Indigenous Programming

The Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) provides a strong foundation of courses for first-year students, as well as credit toward most degree programs at the University of Lethbridge.

The ISSC for is Indigenous people who:

• would like to begin university after working, caring for family, raising children or another break from school
• may not meet general admission requirements for general admission to ULethbridge, or
• want a smooth and successful switch to university life with the support of a group

The ISSC runs eight-month (two-semesters) from September to April. Once you complete ISSC successfully, you can enter into most ULethbridge programs.

Learn more about the Indigenous Student Success Certificate

Indigenous Health is Canadian Health. The health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is a complex social justice issue that can only be addressed by people who are creative, skilled, culturally competent, committed and passionate. In this program, you'll learn ways to right historical wrongs and act to create a more inclusive, equitable healthcare system and society.

Credentials available:

• Bachelor of Health Sciences*
• Post-diploma Bachelor of Health Sciences (with approved college diploma)*

ULethbridge offers two streams for students interested in Indigenous Art: Indigenous Art Studio or Indigenous Art History/Museum Studies.

Art Studio

The Indigenous Art (Art Studio) program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth exploration of indigeneity, land use and post-colonial theory in contemporary art. Develop your voice as an independent artist or arts professional through an intensive studio experience exploring technical, aesthetic and theoretical studies necessary to pursue contemporary art.

Receive instruction in a range of methods and materials in drawing, painting, photography, installation art, performance art, spatial practices, printmaking, media, and electronic art. Senior students pursue self-directed studio work in a capstone course supported by faculty members of their choice.

Credential available:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts–Indigenous Art (Art Studio)

Learn more about Indigenous Art (Art Studio)

Art History/Museum Studies

The Indigenous Art (Art History/Museum Studies) program prepares you for success in the complex and evolving fields of Indigenous art history and contemporary art practices. Combine critical studies in art history and theory with extensive hands-on museum and gallery experience. Study visual, material, and cultural production from a global perspective, and develop a frame of reference for understanding imagery and material culture.

Gain a deeper knowledge of historical and contemporary art practices through your studies and your work with the University’s extensive art collection of more than 16,000 objects, learning to manage and conserve artwork and curate exhibitions.

Credential available:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts–Indigenous Art (Art History/Museum Studies)

Learn more about the Indigenous Art (Art History/Museum)

Indigenous studies explores art, law, philosophy, health, politics, history, gender studies, ecology, business, customs and language — all from a unique Indigenous perspective — making this one of the most sought-after programs of its kind in Canada. As an Education major a student develops a strong knowledge base in the subject area they intend to teach. They also receive in-depth preparation in how to teach, including both general and subject area instructional methods.

The following degrees can be combined with the Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Education) degree:

• Indigenous Studies
• General Major in the Social Sciences

Credentials available:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Education (after an approved degree)

Learn more about Indigenous Education

Indigenous governance and business management (IGBM) provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous graduates with skills to take on leadership and managerial roles in band administration, the not-for-profit sector, Indigenous liaison work, federal and international relations, oil and gas, agriculture or your own entrepreneurial enterprises.

Whether Indigenous and non-Indigenous, as an IGBM student you'll gain significant insight into historical, political, legal and economic issues, as well as strong business and managerial skills. The program covers essential topics such as:

• Indigenous peoples and law
• historical and legal aspects of Indigenous governments
• Indigenous business and entrepreneurship
• Indigenous peoples and natural resources
• Canadian Indigenous project management
• Canadian Indigenous tax issues
• Canadian Indigenous negotiations

You will also acquire skills in finance, accounting, human resources and organizational behaviour.

Credentials available:

• Diploma in IGBM
• Bachelor of Management*
  • Post-diploma Bachelor of Management* (with an approved college diploma)
  • Bachelor of Management* as a second degree
• Combined degrees with a Bachelor of Management*
• Management Certificate (IGBM-focus)

Learn more about Indigenous governance & business management

*Major and minor available

What's a major and a minor?

In the Indigenous Studies program, you'll focus on ways Indigenous perspective relates to art, law, philosophy, politics, history, gender studies, ecology, business, customs, language and more. Because we teach our Indigenous Studies courses from an Indigenous viewpoint, it is acclaimed in Canada.

Investigate First Nations’, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) history, heritage and culture, as well as the contemporary issues that face Indigenous communities. Learn alongside Indigenous instructors, who are seasoned professionals with real-world experience and nationally- or internationally-renowned.

Credentials available:

• Bachelor of Arts*
• Bachelor of Arts & Science*
• Combined degree: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education*
• Combined degree: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management*

Learn more about Indigenous Studies

*Major and minor available

What's a major and a minor?