Aboriginal Academic Programs at UBC Vancouver
UBC is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of programs. For information on the full range of UBC programs, see UBC academic programs.
UBC also has academic programs and concentrations specifically addressing Aboriginal topics and many courses with significant Aboriginal or Indigenous content. Below are some of the larger programs and concentrations with an Aboriginal focus. For the most current list of courses at UBC that are known to include Indigenous content, click here. (2009 pdf)
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Faculty of Applied Science Faculty of Arts Faculty of Education Faculty of Forestry |
Faculty of Graduate Studies Faculty of Law Faculty of Medicine Continuing Studies |
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 Studies Program
The First Nations 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 Languages Program
In recognition of the profound importance of First Nations languages and the cultural traditions they represent, the FNLG offers courses in various Aboriginal languages, develops educational materials, and conducts research on BC’s endangered languages. The program operates in collaboration with First Nations communities and cultural institutions.
SLAIS First Nations Concentration
The School of Library, Archival and Information Studies (SLAIS) provides an option to students enrolled in either the MAS or MLIS program to complete a First Nations Concentration. Students enrolled in this program develop the technical skills and cultural understandings necessary to address the information needs of First Nations communities.
Faculty of Education
Native Indian Teacher Program
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, and an increasing number of Aboriginal people desire to become teachers. The intention of this program is to build upon and strengthen the cultural heritage and identity of professionals in training.
T`’skel 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.
Faculty of Graduate 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.
Faculty of Law
Indigenous Legal Studies
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 Faculty of Law. Many of these graduates are now leaders who have helped to redefine First Nations legal issues in Canada.
First Nations Legal Clinic
The First Nations Legal Clinic provides law students at UBC with the valuable opportunity to work in a legal clinic on cases with First Nations clientele in Vancouver’s downtown east side.
Faculty of Medicine
Aboriginal Residency Program
The program offers First Nations/Aboriginal medical graduates, and/or those interested in Aboriginal heath care issues, with an opportunity to direct special attention in their family practice residency programs toward the challenging health care issues facing people of Aboriginal/First Nations background.
Continuing Studies
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, or who are preparing to work in the field, 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.
