UPEI creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies
The University of Prince Edward Island has taken another step forward on its journey of reconciliation by creating a new undergraduate major in Indigenous Studies.
The major in Indigenous Studies, which will be offered by the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), will be launched at a public event on Wednesday, March 4, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, UPEI. The celebration will feature traditional ceremonies led by emcees Bethany Paulisyn and Grace McQuaid, including an Honour Song performed by Elder Dr. Judy Clark, UPEI’s Elder in Residence; Elder Thirly Levi; IKERAS senior lecturer Doris Googoo; and IKERAS administrative assistant Alicia Muttart, as well as the Seven Sacred Teachings in Mi’kmaq shared by Googoo.
The major, which will begin in the Fall 2026 semester, will focus on land-based education and traditional in-person learning. Students will gain new knowledge and proficiency in addressing Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. Those who complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Indigenous Studies.
“The new major will respond to the need for learners to understand the diverse cultures and societies of Indigenous peoples, their histories, languages, and cultures,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research. “We are proud to expand our academic offerings in Indigenous education, which further support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #63: ‘Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.’”
This new undergraduate program is the University’s latest initiative to provide a supportive environment to Indigenous students and to others who are interested in Indigenous Studies. Currently, students in the University’s arts, business, and science faculties are able to take a minor in Indigenous Studies.
“I am very proud that we are now offering an Indigenous Studies major as well as the minor program already in place,” said Dr. Angelina Weenie, Dean of the Faculty of IKERAS. “The new major offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Indigenous people on Turtle Island. It is a significant advancement in Indigenous education at UPEI—and for the still young Faculty of IKERAS.”
Some of the other ongoing reconciliation initiatives at UPEI include the presentation of keepsake stoles to Indigenous graduates at Convocation; placement of a traditional tipi on the campus grounds; provision of academic support to Indigenous students through Accessibility Services; inclusion of land acknowledgments on UPEI’s web pages; and placement of Indigenous posters and artwork throughout campus buildings.
