The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Indigenous Studies is distinguished by its focus on land-based education and traditional in-person learning. Students will gain new skills and knowledge which will support greater levels of proficiency in addressing Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. The program responds to the need to learn about the diverse cultures and societies of Indigenous peoples, their histories, languages, and cultures. It supports the TRC Call to Action #63 which refers to “Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.”
Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: “Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop, and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems, and literatures.” This program aims to teach critical aspects of Indigeneity and provides opportunity for UPEI students to engage with a major in Indigenous Studies, or a minor in Indigenous Studies.
"I am committed to sharing knowledge about the Mi’kmaw language and culture."
Meet Doris Googoo, Mi'kmaw language instructor with UPEI's Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies.
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A major is complete when a student has successfully completed a minimum of 42 hours of credit in Indigenous Studies (14 courses) of which a minimum of 9 hours (3 courses) must be at least at the 3000 level, and 9 hours (3 courses) must be at the 4000 level.
15 credit hours/5 core courses that must be taken to achieve a major include:
- IKE 1040 Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island
- IKE 2000 IKERAS Foundations
- IKE 2020 Indigenous Peoples of Canada
- IKE 3062 Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge and Worldviews
- IKE 3066 Introduction to Indigenous Research Methodologies
At least one of the following fourth-year land-based or experiential learning courses, which would serve as a capstone course:
- IKE 4096 Applied Indigenous Justice
- IKE 4210 Gijituaqasin: On the Land
- IKE 4240 Ika’taquey: Indigenous Gardening and Meditative Practices
- IKE 4410 Indigenous Territories Use-and- Occupancy Research Methods
Minimum 9 credit hours/3 courses from Indigenous Languages and Cultures:
- IKE 2010 Mi’kmaq Language I
- IKE 2042 Introduction to Music, Film and Art
- IKE 2046 Indigenous Literature
- IKE 2110 Métis Culture, History, and Governance
- IKE 2220 Beadwork: The Symbols of Indigenous Cultural Resilience and Value
- IKE 2230 Mi’kmaq of Eastern Canada
- IKE 3010 Mi’kmaw Language II
- IKE 3221 Mi’kmaq Spiritualities
- IKE 3350 Storytelling and Wabanaki Legends
Minimum 9 credit hours/3 courses from Colonialism, Decolonization, and Indigenous Self-Governance:
- IKE 2052 Indigenous Resistance and Decolonizing
- IKE 2055 Introduction to the Indian Act
- IKE 2320 Wabanaki Confederacy
- IKE 2800 Indigenous Laws in Contemporary Society
- IKE 3056 Indigenous Peoples and Justice
- IKE 3340 Wabanaki Peace and Friendship Treaties
- IKE 3410 Canadian treaties and Self Government Agreements
- IKE 4096 Applied Indigenous Justice
Minimum 6 credit hours/2 courses from Land, Water, and Environment:
- IKE 2030 Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Change
- IKE 2060 Mi’kmaq Foodways
- IKE 3065 Indigenous Health, Healing, and Wellness
- IKE 4210 Gijituaqasin: On the Land
- IKE 4240 Ika’taquey: Indigenous Gardening and Meditative Practices
- IKE 4520 Islands of Indigeneity
UPEI provides a solid education in the liberal arts, committed to rigorous study and inquiry, belief in the value of knowledge, lifelong capacity-building, and the development of the whole person.
High School Graduates
Canadian High School Equivalency Chart
Successful completion of Grade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Program with an overall average of at least 70% (75% for Quebec Secondary V students) in the following subjects:
- English;
- one Social Studies or Language;
- any 3 other academic courses. Grade 12 math recommended.
Note: Grade 12 Math is a prerequisite for some 1st year Arts courses.
Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.
UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards.
Tuition
$7,630 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($763 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $9,040 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.
For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student, visit our Tuition and Fees page.
Scholarships and Awards
UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.
Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.
Scholarship Opportunities for Indigenous Students
UPEI offers additional scholarship opportunities for Indigenous students. Visit the UPEI Mawi'omi Indigenous Student Centre website for specific awards.
For assistance with the Indigenous Student L'nui'suti Bursary, IKE 2010 application, contact ikeras@upei.ca.
Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge Education Research and Applied Studies
236 Kelley Memorial Building
902-620-5311
ikeras@upei.ca
You can also check out the Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool to find more external scholarships.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.
Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.
