UBC is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of academic programs.
Below are academic programs, concentrations and learning opportunities specifically addressing Indigenous topics.
For a listing of courses with significant Indigenous content, visit this Xwi7xwa Library page.
Faculty of Applied Science
Faculty of Arts
- First Nations and Indigenous Studies
- First Nations and Endangered Languages Program
- UBC iSchool First Nations Concentration
Faculty of Education
- Indigenous Teacher Education Program
- Master of Education in Indigenous Education
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
- Ts”Kel Program
Faculty of Forestry
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Peter A. Allard School of Law
Faculty of Medicine
Extended Learning
Faculty of Applied Science
SCARP Indigenous Community Planning Specialization
Acknowledging Canada’s history of colonization of Indigenous peoples, and recognizing that planning has been a part of that process, SCARP’s concentration in Indigenous Planning seeks to empower Indigenous communities and community planners with the skills, capacity and knowledge to achieve their own aspirations for sustainable social and economic development. This is consistent with SCARP’s broader mission of working for sustainability planning through democratization.
Faculty of Arts
First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program
The First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program is interdisciplinary, drawing on the strengths of scholars across the university, and organized around a strong and innovative core. The core curriculum of the program is dedicated to defining strategic approaches to theoretical and practical problems, and is anchored by a fourth year community-based research practicum.
First Nations and Endangered Languages Program
In recognition of the profound importance of First Nations languages and the cultural traditions they represent, FNEL offers courses in various Aboriginal languages, develops educational materials, and conducts research on BC’s endangered languages. Students can pursue a Major or Minor in FNEL. The program operates in collaboration with First Nations communities and cultural institutions.
UBC iSchool First Nations Concentration
The UBC iSchool (Library, Archival and Information Studies) offers the First Nations Curriculum Concentration (FNCC), which is designed to prepare information professionals to work effectively with Aboriginal communities in support of ongoing developments in Aboriginal culture and languages, self-government, treaty negotiation and litigation. During their program of study, iSchool students enrolled in the FNCC develop a strong foundation in their chosen program (MAS, MLIS, or Dual MAS/MLIS).
Faculty of Education
Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP)
NITEP is a Bachelor of Education program preparing persons of Aboriginal ancestry to be educators. Presently, there is a shortage of Aboriginal teachers in BC, while an increasing number of Aboriginal people desire to become teachers. The purpose of the program is to build upon and strengthen the cultural heritage and identity of professionals in training.
Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
Take this 6-Week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and engage with Indigenous knowledge keepers, educational leaders, and resources to enhance your understanding and knowledge of practices that advance reconciliation in the places where you live, learn, and work.
Master of Education in Indigenous Education
The Master of Education in Indigenous Education degree addresses policy, programmatic, curricular, and community/parental relationship priorities as they pertain to Indigenous education. The program is ideal for teachers, administrators, community educators, early childhood educators, and other professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and professional practice in Indigenous education.
MEd in Indigenous Education site
Ts”Kel Program
An alternative educational program for graduate students of Aboriginal ancestry, the Ts”Kel Graduate Studies program was originally designed to prepare First Nations people for the field of Educational Administration. Since then, Ts”Kel has expanded to include Educational Studies, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Psychology and Special Education.
Faculty of Forestry
Community and Aboriginal Forestry Program
The Community and Aboriginal Forestry Program is a new specialization in the Forest Resources Management Major. The program provides prospective forestry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of forest management. The program is designed to facilitate students’ acquisition of specific knowledge and skill to give them the confidence they need to make effective decisions in the emerging field of Community and Aboriginal forestry.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Graduate Degree Programs
UBC’s broad range of faculty members with expertise in Aboriginal areas allows graduate students in almost any program to focus their studies on issues important to Aboriginal communities both in Canada and internationally. Many Aboriginal students choose the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, an ideal venue for developing the interdisciplinary approach to Indigenous areas of study.
Peter A. Allard School of Law
Indigenous Legal Studies Program
The Indigenous Legal Studies Program works to enhance Aboriginal involvement in the legal profession by providing legal education relating to Aboriginal issues and supporting the legal education of Aboriginal students. Since 1975, hundreds of Aboriginal students have graduated from the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Many of these graduates are now leaders who have helped to redefine First Nations legal issues in Canada.
Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
The Indigenous Community Legal Clinic provides law students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law with the valuable opportunity to work in a legal clinic on cases with Aboriginal clientele in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.
Faculty of Medicine
Aboriginal Residency Program
The program offers First Nations/Aboriginal medical graduates, including those interested in Aboriginal heath care issues, with an opportunity to give special attention in their family practice residency programs to the challenging health care issues facing First Nations or Aboriginal people.
Extended Learning
Aboriginal Health and Community Administration Program
This award-winning certificate program is designed to meet the learning needs of Aboriginal administrative staff living and working in Aboriginal communities, as well as those who are preparing to work in the field and who need knowledge and skills to provide effective administration for community programs. The program expands its focus beyond health delivery to include environmental and other community health issues.