Indigenous *Minors*
Integrate Indigenous perspectives, language, and wisdom into your learning.
Overview
Explore diverse knowledge systems, perspectives, cultural insights, and strengths.
The School of Liberal Arts hosts multiple minors and certificates in Indigenous studies, preparing students to thoughtfully and respectfully engage with Indigenous cultures and issues and promote decolonization and reconciliation.
The Indigenous minors and certificates are open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Indigenous Story Telling / Debajimowin (Minor)
Gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous storytelling by learning about traditions of oral storytelling and analyzing various types of media, such as pre- and post-colonial literature, contemporary film, and poetry. You’ll also learn about how Indigenous people are represented in media and how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit creators are challenging stereotypes and reclaiming their identities.
Indigenous Interdisciplinary Studies (Minor or Certificate Option)
Gain a broad knowledge about Indigenous perspectives and issues from multiple disciplines. This program allows you to customize your learning and take a variety of elective courses containing Indigenous content. You’ll have the option to take courses in History, English, Anthropology, Psychology, and Indigenous Social Work. You’ll also learn how to analyze and articulate the historical and contemporary impacts of colonialism within the context of Indigenous self-determination, and reconciliation efforts in Canada and globally.
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion (Minor or Certificate Option)
Immerse yourself in Anishnaabemowin, earth-based teaching, and experiential learning. Learn how to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories. The Anishnaabemowin Land Based Immersion Minor and Certificate offer Anishnaabe earth-based courses in the four seasons and corresponding with the four directions and center hub teaching model. The courses are offered in a multi-day camp environment and focus on oral, participatory, and immersive language learning.
Key Features
Career Opportunities
- Community worker
- Creative artist
- Primary or Secondary Teacher
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
Kyla Martin
Aanii, Wacheeya, Bonjour. Kyla Indizhinikaaz. Naawayi’ii giizhigo kwe indigo. Makwa Indoodem. Moose Factory indoonjibaa. Nēhinawēwin/Mushkegowuk inda’aw.
In the Fall of 2022, the Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion was born at Porn研究所. It is the first of its kind, and I am forever grateful that this opportunity found me. Learning from language carriers who shared their knowledge and the importance of language and cultural preservation with us was such a special experience. This course was facilitated to ensure that language and cultural preservation are passed down to future generations.
Attending and participating in this enhanced learning experience on the land was taught in such a meaningful and special way.
Throughout the 7 days, we were on the land, we strengthened community-centred practices formed family-like kinships and created new bonds. It brought a sense of belonging, as the facilitators and class participants created a safe space for learning, sharing, and engagement. Physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional support were provided throughout our program, and being outdoors fostered healthy and positive well-being and balance. We learned how to harvest, gather, and build traditional structures traditionally and respectfully. Class participation and engagement were essential in gaining the full purpose of this course. We gathered in our learning lodge, and I listened and learned during our sharing circles as it brought insight, reflection, and empathy. As a community, we all had roles and responsibilities and it unified us together. I have gained traditional skills and ecological knowledge that are valuable for sustainable living and cultural practices. Interacting with the land, water, and natural environment developed problem-solving and adaptability. Learning about the land in the context of the Anishnaabe language and culture fosters a much greater awareness and appreciation of the natural world and the importance of protecting language, culture, and Mother Earth. Allowing myself to grow and strengthen my cultural and language practices has provided me with confidence and abilities in breaking generational cycles and traumas, by leading with language and culture I’m able to practice at home, with my children.
Using language in everyday activities increases fluency and confidence which contributes to the revitalization of Anishnaabe language and culture. Overall, this successful land-based Anishnaabe language learning is such a powerful approach that integrates culture, education, and environmental benefits, bringing a wholistic and important connection to the language and the land. What is made very clear, is that this is a gift, and it is tied to education, culture, and language revitalization. As a student who struggled/struggles in a conventional school setting within a Western institution, I left the land-based course feeling lighter and brighter and feeling a stronger connection to my identity and my heritage. I am proud that I attended and participated in the very first course and was determined to obtain my Minor in Anishnaabemowin. The hands-on, immersive nature of land-based learning rekindled and motivated me to pursue further studies and cultural specialization.
Chi-Miigwetch for the special and impactful experiences.
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Program Details