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Indigenous Relations (MIR)

Work more effectively with Indigenous people by learning about Indigenous research, worldviews, traditional teachings, theories, and practices.

Overview

Bring your knowledge and skills to Indigenous communities on a local, national, and international scale.

Study the Master of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University and obtain a better understanding of the issues facing Canada's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations today. Learn how to effectively build relationships with Indigenous communities as they continue to grow and expand.

The program combines coursework with thesis research and a thesis defence. You’ll study the historical and current relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous societies. You’ll also learn about Indigenous culture through literature, human rights, politics, ecology, and governance. This flexible program is offered full-time and part-time, with courses delivered on campus and in a hybrid format.

The nature of the program also provides you with the opportunity to cross disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to tailor your research and the special project in Indigenous community development to suit your academic interests (e.g., Indigenous social work, nursing, Indigenous studies, education and language, geography, mining, etc.).

Once you complete the program, you’ll receive a Master’s degree in Indigenous Relations and possess the knowledge and insight to drive impactful change in diverse fields. You’ll be able to confidently develop research proposals and policies for social, political, environmental, and health with a thorough understanding of the Indigenous perspective.

Note: You must have a supervisor upon entry to the program. To find a supervisor, consult the supervisor list in the Faculty Members section of this page. 

Key Features

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Benefit from supportive and knowledgeable faculty from the School of Indigenous Relations as well as from other faculties, departments and disciplines across campus.
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The unique geographic location of the program offers an exceptional experience studying and working in northern Ontario’s Indigenous communities.
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This one-of-a-kind Indigenous graduate program is open to students of all cultural backgrounds. It has a special emphasis on bi-cultural competency responsible for working within all Canadian social and policy organizations, in all fields of practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can rest assured knowing there is a multitude of career options they can explore post-graduation. Some career fields include, but are not limited to: 

  • Administration
  • Community development
  • Education
  • Health
  • Policy development
  • Research and development
  • Training and management

Many careers can also be found in Indigenous organizations and in global political organizations such as the United Nations. 

Does this program interest you?

Take an in-depth look at program details, courses, and degree options!

Program Details

Faculty Members

FACULTY SUPERVISORS

  • Adria Kurchina-Tyson, School of Indigenous Relations
  • Dr. Daniel Cote, School of Indigenous Relations
  • Dr. Darrell Manitowabi, Prof at NOSM
  • Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer, School of Kinesiology & HS
  • Dr. Jeffrey Wood, School of Education
  • Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Dean of Arts
  • Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie, School of Indigenous Relations
  • Dr. Jorge Virchez, Emeritus
  • Dr. Kevin Fitzmaurice, Adjunct Faculty Member
  • Dr. Lorilee McGregor, Prof at NOSM
  • Dr. Lynne Gouliquer, Associate Professor
  • Dr. Marion Maar, Prof of NOSM
  • Dr. Nancy Lightfoot, School of Kinesiology & HS
  • Dr. Stephen Ritchie, School of Kinesiology & HS
  • Dr. Susan Manitowabi, School of Indigenous Relations
  • Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, School of Indigenous Relations
  • Nicole Wemigwans, School of Indigenous Relations


MIR COMMITTEE

  • Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering
  • Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie
  • Dr. Jeffrey Wood
  • Adria Kurchison-Tyson
  • Dr. Daniel Cote
  • Sharlene Webkamigad

 

Joey-Lynn Wabie

Joey-Lynn Wabie

School of Indigenous Relations
Sharlene Webkamigad

Sharlene Webkamigad

School of Indigenous Relations
Jeffrey Wood

Jeffrey Wood

Faculty of Education and Health
Taima Moeke-Pickering

Taima Moeke-Pickering

School of Indigenous Relations
Adria Kurchina-Tyson

Adria Kurchina-Tyson

School of Indigenous Relations