Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about First Nations and Endangered Languages.
View full program detailsProgram information
Explore the processes and protocols for the documentation, conservation, revitalization, and reclamation of endangered languages, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge systems locally, regionally, and internationally. This interdisciplinary program offers courses in First Nations and Endangered languages at all levels, from introductory to advanced.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- No
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
FNEL offers courses in First Nations languages, as well as methodology classes on language documentation, conservation, and revitalization. In partnership and collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous communities and their cultural institutions, staff, scholars, and students in our program conduct research with speakers of endangered languages and help to develop educational materials in British Columbia and beyond.
The First Nations House of Learning is located in the First Nations Longhouse, a unique building that reflects the architectural traditions of the Northwest Coast. The Longhouse allows Indigenous students to study in an environment which reflects Indigenous traditions and cultures. It houses the X̱wi7x̱wa Library, the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP), and the UBC First Nations Student Association.
Courses
There are lots of courses you can take within First Nations and Endangered Languages. Here are a few you might like.
Foundational concepts in the critical study of cultural, historical, social, and political factors that impact language loss, retention, and revival. Introducing strategies and practical methodologies for collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-based documentation and revitalization projects for First Nations and Indigenous languages.
Emphasis on increasing fluency in conversational ability, enhancing pronunciation and comprehension skills, expanding vocabulary, extending literacy and grammatical understanding, and further study of oral traditions in their cultural context.
Digital tools for endangered language documentation, conservation, and revitalization. Overview of best practices, introduction to community engagement and capacity-building, protocols and ethics, project design, cultural context, orthographies, use of audio, video and still photography, data management, archiving and web publishing.
Critical study of the historical, social, cultural, political, and economic factors impacting on language loss, retention, and revival. Research on and application of methodologies for collaborative, trans-disciplinary, community-based documentation and revitalization of BC’s Indigenous linguistic heritage.
Outcomes
Your career opportunities will vary widely across a range of fields including Indigenous organizations, education, government, business, media, museums, law, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests, including:
- Child and youth worker
- Communications manager
- Community culture and language worker
- Counsellor
- Cultural site or museum interpreter
- Digital storyteller
- Urban and Land Use Planning
- Tourism consultant
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about First Nations and Endangered Languages.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about First Nations and Endangered Languages.
View full program details