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First Nations and Indigenous Studies

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 Indigenous Studies.

View full program details

Program information

Gain an understanding of the histories, contemporary realities, and political concerns of Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond. This interdisciplinary program reflects the belief that deep understanding and ethical engagement are central to the well-being of resurgent Indigenous communities and foundational to more respectful Indigenous-settler relations.

Program overview

Campus
Vancouver
Program length
4 years
Faculty
Faculty of Arts
Co-op
Yes
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Honours
No

What you'll learn

First Nations and Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary program, open to all undergraduate students. You will enrol in a set of core courses that focus on topics and approaches central to First Nations communities, as well as select from a list of relevant courses in other departments.

Fourth-year First Nations and Indigenous Studies students complete a 6-credit research practicum in partnership with an Aboriginal organization. The practicum provides valuable experience in designing, negotiating, and implementing research projects that respond to community needs.

You can select Major or Minor concentrations, as well as Double Major or Major-Minor options that complement your other interests.|The First Nations House of Learning is located in the First Nations, a unique building that reflects the architectural traditions of the Northwest Coast. The Longhouse allows Aboriginal students to study in an environment which reflects Aboriginal traditions and cultures. It houses the Xwi7xwa Library, the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP), and the UBC First Nations Student Association.

The First Nations House of Learning is located in the First Nations, a unique building that reflects the architectural traditions of the Northwest Coast. The Longhouse allows Aboriginal students to study in an environment which reflects Aboriginal traditions and cultures. It houses the Xwi7xwa Library, the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP), and the UBC First Nations Student Association.

Program advantages

Gain experience with Indigenous political theory and politics, aesthetics, literature, and contemporary social concerns, in the classroom and in community Combine rigorous critical scholarship with ethical community engagement. Complete a research practicum as part of your studies.

Most popular courses

Introduction to Endangered Language Documentation and Revitalization

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

Representation, identity, and cultural politics through Indigenous literature, film, and the visual arts; the relationship between these sites of cultural production and the self-determination struggles of Indigenous peoples

Adapting and integrating current conceptual paradigms in the humanities, social sciences, performing arts, and Indigenous studies into approaches in First Nations/Indigenous Studies, including identity construction, political and cultural self-determination, representation, essentialism/authenticity, ethics, and decolonization

The historical, cultural, political, and activist roots of contemporary Indigenous feminisms. Indigenous feminist methodologies, theory, and praxis in relation to contemporary Indigenous politics and social justice movements

Outcomes

As a student in the interdisciplinary FNIS program, you will gain a comprehensive education in Indigenous political theory and politics, aesthetics, literature, and contemporary social concerns, as well as in relevant topics from other departments. With this solid foundation, career opportunities include such varied vocations as cultural resource manager, youth worker, media consultant, student/academic advisor, museum curator, community support worker, and more. Graduates of the FNIS program have been successful in gaining admission to competitive graduate programs throughout North America and abroad.

Program graduates

  • Program assistant, Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies UBC
  • Academic project manager, St. John’s College UBC and UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services
  • Research assistant, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
  • Coordinator, Homeward Trust Edmonton
  • Aboriginal initiatives coordinator, CTLT, UBC

  • “Before UBC and the First Nations Studies program, I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I could pursue a career in filmmaking. After being introduced to the world of independent Indigenous cinema, I realized there was so much more out there for me. I could be a storyteller in ways I had never imagined.”

    Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, First Nations Studies (minor in Women's and Gender Studies)

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.

Take a virtual tour now

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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 Indigenous Studies.

View full program details