劳伦森大学

The University of Sudbury’s Department of Indigenous Studies promotes an understanding of Indigenous knowledge, culture, traditions, aspirations and the historical basis of contemporary Indigenous issues, which is of great value for anyone, and in any profession. Students will develop multicultural awareness and critical thinking abilities that can be used to address the complex environmental, social, and health issues facing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities around the world today. The entire program is grounded in the study of “the spirit of things,” as opposed to empirical or entrepreneurial approaches.

Political issues covered in the program encompass Aboriginal and treaty rights, governance and decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty and settler relations in both the Canadian and international contexts. The program considers social justice issues in the context of family and community life and from the perspectives of social policy and family law.

Focusing on our collective responsibility to care for the natural environment, the program takes a traditional ecological knowledge approach to environmental challenges at the local and international level. Cooperative, community-based practices towards effective stewardship and sustainability are also an important focus of this program.

Cultural studies courses focus on the interplay of traditional values, identity, spirituality and language. Courses on tradition and culture, art, literature and performance facilitate a fuller understanding of this interplay. Since language is an integral component of Indigenous knowledge and provides insights into a community and culture, courses on Nishnaabemwin and Cree are offered.

The program also addresses contemporary health challenges facing Indigenous people. It explores insights and strengths offered by culturally-based health practices and protocols as potential foundations for the creation of a healthy future for the next seven generations.

The program also offers a number of distance education courses, part-time studies, and some courses are also available in French (Études autochtones - ETAM).

The program welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, and is inclusive of First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives in its academic approach.

Students can complete their studies online in the following: Specialization, Concentration, and Minor.

Program Highlights:

• A three-year or a four-year program leads to a Bachelor of Arts with either a concentration or a specialization in Indigenous Studies.
• Students can do a Minor in Indigenous Studies: Indigenous Healing and Wellness; Indigenous Peoples and Mining; Nishnaabemwin; or Indigenous Environmental Studies; or simply take a few courses as electives, to enhance their education without pursuing a full degree in the discipline.
• Faculty members specialize in areas such as Indigenous Knowledge and practice, Education, History, Indigenous Critical Theory, Health and Wellness, International Issues, Languages, Media Studies, Law, Restorative Justice, Politics, Indigenous Research Methods, Arts and Literature, Theatre, and Environmental Studies.
• The Indigenous Studies department is committed to the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge and practices, as well as to the decolonization of Indigenous – Settler relations.

Career Opportunities:

Education, environment, natural resources, arts, history, research, health, law, politics, social work, public, private, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) sectors, provincial or federal government, within First Nations communities, urban aboriginal organizations, aboriginal relations branches of resource-based private corporations.