Indigenous Governance and Business Management

What can I do with a major in Indigenous Governance and Business Management

The Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM) program is offered through an innovative partnership between the Dhillon School of Business and the Department of Native American Studies. The program presents a unique blend of studies in First Nations governance and core business concepts, providing graduates with skills to take leadership roles in their communities and in management, entrepreneurial enterprises, band administration, First Nations liaison work, and self-government.

If you are you interested in Indigenous culture, traditions, communities and issues and would like to learn more about Indigenous management, business, economic and community development, then the IGBM program is for you. The IGBM program welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

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

Students interested in Marketing can complete:

  • Bachelor of Management (Indigenous Governance and Business Management)
  • Bachelor of Management (IGBM)/Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Management (IGBM)/Bachelor of Science

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Awareness of Current Social Issues
  • Awareness of the Importance of Social, Historical & Cultural Context
  • Collect, Question, Synthesize & Apply Data/Information
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking
  • Cross-Cultural Knowledge, Experience & Acceptance
  • Debate, Persuade & Mediate
  • Decision Making
  • Desire for Social Change
  • Information Acquisition & Management
  • Knowledge of Federal First Nations Policies, Law & Sovereignty Issues
  • Knowledge of First Nations Societies, Languages, Identities, Cultures, World Views & Political Issues
  • Open-mindedness
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Organizational
  • Problem Solving
  • Sensitivity to Preconceptions & Stereotypes

Work Environment

A Bachelor of Management degree with a major in Indigenous Governance & Business Management will allow students to pursue careers in administration in large and small businesses; band councils; municipal, provincial or federal government; post-secondary institutions; local and national Aboriginal organizations; economic development; and tourism. Graduates of the FNG Program will also be well prepared to continue studies in post-graduate education or law school.

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 Student Advisor
  • Aboriginal Support Worker
  • Actor/Artist
  • Heritage/Cultural Interpreter

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

  • Aboriginal Education Advisor
  • Aboriginal Housing Advocate
  • Aboriginal Issues Lobbyist
  • Aboriginal Liaison Officer
  • Aboriginal Politician
  • Affirmative Action Representative
  • Arbitrator
  • Band Council Member
  • Career Counsellor
  • Career Development Professional
  • Civil Service Worker
  • College Instructor
  • Community Development Officer
  • Community Education Officer
  • Community Involvement Animator
  • Community Worker
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Demographer
  • Environmental Historian
  • Executive Director –Non-Profit Organization
  • First Nations Education Coordinator
  • First Nations Issues Educator
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • Governmental Diplomat
  • Historical Documentation Technician
  • Historical Researcher
  • Human Rights Worker
  • Indigenous People’s Human Rights Coordinator/Researcher
  • International Affairs Adviser
  • Life Skills Coach
  • Management Consultant
  • Mediator
  • Multiculturalism Liaison Officer
  • Native American Studies Librarian
  • Native Issues Lobbyist
  • Native Outreach Worker
  • Personnel Officer
  • Policy Development Officer
  • Political Researcher
  • Preservation Planner
  • Program Director
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Director
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Recruitment Officer
  • Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Tribal Elective Officer
  • 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
  • Appraiser
  • Archaeologist
  • Art Appraiser
  • Art Historian
  • Banking/Investment Manager
  • Biographer
  • Canadian Forces Personnel
  • Correctional Service Officer
  • Creative Writer
  • Editor
  • Employment Counsellor
  • Family Counsellor
  • Film Maker
  • Geneologist
  • Historian
  • Historic Site/Foundation Administrator
  • Historical Film Producer
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Marketer
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Program Coordinator
  • 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.