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Academic Calendar 2024/25

Indigenous Peoples Knowledge


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

3 credits

Academic Learning and Indigenous Cultures

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (any two English Language Arts 10 courses) or (any English
Language Arts 11 course) or (one of English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12,
English 12, Communications 11, or Communications 12) or UUP department permission (assessment may be required).

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): ENGL 071

Students will incorporate indigenous ways of knowing with academic approaches to learning. Students will also balance academic and cultural expectations in order to achieve success in the university community. Career planning, goal setting, study skills, time management, and learning styles which reflect aboriginal cultural experiences will be examined. Multi-literacies encompassing communication technologies will be developed to support academic success. A facilitative approach to information gathering will be taken in order to encourage a collaborative approach to learning.

IPK 093

3 credits

Critical Thinking from Indigenous Perspectives

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (any English Language Arts 11 course) or (one of English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or English 12) or UUP department permission (assessment may be required).

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): ENGL 081

Students will apply critical thinking to a variety of written, visual, and auditory works; critical thinking will incorporate aboriginal perspective and academic standards with an emphasis on Stó:lŠtradition. Collaborative group work is an important part of this course. Students will learn about different argumentation strategies, and will develop an increased awareness of bias and the difference between appropriately and credibly supported and unsupported arguments. A facilitative approach to instruction will be taken in order to encourage a collaborative approach to learning.

IPK 100

3 credits

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Provides students with the forum to share their gifts and talents in order to achieve academic success today and become leaders tomorrow. Students will build critical-thinking and interpersonal skills in order to develop a sense of belonging in a post-secondary setting while respecting their own and others’ Indigenous identities and worldviews.

Note: Students with credit for IPK 121 or IPK 122 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 101

3 credits

University and College Access Seminar II

Prerequisite(s): IPK 100

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This seminar is an academic support program that continues from IPK 100. It is designed to assist the learner in preparing for success in post-secondary education.
This seminar provides a collaborative learning opportunity that builds on skills learners acquired in IPK 100 to develop classroom, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills required for a variety of post-secondary studies.
Students, taught by an Indigenous instructor, will recognize the importance of maintaining an Indigenous perspective while engaged in university and college study.
This second seminar provides students an opportunity to practice and strengthen on the skills learned in IPK 101.

IPK 102

3 credits

Introduction to Indigenous Peoples Knowledges

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students are introduced to the impacts of colonization and processes of decolonization in the development and preservation of Indigenous knowledges.

Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.

IPK 105

3 credits

Introduction to Stó:lŠPeople and Communities

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces students and professionals working with the Stó:lŠpeople to Stó:lŠcommunity development and acts of resistance to colonial policies and settlement. Students will examine the historical, socioeconomical, political, cultural, and social development. Students will also explore Stó:lŠcultural philosophy, values, and beliefs and the relationship between the Stó:lŠand S’ólh Téméxw.

Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required.

Note: Students with credit for FNST 101 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 106

3 credits

Stó:lŠWays of Healing and Helping

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

By learning about Stó:lŠways of healing and helping, students will build upon a sense of self and connection to family and community responsibilities. Based within and from Stó:lŠways of being, students will reflect on the importance of holistic healing and building "self-in-relation" to healing, maintaining health, and building strong Stó:lŠcommunities.

Note: Students with credit for FNST 102 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 202

3 credits

Introduction to Indigenous Resurgence

Prerequisite(s): GDS 100 or IPK 102.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students examine the variety of ways in which Indigenous peoples around the world have resisted colonization, revitalized Indigenous knowledges, and shaped Indigenous identities in both the past and the present.

IPK 205

3 credits

Stó:lŠSocial and Governing Structures

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines Stó:lÅ social structure from pre-contact to contemporary times, including teachings from SxwÅxwiyám and S’ólh Téméxw. The role of Stó:lÅ Nation Society, Stó:lÅ Tribal Council, Qwi:qwelstom, and Xyolheméylh as service providers will be critiqued against the structure of Stó:lÅ communities, families, and ancestry, including the importance of kinship ties. Students will explore changing Stó:lÅ identities, relationships, and the interconnectedness with each other and S’ólh Téméxw.

Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.

Note: Students with credit for FNST 202 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 206

3 credits

Stó:lŠand Salish Communications and Worldview

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students explore Stó:lŠand Salish cultural ethics and protocols while learning with and from their worldviews and ways of knowing. This includes an introduction to Stó:lŠstorytellers and approaches to sharing knowledge, as well as creative and artistic practices used in daily life and ceremony.

Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required.

