Laurentian University Programs
Available in English
Indigenous *Minors*
Faculty of Arts
Integrate Indigenous perspectives, language, and wisdom into your learning.
Program Overview
Explore diverse knowledge systems, perspectives, cultural insights, and strengths.
The School of Liberal Arts hosts multiple minors and certificates in Indigenous studies, preparing students to thoughtfully and respectfully engage with Indigenous cultures and issues and promote decolonization and reconciliation.
The Indigenous minors and certificates are open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Indigenous Story Telling / Debajimowin (Minor)
Gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous storytelling by learning about traditions of oral storytelling and analyzing various types of media, such as pre- and post-colonial literature, contemporary film, and poetry. You’ll also learn about how Indigenous people are represented in media and how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit creators are challenging stereotypes and reclaiming their identities.
Indigenous Interdisciplinary Studies (Minor or Certificate Option)
Gain a broad knowledge about Indigenous perspectives and issues from multiple disciplines. This program allows you to customize your learning and take a variety of elective courses containing Indigenous content. You’ll have the option to take courses in History, English, Anthropology, Psychology, and Indigenous Social Work. You’ll also learn how to analyze and articulate the historical and contemporary impacts of colonialism within the context of Indigenous self-determination, and reconciliation efforts in Canada and globally.
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion (Minor or Certificate Option)
Immerse yourself in Anishnaabemowin, earth-based teaching, and experiential learning. Learn how to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories. The Anishnaabemowin Land Based Immersion Minor and Certificate offer Anishnaabe earth-based courses in the four seasons and corresponding with the four directions and center hub teaching model. The courses are offered in a multi-day camp environment and focus on oral, participatory, and immersive language learning.
Groundbreaking land-based studies.
Learn the Anishnaabemowin language through immersion courses.
Benefit from online and in-person course options to suit your schedule and learning preferences.
Career Outlook
- Community worker
- Creative artist
- Primary or Secondary Teacher
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
Aanii, Wacheeya, Bonjour. Kyla Indizhinikaaz. Naawayi’ii giizhigo kwe indigo. Makwa Indoodem. Moose Factory indoonjibaa. Nēhinawēwin/Mushkegowuk inda’aw.
In the Fall of 2022, the Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion was born at Laurentian University. It is the first of its kind, and I am forever grateful that this opportunity found me. Learning from language carriers who shared their knowledge and the importance of language and cultural preservation with us was such a special experience. This course was facilitated to ensure that language and cultural preservation are passed down to future generations.
Attending and participating in this enhanced learning experience on the land was taught in such a meaningful and special way.
Throughout the 7 days, we were on the land, we strengthened community-centred practices formed family-like kinships and created new bonds. It brought a sense of belonging, as the facilitators and class participants created a safe space for learning, sharing, and engagement. Physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional support were provided throughout our program, and being outdoors fostered healthy and positive well-being and balance. We learned how to harvest, gather, and build traditional structures traditionally and respectfully. Class participation and engagement were essential in gaining the full purpose of this course. We gathered in our learning lodge, and I listened and learned during our sharing circles as it brought insight, reflection, and empathy. As a community, we all had roles and responsibilities and it unified us together. I have gained traditional skills and ecological knowledge that are valuable for sustainable living and cultural practices. Interacting with the land, water, and natural environment developed problem-solving and adaptability. Learning about the land in the context of the Anishnaabe language and culture fosters a much greater awareness and appreciation of the natural world and the importance of protecting language, culture, and Mother Earth. Allowing myself to grow and strengthen my cultural and language practices has provided me with confidence and abilities in breaking generational cycles and traumas, by leading with language and culture I’m able to practice at home, with my children.
Using language in everyday activities increases fluency and confidence which contributes to the revitalization of Anishnaabe language and culture. Overall, this successful land-based Anishnaabe language learning is such a powerful approach that integrates culture, education, and environmental benefits, bringing a wholistic and important connection to the language and the land. What is made very clear, is that this is a gift, and it is tied to education, culture, and language revitalization. As a student who struggled/struggles in a conventional school setting within a Western institution, I left the land-based course feeling lighter and brighter and feeling a stronger connection to my identity and my heritage. I am proud that I attended and participated in the very first course and was determined to obtain my Minor in Anishnaabemowin. The hands-on, immersive nature of land-based learning rekindled and motivated me to pursue further studies and cultural specialization.
Chi-Miigwetch for the special and impactful experiences.
Kyla Martin
Program Details
Program language:
English
Delivery method:
On Campus
Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!
More About The Program
Want to learn more about Indigenous Education at Laurentian University? Please contact the Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs:
Admission Requirements
For any questions and information about course registration, contact Dr. Sara MacDonald at szmacdonald@laurentian.ca.
How To Apply
Canadian Applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.
Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant
International Applicants
If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.
