Courses
NS 103 Canadian Indigenous Language Immersion for Adult Beginners View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (Spring/Summer, 3-0-0). An introduction to a Canadian indigenous language in an immersion context. No prior knowledge of the focus language is assumed. Note: This course cannot be used as a substitute for NS 152 nor does it prepare the student for NS 105. A student completing this course may still earn credit in NS 152 at a later date. Not for credit in Faculty of Native Studies degree programs.
NS 110 Historical Perspectives in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A thematic introduction to the historical relationships, colonial contexts, and social, economic, political and cultural patterns that have shaped the contemporary situation of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Not open to students with credit in NS 210. Sections may be offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 111 Contemporary Perspectives in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An introductory survey of current issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada and their efforts to confront their colonial relationships with and within Canadian society. Not open to students with credit in NS 211. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 115 Indigenous Peoples and Technoscience (Online, Asynchronous Course)
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course introduces students to the intricate connections between science and technology fields, broader dynamics of colonialism, and increasing demands for Indigenous governance of science and technology. The course itself will be structured by centering Indigenous peoples’ relationships to science and technology fields as “objects/subjects,” “collaborators,” and “scientists.”
NS 152 Introductory Cree View Available Classes
*6 (fi 12) (two term, 4-0-1). A general introduction to Plains Cree (Y dialect) grammar and vocabulary, with practice in speaking and work in the language laboratory. No prior knowledge of Cree is assumed. Not open to students with matriculation standing in Cree. Note: Students cannot receive credit for NS 152 and NS 153.
NS 161 Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples (Online, Asynchronous Course)
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0) This course pulls the rug from underneath settler-based constructions of Indigeneity. Taking up the most prevalent stereotypes of Indigenous people, the course will provide context and reflection-based learning to give students the ability to unpack and challenge the narratives that both skew the lived experience of Indigenous peoples and allow the replication of stereotypes that reinforce colonial relationships.
NS 190 Academic Writing and Research in the Context of Native Studies
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An introduction to research and writing skills necessary in an academic environment, with an emphasis on how these methods are used in the discipline of Native Studies. Enrollment by Faculty consent only.
NS 200 Indigenous | Canada: Looking Forward/Looking Back View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 2-1s-0). For students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships, particularly the lands now called Alberta and Canada. Consists of a survey of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples and newcomers, with the aim of expanding the understandings held by many Canadians about these relationships. Not designed for Native Studies majors. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0) For students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships. Consists of a survey of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples and newcomers, with the aim of expanding the understandings held by many Canadians about these relationships. This course will be delivered online. Not open to students with credit in NS 200. Not designed for Native Studies majors. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 240 Introduction to Indigenous Legal Issues View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A critical introduction to Indigenous legal issues in Canada through historical and theoretical interpretations of legislation and major court cases from 1763 to the present. The course problematizes the neutral operation of law in society. It therefore examines the role of law in the colonial context (with a focus on gender), the development of treaty and Aboriginal rights, the obligations of the crown, the criminalization of Indigenous peoples, and reconciliation. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 252 Intermediate Cree View Available Classes
*6 (fi 12) (two term, 3-0-1). Introduction to more complex grammatical structures; translation to and from Cree; reading of selected texts; oral practice, including conversation and work on individual projects. Prerequisite: NS 152 or 153.
NS 260 Contemporary Indigenous Art View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course is an introduction to the visual forms of contemporary Indigenous art and examines a broad selection of contemporary Indigenous art with an emphasis on the philosophical and cultural statements made through artistic expression. Emphasis will be placed on North American Indigenous artists and their visceral expressions as they explore and challenge issues of racism, cultural appropriation, gender, sexuality, representation and the colonial encounter.
NS 280 Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0).
NS 290 Introduction to Research and Inquiry View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-1). Basic research skills and concepts required in Indigenous Studies will be developed by exploring secondary sources.
