Indigenous Studies

What can I do with a major in Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies explores art, law, philosophy, health, politics, history, gender studies, ecology, business, customs, and language—all from a unique Native perspective—making this one of the most sought-after programs of its kind in Canada. This multidisciplinary program leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science and provides students with an opportunity to learn about Indigenous heritage and culture. It explores the Indigenous peoples of North America and their varied relationships with other Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.

In this program, students will have the opportunity to investigate First Nations’, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) history, heritage, and culture, as well as the contemporary issues that face FNMI communities. Indigenous Studies students have a very active presence on campus through the Native American and Indigenous Students' Association (NAISA) and have access to First Nations and Indigenous instructors.

Students interested in Indigenous Studies can complete:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science (Indigenous Studies)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Appreciation of Cultural Diversity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Awareness of Current Social Issues
  • Awareness of the Importance of Social, Historical & Cultural Context
  • Collect, Question, Synthesize & Apply Data/Information
  • Communication –Oral & Written
  • Conduct Interdisciplinary Research
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking
  • Cross Cultural Skills
  • Debate, Persuade & Mediate
  • Information Acquisition & Management
  • Knowledge of Federal First Nations Policies, Law & Sovereignty Issues
  • Knowledge of First Nations Societies, Languages, Identities, Cultures, World Views & Political Issues
  • Make Comparisons
  • Meet Deadlines
  • Organizational
  • Problem Solving
  • Sensitivity to Preconceptions & Stereotypes

Work Environment

This major provides an excellent foundation for further academic pursuits in law, management, journalism, or education. NAS graduates work in a variety of careers that collaborate with First Nations communities, such as arts and culture organizations/non-profits, community and social service agencies, educational institutes, research or academic institutes, publishers, law agencies, media companies, financial institutions or public interest groups.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science (Indigenous Studies)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.

  • Aboriginal Client Services –Analyst/Trust Coordinator
  • Aboriginal Consultation Advisor
  • Aboriginal Education Worker
  • Aboriginal Engagement Project Coordinator
  • Aboriginal Health Coordinator
  • Aboriginal Liaison
  • Aboriginal Liaison Community Coordinator
  • Aboriginal Outreach Officer –Social Services
  • Aboriginal Patient Advocate
  • Aboriginal Recruiter
  • Aboriginal Student Advisor
  • Aboriginal Support Worker
  • Community Justice Program Worker

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Aboriginal Advisor
  • Aboriginal Education Advisor
  • Aboriginal Housing Advocate
  • Aboriginal Issues Lobbying Organizer
  • Aboriginal Patient Advocate
  • Administrator
  • Affirmative Action Representative
  • Art Appraiser
  • Art Historian
  • Civil Service Worker
  • Community Education Officer
  • Community Involvement Animator
  • Community Worker
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Demographer
  • Environmental Historian
  • First Nations Education Coordinator
  • First Nations Issues Educator
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • Governmental Diplomat
  • Historian
  • Historic Site/Foundation Administrator
  • Historical Documentation Technician
  • Historical Researcher
  • Human Rights Worker
  • Indigenous People’s Human Rights Coordinator/Researcher
  • International Affairs Adviser
  • Multiculturalism Liaison Officer
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Program Coordinator
  • Indigenous Studies Librarian
  • Indigenous Issues Lobbyist
  • Indigenous Outreach Worker
  • Political Researcher
  • Politician
  • Preservation Planner
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Teacher
  • Tribal Legal Assistant
  • University Professor
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Anthropologist
  • Archaeologist
  • Biographer
  • Creative Writer
  • Editor
  • Employment Counsellor
  • Family Counsellor
  • Film Maker
  • Genealogist
  • Historical Film Producer
  • International Banker
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Marketer
  • Paralegal
  • Print Journalist
  • Social Worker

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.