Degree Options
Minor in Indigenous Story Telling / Debajimowin (24 credits)
a) INDI 1001E Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four Directions
b) 3 credis (1 course) from the following:
INTE 1046E Indigenous Ways of Learning
ISWK 1006E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare
ISWK 1007E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare and Social Work Practice
INDI 1501E Indigenous Peoples of Canada
c) 15 credits from the following:
ENGL 3566E Indigenous Oral Storytelling
ENGL 3826E Indigenous Film in Canada
ENGL 3546E Media Representations of Indigenous Peoples in North America
ENGL 3456E Indigenous Literatures in Canada I
ENGL 3305E Postcolonial Literary Studies
ENGL 3411E Canadian Indigenous Poetics
d) ARTS 4006E Directed Studies
Minor in Indigenous Interdisciplinary Studies (24 credits)
a) INDI 1001E Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four Directions
b) 3 credis (1 course) from the following:
INTE 1046E Indigenous Ways of Learning
ISWK 1006E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare
ISWK 1007E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare and Social Work Practice
INDI 1501E Indigenous Peoples of Canada
c) 15 credits Indigenous content electives
A minimum of 3 credits in 3 different areas from History, English, Anthropology, Psychology, Indigenous Social Work.
A minimum of 6 credits must be from the 3000 and 4000 levels.
d) ARTS 4006E Directed Studies
Minor in Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion (24 credits)
INDI 2505E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Waabanong: the Eastern Direction
INDI 2515E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Zhaawanong: the Southern Direction
INDI 2525E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Bngishmok: the Western Direction
INDI 2535E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Giiwednong: the Northern Direction
Certificate in Indigenous Interdisciplinary Studies (30 credits)
a) INDI 1001E Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four Directions
b) 3 credis (1 course) from the following:
INTE 1046E Indigenous Ways of Learning
ISWK 1006E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare
ISWK 1007E Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare and Social Work Practice
INDI 1501E Indigenous Peoples of Canada
c) 21 credits Indigenous content electives
A minimum of 3 credits in 3 different areas from History, English, Anthropology, Psychology, Indigenous Social Work.
A minimum of 6 credits must be from the 3000 and 4000 levels.
d) ARTS 4006E Directed Studies
Certificate in Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion (30 credits)
INDI 2505E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Waabanong: the Eastern Direction
INDI 2515E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Zhaawanong: the Southern Direction
INDI 2525E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Bngishmok: the Western Direction
INDI 2535E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Giiwednong: the Northern Direction
INDI 4595E Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: At the Center: Shkode
Sample Courses
The degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
Our land-based courses meet in person near the Sudbury campus. Courses are six credits and run eight days (except for 4594, which is 9 credits over twelve days).
INDI-2505EL Waabanong: Eastern Direction (annually, May)
INDI-2515EL Zhaawanong: Southern Direction (annually, July)
INDI-2525EL Bngishmok: Western Direction (annually, late August)
INDI-2535EL Giiwednong: Northern Direction (annually, February study week)
INDI-4594EL At the Centre: Shkode (bi-annually, June)
Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four Directions
Based within an oral, participatory and immersive Anishnaabemowin in-class environment, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language in accordance with the Anishnaabe four directions and central hub teachings model. Students will be encouraged to achieve oral, conversational fluency in Anishnaabemowin through listening to and participating in teachings, stories, and in-class cultural practices (Sem 3) cr 3.
Course Code: INDI-1001ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Indigenous Peoples of Canada
This course will introduce Indigenous Studies with a focus on the history and cultural diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the impact of colonialism, and contemporary issues facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (Lec 3) cr 3.
Course Code: INDI-1501ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Indigenous Ways of Learning
This course models best practices in First Nation, Metis, and Inuit education with emphasis on worldview, resources, presence, and pedagogy as a part of the school curriculum. The knowledge, values, and tools acquired are necessary for equity-based teaching in Ontario elementary and secondary schools. Students can not retain credit for both EDUC 1046 EL and INTE 1046 EL (Lec.,) cr. 3
Course Code: INTE-1046ELDepartment: EducationCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare
This course addresses history and development of social welfare concepts, the methods of social work practice and the relation to social science concepts, and philosophical, human, and religious values. (lec 3) cr 3. Student may not retain credit for NWLF 1006, SWLF 1006, ISWK 1006 and BESO 1005.
Course Code: ISWK-1006ELDepartment: Indigenous RelationsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Introduction to Indigenous Social Welfare and Social Work Practice
This course addresses the history and development of Indigenous social welfare and governance in Canadian society. The course examines various colonial policies and their impacts on Indigenous peoples. Strategies are introduced to address changes needed from colonialism to mutual interdependence. PREREQ: ISWK 1006. (lec 3) cr 3 Student may not retain credit for NWLF 1007, ISWK 1007, SWLF 1007 and BESO 1005.
Course Code: ISWK-1007ELDepartment: Indigenous RelationsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Bngishmok: the Western Direction
Based within the land-based cultural practices of the Western / Bngishmok direction of the fourdirections and central hub teaching model, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories within an 8 day camp environment. Since the direction is season specific, this course will be offered in the winter academic session. PREREQ: 18 university credits or permission from the professor (Exp 6) cr 6. It is strongly suggested that students take INDI 1001 Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four directions prior to registering for this course. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) basis.
