Welcome to Indigenous Studies at Nipissing University
Indigenous Studies offers you an opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures, philosophies, literature, histories and contemporary issues that are central to this land that we live in. Its multidisciplinary approach reflects the holistic understandings of mino bimaadsiwin, so your studies will include the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects that are needed for true learning according to Indigenous thought.
A Message From Our Students
"Pursuing a minor in Indigenous Studies was one of the best decisions I made at Nipissing University. I gained more knowledge and a deeper understanding of the topics discussed not only from my professors but also from my peers. It is a very welcoming program rooted in inclusiveness, that also challenges you to view the world through a different lens."
- Sarah Pecoskie-Schweir
Student Showcase
A showcase of photos, artwork and cultural learning by our talented Indigenous students, staff and faculty. Plus, find details about upcoming indigenous events as well as an archive of past events, posters and other information.
Community Service Learning
Community Service-Learning (CSL) represents experiential learning opportunities with an interactive, reciprocal and community-engaged approach to education followed by meaningful reflection to help consolidate learnings in both the classroom and community.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Studies at Nipissing University
Built upon traditional First Nations land and with a number of First Nations communities in the area, North Bay and Nipissing University are significant centres of Indigenous influence and activity. It would be challenging to find a more appropriate or ideal place than Nipissing to study and engage with a diversity of Indigenous cultures, communities and organizations. Our program strives to achieve a balance between social science and humanities approaches for the study and enrichment of Indigenous communities and cultures.
Our Indigenous Studies program welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in an inclusive, side-by-side learning environment. Our program assists our students with accumulating a comprehensive academic foundation in writing and critical thinking skills, and emphasizes hands-on experiential learning with both the urban and rural Indigenous communities in the area.
Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Our Office of Indigenous Initiatives (Enjigiigdoyang) is available to help you transition smoothly into the university system with many useful services at your fingertips such as, tutoring and counseling. It will also connect you with interactive activities, guest speakers, and elders. You will find plenty of support and opportunities to make new friends!
Facilities
Nipissing's campus is located on a stunning 291 hectares of Canadian Shield forest. With our focus on student-centred living and learning, you will feel a sense of community the moment you step on campus.
The Harris Learning Library
The Harris Learning Library was completed in 2011 and provides 56,000 square feet of study space with natural light and a modern award-winning design. The new library features expanded print collections, a learning commons, an adaptive technology area, and collaborative work spaces.
Chair
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Program Representative
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Full-time Faculty
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Emily Dalmer - Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) with a Minor in Indigenous Studies, 2015, BEd, 2017It was thanks to the Native Studies Program at Nipissing University that I decided to return for my Bachelor of Education. Because of the small class sizes, the friendly professors, the safe learning environments, and the incredibly intriguing courses, I continued to take as many Native Studies Courses as I could. I surprised myself at the end of my degree when I discovered I had unintentionally taken enough Native Studies courses to count for a minor. These courses were incredibly valuable and have taught me incredible lessons that I will bring into my own teaching.
With a strong base of transferrable skills in writing, research, and critical thinking, you will find that a Indigenous Studies degree gives you a wide variety of career options to choose from. In addition, your knowledge of Indigenous studies and well-developed cultural sensitivity will be highly valued by employers—especially in the government, arts, non-profit, human resources, and public relations sectors.
You may pursue careers in areas as diverse as policy development, politics, Indigenous organization, social work, consulting, journalism, social service-related work, and much more.
You may also continue your studies in Master and Doctorate-level programs, or professional schools like law or teaching. The growing demand for Indigenous curriculum in schools means that education and teaching is a great career option.
Career and Academic Options
- Graduate Studies
- Professional School (Education, Law, MBA)
- Careers in community health, environmental management, fine arts, politics, social services, advocacy, and opportunities within corporate, non-profit and government sectors