NS 300 Traditional Cultural Foundations I
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Introduces students to the diversity of First Peoples of the Americas. First Nation traditions are treated as aspects of dynamic cultural systems that have enabled them to survive and thrive in the centuries prior to European arrival, to resist assimilation efforts, and to persist as culturally distinct peoples. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 314 History of First Nations of Western Canada
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A survey of the changes in First Nations and European/Canadian relations in western Canada. Emphasis is on First Nations historical perspectives and analyzing events and issues relevant to the various First peoples of western Canada, including treaties and the history and development of reserves. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 320 Indigenous Politics and Diplomacy View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Surveying political relationships in what is now called Canada, this course analyzes the long-standing tensions in relations between Canada and Indigenous peoples. Drawing on Indigenous perspectives, this course reexamines political history, exploring early-contact diplomacy, treaty-making, and the subsequent colonial relations that structure the contemporary situation. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 330 Indigenous Economies
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course will review underlying factors which affect the economies of Indigenous communities and examine different approaches to Indigenous economies, including community, alternative, corporate and entrepreneurial business approaches. Indigenous perspectives to Indigenous Economic Development will be a principal theme. The objective of the course will be to assess approaches to the identification, planning, and implementation of economic development strategies for Indigenous communities. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 335 Indigenous Peoples and the Fur Trade View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Perspectives on the economic, cultural, demographic and geographical aspects of the Canadian fur trade will be explored historically and examined critically. The consequences of the changing relationships between Indigenous peoples and mercantile trading interests will be assessed through lectures and seminars. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290, or consent of the Faculty.
NS 340 Indigenous Legal Systems
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An introduction to the normative systems of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, often called customary law. Includes considerations of Indigenous legal issues and jurisprudence from various perspectives, including legal histories, conceptions of law, theories of law, and legal pluralism. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 345 Governance in Indigenous Nations
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). The course will cover important conceptual paradigms in Indigenous Studies related to the governance of Indigenous nations. These include nationhood, critical Indigenous studies, Indigenous resurgence, Indigenous law, Indigenous feminism(s) and relationality. In addition, the course will cover a selection of mainstream governance methods relevant to organizational planning, conflict resolution, and board governance. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 352 Advanced Cree View Available Classes
*6 (fi 12) (two term, 3-0-1). An intensive course designed to enable students to acquire considerable facility both in oral communication and in writing, employing both Roman and syllabic orthography. Prerequisite: NS 252.
NS 355 Indigenous Knowledge and Oral Traditions View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course considers oral traditions as aspects of broader, culturally-defined systems of knowledge, in which stories are vehicles for encoding and transmitting knowledge about the people, their culture, and their history. It focuses on new academic and community-based approaches, as well as the complementarity of oral traditions/Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Students will explore the evolving roles of oral traditions for contemporary Indigenous peoples, including creative expression. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 360 Indigenous Erotics
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0) This course is an introductory study of the visual and literary forms of Indigenous erotica in North America. This course will examine a broad selection of historical and contemporary Indigenous expressions of sexuality and gender. The manifestations of the erotic will be examined and understood as a way for Indigenous peoples to reclaim corporeal sovereignty, overcome centuries of sexual repression and shame and revive understandings of gender and sexuality deeply rooted in Indigenous cultural paradigms. Prerequisites: NS 110, NS 111 and NS 260 or NS 290 or consent of the faculty.
NS 361 Race, Stereotypes, and Indigeneity
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course critically examines the history of race as a set of ideas and processes that have shaped scientific, legal, social and political constructions of Indigeneity, whiteness, and colonial realities in North America. Prerequisites: NS 110, NS 111 and NS 240 or NS 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 362 Indigenous Women
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An interdisciplinary approach to understanding historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous women. Examines the ways in which Indigenous women have resisted and been shaped by colonialism and other contemporary racialized gendered practices through an exploration of community, race, gender, sexuality, identity, representation, and activism. The course also considers the ways in which Indigenous knowledge shape alternative ways of conceptualizing and politicizing history, identity, place, self-determination, land rights, resources and wellbeing. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 370 The Métis: The Emergence of a People
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An examination of the factors responsible for the emergence of Métis communities in different areas at different times, with the emphasis on Canada. The development of Métis people together with lifestyles that serve to distinguish them from others will receive much attention. Where applicable, comparisons with similar experiences elsewhere in the world will be made. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 372 Métis Politics View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). An examination of various Métis political debates: identity, recognition, nationalism, political organizing, self-governance structures, constitutionalization of rights, and theories of Indigenous politics. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 376 Indigenous Demography and Disease View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course focuses on the historic epidemic diseases that devastated Indigenous communities following the arrival of Europeans in this hemisphere. Students will study evidence for health and disease and for the size of the Indigenous population before contact, the epidemiology and impacts of infectious diseases that accompanied Europeans to the Americas, and the transition to a different disease profile in the 20th century. Indigenous and European approaches to well-being and disease will be considered. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 380 Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 240 or 290 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 390 Research Methods in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A survey of different disciplinary methods for conducting Indigenous Studies research and data analysis, this course will also review and critique strategies and techniques applied by social science researchers with Indigenous peoples. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and 290 or consent of Faculty.
