Department of Indigenous Studies

First Nations University of Canada Department of Indigenous Studies 1 First Nations Way Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 7K2 Phone: 306-790-5950 ext 3200 Fax: 306-790-5994 Email: Indigenous Studies

First Nations University of Canada Department of Indigenous Studies 710 Duke Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0P8 Phone: 306-931-1808 Fax: 306-652-8823 Email: Indigenous Studies

The Department of Indigenous Studies provides the Social Science core for most degree and certificate programs offered by the First Nations University of Canada.

Our department fosters the intellectual study of Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples and their cultures -- with emphasis on Saskatchewan first, followed by Canada, North America, the western hemisphere and the world -- by examining extant and emerging literatures, methods and theories from Indigenous viewpoints and through comparisons

We provide a vehicle for enhancing awareness for and about Indigenous peoples and their cultures, which consciously discourages parochialism, anti-intellectualism and reductionism through competence in analytical processes, written expression and research methods. Our efforts are explicitly meant to complement, not replace, the knowledge and traditional teachings of the Elders.

Competencies in the standard of western educational accomplishments are stressed as only one part of balanced personal development. We encourage students to seek cultural growth as a vital part of their education within the more broadly based meaning of university higher education. Although Indigenous Studies is considered interdisciplinary in terms of established western academic frameworks, and many topical and theoretical concerns addressed in the curriculum are included at least partially within the social sciences and humanities, our educational approaches are not restricted to those groupings. Indigenous Studies graduates must be prepared to compete for all career options open to other university Arts graduates, to participate in second degree programs in faculties such as Law, Administration, Education, Fine Arts, Science and Social Work, or to pursue honours and graduate study in the Social Sciences or Humanities.

The department provides leadership in the training of Indigenous people for a range of competancies for education and professional careers. We believe in creating a quality educational experience for students which includes tangible, pragmatic, inspirational aspects, along with academic intellectual development "to enhance the quality of life and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, cultural and artistic heritage of Indigenous people".