Development Practice (MDP): Indigenous Development

MDP graduates are sought after in all sectors of sustainable development, including international, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Graduates obtain managerial, policy development, and/or EDO positions while others continue on to doctoral programs across Canada and abroad. Potential career paths include program officer, community development consultant, program coordinator, policy advisor/ analyst, and researcher. Possible employers may include: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Canadian Red Cross, Manitoba Sustainable Development, City of Winnipeg, and Indigenous organizations such as First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.

Indigenous Thought and Worldviews: Sustainable Understandings brings the student into ceremonies, discussions, research, and conceptualizations exercises which enable them to begin understanding Indigenous thought and worldviews, particularly of the Anishinaabe and the Dakota. The course provides tools and opportunities for students to free themselves from ethnocentric thinking while being educated in the nodal thinking of the Anishinaabe people. The course is experiential and follows the teachings of the annual round of seasonal activities. The course helps the student gain insights into the core concepts of sustainable development, global sustainability, earth stewardship, and self-determination through Indigenous perspectives.

Indigenous Research Methods provides a review of the movement towards the decolonization of the Western model of research and the revitalization of Indigenous research frameworks and methodologies. The course also offers analysis of Western research methods and both their histories in colonial practices as well as their potential usefulness in Indigenous community-based development research and applications.

• Indigenous Self-Determination and Self-government
• Indigenous Economic Development
• Managing for Environmental Sustainability
• Seminar in Development Practice

Applicants should have a relevant Honours or 4-year BA with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of coursework.  Examples of relevant degrees: Aboriginal/Indigenous/Native Governance or Studies; Conflict/Dispute Resolution; International Development Studies; History; Politics. 

English Requirement (if applicant’s first language is not English): Please see the UWinnipeg English Language Requirements:

1. Complete the online application form: uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies/future-students/online-application-form.html
2. In addition to the completed application form, the following must also be included with the application:
   1. Transcripts are required from ALL recognized, post-secondary institutions attended, whether or not a degree has been awarded. For initial assessment purposes only, copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded on the online application are acceptable and preferred. Official transcripts will only be required if you are recommended for admission. All official transcripts are to be sent directly from the post-secondary institutions. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official/notarized copy of your diploma is also required.
   2. Contact information for two individuals familiar with your academic work and who will provide letters of recommendation.
   3. Provide English language requirement (where applicable). Official test scores must be forwarded directly to the Graduate Studies Admissions Office from the testing agency. For initial assessment purposes only, copies of test scores (uploaded to your application) are acceptable and preferred.
   4. Supply an academic writing sample 3000-4500 words in length. This may include a paper written during a previous degree program or a document from your professional work experience. Submissions must be properly academically referenced.
   5. Letter of Intent: In 500 words or less, concisely state the rationale for your interest in this program. Clearly indicate your motivation for learning about Indigenous development in particular.
   6. Other supporting documents include: scanned copies of name change (if applicable), CV/ resumé and proof of permanent residency (if applicable).
   7. Official documents should be sent to the Graduate Studies Admissions Office, The University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3B 2E9.

Start date for the program is late August. 
Deadline to submit a complete application package, including all supporting documents: February 1.