NS 403 Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Prerequisite: One 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty. Sections may require payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for Students section of the Calendar. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 404 Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Prerequisite: One 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty.
NS 405 Selected Topics in International Indigenous Studies
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Prerequisite: One 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty.
NS 420 Partnership Strategies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An exploration of the theory and practice of creating partnerships and public movement building. Students will be introduced to a number of governance techniques that include interest based negotiations, meeting facilitation and building public narrative. Additionally, students will survey various cases of Indigenous partnerships and public movements. This course will be taught in a seminar format with a heavy focus on simulations. Prerequisite: *3 in any NS 300 level course or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 430 Indigenous Governance and Partnership Capstone View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). This course synthesizes and integrates the range of knowledge and analysis from previous Indigenous governance courses, and normally includes a practical component to enhance the interplay of the theory and actual practice of governance. Prerequisites: *6 from the list of required and elective courses for the Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership [see §124], or consent of the Faculty. NS 390 is also recommended. Students intending to complete the Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership should complete all other Certificate requirements first. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 435 Management of Indigenous Natural Resources View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). The critical application of knowledge of resource management to the traditional economic activities, especially hunting, fishing and trapping. Diminution and depletion problems, which developed with the spread of the commercial economy, will be analyzed by examining Indigenous and European approaches to management. Prerequisites: *6 in HGP 250, 355, REN R 205, 260 or AUGEO 324, or one 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 440 Indigenous Treaties and Agreements
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). An exploration of the historical and contemporary issues associated with treaties. Pre- and post-1867 Indian treaties and modern agreements in Canada will be examined. Prerequisite: One 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty.
NS 441 Indigenous Land Claims and Agreements
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). An exploration of the historical and contemporary issues associated with Indigenous land claims agreements. The background negotiations, and implementation of modern agreements in Canada will be the focus of this course. Prerequisite: One 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty. NS 440 is also recommended.
NS 442 Colonialism and the Criminal Justice System View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). Focuses on pertinent aspects of the Canadian criminal justice process as it relates to the experiences of Indigenous peoples. This course examines how the justice process functioned historically, as well as its links to contemporary social relations and institutions such as education and the media. In particular, issues pertaining to historical and emerging trends such as restorative justice and sentencing alternatives are explored and critically analyzed. There is a strong intersectional focus on how racism and discrimination shape Indigenous experiences within the criminal justice process. Prerequisites: NS 110, 111 and one 300-level NS course or consent of the Faculty.
NS 445 Community Development Processes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). In a seminar, students will identify, analyze and integrate community development philosophy, principles and practice. The relevance of traditional community development models to Indigenous communities will be critically examined in light of the recent experiences of Indigenous communities themselves. Prerequisites: NS 330 or 345 or 390 or consent of the Faculty. Sections offered at an increased rate of fee assessment; refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations sections of the Calendar.
NS 450 Practicum in Indigenous Studies View Available Classes
*3 (fi 6) (either term, unassigned) A supervised work-based experience that will permit students to apply Indigenous Studies knowledge in a professional context thereby gaining an appreciation of the work environment. Prerequisites: Successful completion of *90, including a minimum of *9 in Native Studies courses; a minimum GPA of 2.0 on the last *30; consent of the Faculty.
NS 476 Perspectives on Indigenous Peoples Health and Well-Being
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A critical overview of the literature and contemporary health issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada. Special focus is on the meanings of health, socio-economic and environmental determinants of health and the socio-political landscape of Indigenous health research and healthcare policy. Prerequisites: NS 376 or consent of the Faculty.
NS 490 Community-Based Research
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). A seminar exploring the issues in the area of community-based research. The course will be organized primarily around the examination of case studies. Methodological concerns will focus on the political, cultural, ethical, and practical aspects of conducting community-based research in conjunction with Indigenous groups and communities. Prerequisite: NS 390.
NS 498 Honors Paper or Project
*6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-3s-0). For students in the Honors program in Indigenous Studies in their final year. Prerequisite: NS 390.
NS 499 Research Project
*3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-3). The research project is designed to provide students with a variety of options for carrying out their own research. The specific route taken will depend upon the resources of the Faculty, opportunities available in the community, and the skills of the student. While the program is intended to be flexible, the main route around which students may design their projects will be research conducted in conjunction with a local Indigenous organization or community. Prerequisite: consent of the Faculty of Native Studies. Normally consent will not be given without credit in NS 390.
NS 115
NS 161