Note: Students with credit for FNST 201 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 275

3 credits

Indigenous Education: Contemporary Issues and Policies

Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits including HIST 103 or any FNST or IPK course.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines the major issues and policies impacting Indigenous education in Canada. By examining current and past policies from Indigenous perspectives, students will be better prepared to enhance the learning environment in the classroom as well as validate and center Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Note: Students with credit for FNST 275 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 277

3 credits

Indigenous Art: Stories and Protocols

Prerequisite(s): None. Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to one of AH 204, IPK 102, or VA 140.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

With a focus on B.C., learners explore the evolution of Indigenous art and stories, from precontact protocols and practice through to contemporary applications. Students examine the effects of teachings, colonial impacts, contemporary revivals, and their personal “gift†as an artist/creator.

IPK 302

3 credits

Colonial Trauma, Residential Schools, and Resilience

Prerequisite(s): 6 credits from the following: any IPK courses, FNST 102, FNST 201, FNST 202, or HIST 396O. Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to 45 university-level credits including IPK 202 and one other IPK course.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Explores the pervasive impact that trauma can have upon human lives. Grounded in Indigenous principles of health and well-being, students will learn strength-based, culturally-relevant interventions that recognize how experiences of trauma and healing are shaped by the interlocking impacts of residential schools and colonial trauma.

IPK 331

4 credits

History of Indigenous Leadership

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK or FNST, or instructor's permission.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

An exploration of colonial and pre-colonial styles of Indigenous Leadership, with a focus on the Stó:lŠSí:yá:m system. This course focuses on the ways in which Indigenous leaders have shaped, and continue to shape, the cultural, political, and economic fabric of modern Canada and First Nations in Canada.

Note: This course is offered as IPK 331 and POSC 336. Students make take only one of these for credit.

Note: Students with credit for IPK 131 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 332

3 credits

Indigenous Governance and Leadership

Prerequisite(s): One of IPK 331, (15 credits of IPK or FNST), or (45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK).
Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to 45 university-level credits, including 6 IPK credits.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students examine effective Indigenous governing principles and gain insight into Indigenous leadership exploring Indigenous histories, realities, and challenges.

IPK 344

3 credits

Research in Action: Indigenous Meaning Making

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examine how Indigenous research including frameworks methodologies, practices, and protocols contribute to meaning making and knowledge sharing. Students connect and incorporate Indigenous philosophies, knowledge, identity, and ethics to summarize, evaluate, and critique research.

Note: This course will include field trips.

Note: Students with credit for ANTH 344 or SOC 344 cannot take this course for further credit.

IPK 386

3 credits

Braiding Indigenous Knowledge, Practices and Worldviews

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits. Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to 45 university-level credits including IPK 102 and IPK 202.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An exploration of Indigenous peoples’ philosophies to create space for diverse Indigenous knowledge as it relates to the natural world and respecting protocols of learning and understanding through Indigenous literature, film, podcasts, storytelling, primary and secondary sources of knowledge, and songs and dance.

IPK 401

3 credits

Indigenous Worldviews and Spirituality

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students explore ways Indigenous spirituality differs from Western practices and the impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews, and ways of relating in the world.

Note: This course will require experiential or fieldwork.

IPK 402

3 credits

Indigenous Studies Field Work Practicum

Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including 6 credits of 300-level or higher IPK, and department permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students apply classroom and disciplinary learning to work as a practicum with Indigenous communities, agencies, and/or government offices. Students apply their skills and knowledge in Indigenous settings and contribute to the planning, designing, problem solving, and management of projects and initiatives.

IPK 403

3 credits

Indigenous Studies Capstone

Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including IPK 344 and one additional 300-level or higher IPK course, and department permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students working both in the classroom and in an Indigenous community will apply an Indigenous research methodology in one of the following specific issue areas: land and treaty making, resource management, Indigenous governance, social justice and education, or health.

Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.

IPK 404

3 credits

Directed Studies in Indigenous Studies

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK or FNST, and department permission. Note: As of January 2025, prerequisites will change to 60 university-level credits including IPK 344 and 6 additional credits of IPK, and department permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students independently identify an issue, theme, or problem associated with Indigenous Studies and work with a faculty supervisor to produce a substantial research project.

IPK 477

4 credits

Traditional Ecological Knowledges

Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of IPK or FNST. Biology students can contact the instructor for permission to register.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This course explores Indigenous approaches to botany, zoology, and ecology. Possible topics include classification, traditional ecological knowledge, harvesting, natural resource management, animal care, and relationships to other aspects of Indigenous life, culture, and land claims. Emphasis is on traditional Northwest Coast knowledge.

Note: This course includes class field trips.

Note: This course is offered as IPK 477 and BIO 477. Students may take only one of these for credit.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

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