Indigenous Studies

Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance

The Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance is part of a multi-disciplinary program that is grounded in an understanding of Indigenous peoples’ values, principles and philosophies. Students acquire skills and training in an environment that promotes a positive intellectual dialogue between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Graduates will be able to participate effectively wherever indigenous issues are debated and policy decisions are made. The program promotes leadership and provides students with a solid background in theory and practice of Indigenous governance.

The program’s specific objectives are to:

• Provide studies in matters of good governance grounded in Indigenous thought and values.
• Provide an in depth understanding of the human, environment and financial issues and processes relevant to Indigenous governance.
• Promote leadership and skills in areas of policy development and professional practice relevant to Indigenous governance and public service organizations dealing with Indigenous peoples

Course Work and Thesis

Students are required to take a total of 30 credit hours of work including 18 credit hours of required courses and 3 credit hours of elective courses, in addition to writing a 9 credit-hour thesis. The thesis, which is defended orally, is assessed by a committee.

Required Courses

• IS 7021(6) Pathways to Indigenous Wisdom
• IS 7022(3) Indigenous Research Methodologies and Ethics
• IS 7020(3) Indigenous Governance and Self Determination
• IS 7101(9) Master’s Thesis

AND

• IS 1101(6) Introductory Cree

OR  

• IS 1201(6) Introductory Ojibwe

Elective Courses

• IS 7200(3/6) Seminar in Selected Topics
• IS 7030(3/6) Directed Readings