Indigenous Studies

St. Paul’s University College (STP) is the academic home for the Indigenous Studies minor program. The program draws on courses developed and delivered by STP and cross-listed courses from relevant departments in the Faculty of Arts.

Students enrolled in any degree program may pursue a minor designation in Indigenous Studies. The Indigenous Studies Minor requires successful completion of a minimum of four academic course units (eight courses) with a minimum cumulative average of 65%, including four required INDG courses and four courses drawn from a list of approved electives offered by other departments.

Required Courses:

INDG 201: The Indigenous Experience in Canada (Cross-listed with CDNST 201)

An introduction to the Indigenous experience in Canada with a broad overview of history, culture, and contemporary issues. This course highlights the holism of Indigenous perspectives through assigned readings, discussions, projects, and sharing of personal experiences.

INDG 272: Issues in Contemporary Indigenous Communities in Canada (Cross-listed with ANTH 272) 

Prerequisite:  INDG 201

An examination of First Nations and Métis cultures and cultural development from the perspective of local indigenous communities. The course will feature lectures, discussions, and occasional guest speakers representative of the wider Indigenous community.

INDG 216: Indigenous Visual Culture (cross-listed with FINE 216)

Recommended preparation:  INDG 201

A study of historical and contemporary aspects of First Nations' visual culture. The particular emphasis will vary according to the specialization and interests of the instructor.

INDG 301: Theories of Indigeneity in Global Perspective

Prerequisite:  INDG 201 or INDG 272

This cross-cultural and interdisciplinary course critically examines the definitions of, and debates surrounding, indigeneity, drawing on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous theorists. The course covers a range of themes, from constitutions and peoplehood to epistemologies and ontologies, and draws on a variety of examples from around the globe.

Elective Cross-Listed Courses:

INDG 101         Mohawk 101R

INDG 102         Mohawk 102R

ANTH 233        Inuit Cultures

ENGL 211        First Nations, Metis and Inuit Literature

HIST 269          Aboriginal History of Canada (offered annually)

HIST 271          Global Indigenous Issues

HIST 380          History of the Canadian North

PSCI 362          Cultural Politics and Indigenous Practices

PSCI 462          Government and Politics of Indigenous Peoples

SDS 311R         Public Policy and Native Peoples in Canada

For more information please contact Lori Campbell at Lori.Campbell@uwaterloo.ca with subject line “Indigenous Studies Minor”.

INDG 200s

INDG 300s