and sense of direction
  • Our interactions and connections with Native communities
  • The promotion of Indigenous languages
  • The scholarly standards of the academy for the creation and dissemination of knowledge

History of the Faculty

Establishing an academic unit focusing on Native Studies had been discussed within the University of Alberta since 1972, when such a unit was proposed in a University Senate Committee meeting by representatives of the Indian Association of Alberta.

In 1978, 20 recommendations were made to the University Senate by its task force regarding improved service to Native people and a more coherent involvement in Native Studies. In that year, the University of Alberta GFC established a Standing Committee on Native Studies consisting of University of Alberta faculty members and students and representatives of the Native community at large.

After several years of research, discussion, and consultation with interested individuals and groups from inside and outside the University, the Committee on Native Studies opted for an ambitious program of Native Studies.

The Committee on Native Studies proposed the establishment of a School of Native Studies that would be multidisciplinary in character, instead of a small department that would confine itself to Native history, language and culture. The School would offer a wide range of courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies, as well as minor concentrations for students in other Faculties. Faculty members and students would engage in research with special attention to language and land use. Though not parochial in its outlook on Native Studies, the Faculty would pay particular attention to Native peoples of the Canadian West and North: Indian (now usually called First Nations), Inuit and Métis.

The establishment of a School of Native Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies was approved by GFC and the Board of Governors of the University in Spring 1984. In the same year, the Universities Coordinating Council also approved the School and the degree. In 1988, the GFC and the Government of Alberta approved a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies.

With the growth in student and faculty numbers and the expansion of teaching and research came the change from School to Faculty of Native Studies in June, 2006.

Members of the Faculty

Faculty of Native Studies - Members of the Faculty  

Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies After Degree (BA NS)

Applicants with a first undergraduate degree may be admitted to the BA (Native Studies) degree program. All requirements of the BA (Native Studies) degree, as in Faculty Common Requirements  are to be met, but the total number of required courses for the After Degree may be reduced by a maximum of 60 units of course weight taken in the first degree. These courses from the first degree may only be from the Faculties of Arts or Science, or from any other Faculty through which students in the Native Studies degree program may take their second area of concentration (e.g., Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences). Moreover, these courses from the first degree must be appropriate to satisfy the requirements of the BA (Native Studies) degree. The After Degree program is taken under the direction of the Faculty of Native Studies.

Notes

  1. The minor selected for the After Degree program may be the minor from the first degree only if it is an approved minor subject in the Faculty of Native Studies and if no more than 18 units of course weight at the senior level were taken. 12 units of course weight of new senior level work must be added if the minor from the first degree is to be retained as the minor in the BA in NS.
  2. Students who wish to pursue additional studies in a discipline that cannot be selected as a minor may apply for admission as a Special Student (see Special Students ) or to a BA Honors Program [see Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies Honors ] if the academic admission requirements for that program are met. Alternatively these courses may be pursued as options in a BA After Degree program to the extent possible within the requirements of the program.

The Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership

The Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership is administered by the Faculty of Native Studies and is available to students: (1) in undergraduate degree programs across the University, regardless of Faculty or program; or (2) as a University credit certificate only. (See Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership ).

This certificate will provide students with the necessary understanding and skills to effectively lead, work, or partner with Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, communities, organizations, or governments. The program of study centers on developing knowledge while increasing analytical and applied skills suited to the unique governance issues and opportunities facing Indigenous peoples and their non-Indigenous partners today. The curriculum features theory and practice for negotiations and partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities, including best practices for successful partnership, leadership, government, management, administration, and business growth for First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations, and their non-Indigenous counterparts.

Current students in a University of Alberta degree program wishing to pursue the Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership should contact the Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Native Studies at nsadvisor@ualberta.ca.