First Nations Studies

The Burnaby-based First Nations Studies Program provides historical, cultural and anthropological contexts on issues that affect not only First Nations communities but also Canadian society as a whole.

Is the First Nations Studies program for you?

If you are interested in the culture, ancient and modern histories, art, politics and languages of First Nations peoples, then the answer is “yes”. Students in the Program are encouraged to have an open mind,
and to be curious, accepting and understanding of different cultural values and new ways of thinking.

Areas of study

The First Nations Studies program facilitates a greater understanding of the complexities of these issues in order to achieve their resolution. It does this through a presentation of a First Nations perspective, most often delivered by a First Nations faculty member.

Students may take a range of courses on the cultures, languages and origins of Canada’s first peoples, Aboriginal peoples’ perspectives on history, First Nations research methods, Aboriginal rights and government relations, First Nations literature, First Nations women in Canada, and indigenous knowledge in the modern world. Students gain the opportunity to participate in an Aboriginal Studies field school jointly offered with universities in Australia and New Zealand, and to choose from several certificates).

Credentials offered: BA, minor, diploma, certificate

Aboriginal community administration and leadership

Policy analysis or research

First Nations environmental and heritage resource management

Secondary or post-secondary teaching

Aboriginal language instruction

First Nations Museology and Art

Law, Human Rights and Justice

Consulting on First Nations in the private or public sector

Cultural resource management in First Nations communities

Public administration, civil service and governance