Course Code: INDI-2525ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 6Course Type: Undergraduate
The First Nations of Canada in Historical Perspective
This course examines the First Nations of Canada and their interaction with European and Canadian governments and society. Topics include early contact, treaty negotiations, colonialism, and the movement for self government. (lec 2, tut 1) cr 3. Student cannot retain credit for INDI 2616 and either HIST 3216 and HIST 2616.
Course Code: INDI-2616ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Waabanong: the Eastern Direction
Based within the land-based cultural practices of the Eastern / Waabanong direction of the fourdirections and central hub teaching model, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories within an 8 day camp environment. Since the direction is season specific, this course will be offered in the winter academic session. PREREQ: 18 university credits or permission from the professor (Exp 6) cr 6. It is strongly suggested that students take INDI 1001 Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four directions prior to registering for this course. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) basis.
Course Code: INDI-2505ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 6Course Type: Undergraduate
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Zhaawanong: the Southern Direction
Based within the land-based cultural practices of the Southern / Zhaawanong direction of the fourdirections and central hub teaching model, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories within an 8 day camp environment. Since the direction is season specific, this course will be offered in the winter academic session. PREREQ: 18 university credits or permission from the professor (Exp 6) cr 6. It is strongly suggested that students take INDI 1001 Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four directions prior to registering for this course. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) basis.
Course Code: INDI-2515ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 6Course Type: Undergraduate
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Giiwednong: the Northern Direction
Based within the land-based cultural practices of the Northern / Giiwednong direction of the fourdirections and central hub teaching model, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories within an 8 day camp environment. Since the direction is season specific, this course will be offered in the winter academic session. PREREQ: 18 university credits or permission from the professor (Exp 6) cr 6. It is strongly suggested that students take INDI 1001 Anishnaabemowin Immersion in the Four directions prior to registering for this course. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) basis.
Course Code: INDI-2535ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 6Course Type: Undergraduate
Indigenous Film in Canada
This course critically examines contemporary Indigenous films in Canada and directed by Indigenous peoples. The course considers the aesthetics and representational practices of Indigenous films as they seek to narrate Indigenous subjectivities and epistemologies. The pedagogical and activist impulses of Indigenous filmmaking are analyzed in terms of decolonization and reconciliation. Credit cannot be ratained for both INDI 3826 and ENGL 3826.
Course Code: INDI-3826ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Indigenous Oral Storytelling
This course explores imaginative oral and written expression, traditional protocols and artistic practices of indigenous story-telling. This course focuses on the work of students, as well as on selected oral narratives, traditional stories, and literary texts. Specific attention is given to the practice, procedure, and form of traditional oral story-telling techniques. (sem 3, 3 cr) Credit cannot be ratained for both INDI 3566 and ENGL 3566.
Course Code: ENGL-3566ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Media Representations of Indigenous Peoples in North America
This course critically analyzes North American media representations of Indigenous peoples in film, music, visual art, and social media. It examines the persistence and socio-political effects of stereotypes, as well as the creative ways in which Indigenous artists are using media to challenge representational practices and reclaim their identities. (lec 3) cr 3. Credit cannot be retained for both INDI 3546 and ENGL 3546.
Course Code: ENGL-3546ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Indigenous Literatures in Canada I
This course examines the diverse body of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit literatures from the northern half of Turtle Island in the land now claimed by Canada. It focuses on contemporary plays, novels, poetry, short stories, and orature to analyze the ways in which writers explore possibilities for empowerment, social justice, and reconciliation. (lec 3) cr 3. Credit cannot be ratined for both INDI 3456 and ENGL 3456.
Course Code: ENGL-3456ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Postcolonial Literary Studies
This course situates English literature in its colonial and postcolonial contexts. The course introduces the history and theory of postcolonial approaches and examines various literary representations of colonial and postcolonial societies. (lec 3) cr 6.
Course Code: ENGL-3305ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 6Course Type: Undergraduate
Directed Studies
This course is intended to allow research or studies outside of normal departmental offerings. The student works with a faculty member from the School of Northern and Community Studies to produce projects/papers that emphasize Northern Ontario or more generally the Canadian North. PREREQ: 30 university credits and permission of the school. (lec 6) cr 3.
Course Code: ARTS-4006ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 3Course Type: Undergraduate
Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: At the Center: Shkode
Based within the land-based cultural practices of the Center / Shkode of the four-directions and central hub teaching model, this course focuses on learning to speak the Anishnaabe language through listening to and participating in Anishnaabe teachings and stories within a 12 day camp environment. PREREQ: INDI 2505 Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Waabanong: The Eastern Direction, INDI 2515 Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Zhaawanong: The Southern Direction, INDI 2525 Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Giiwednong: The Northern Direction, INDI 2535 Anishnaabemowin Land-Based Immersion: Bngishmok: The Western Direction (Exp 96) cr 96. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) basis.
Course Code: INDI-4594ELDepartment: Liberal ArtsCredits: 9Course Type: Undergraduate
Faculty Members
Mark Kuhlberg
Full Professor, School of Liberal Arts
School of Liberal Arts
Brent Debassige
Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts
School of Liberal Arts
- Lorney Bob
- Charles Petahtegoose
- Jennifer Heywood
- Roger Spielmann
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