Visual Arts
www.ufv.ca/visual-arts

Indigenous Arts certificate: Honouring Our Gifts

This certificate is designed to provide learning about indigenous art that is anchored in and built upon life experiences and collective wisdom of the participants. Its purpose is to teach and develop traditional and contemporary artistic skills to students of self-identified indigenous ancestry, or persons with substantial ties to the Aboriginal community. It is also expected that successful completion of this certificate will provide existing artisans with the opportunity to honour their artistic gifts while learning the skills and knowledge necessary to further their professional practices. The courses are designed to introduce and develop specific indigenous related techniques and design so that learners create works inspired by traditional and contemporary approaches with regard to customary protocols and applicable to their own cultural contexts. Knowledge of and skills in professional practices will be taught for the promotion of the indigenous artist's work, through exhibitions and sales, thus enabling the artist to contribute to the promotion of his or her respective cultures.

The practical component of the certificate entails working with mentors who will be introduced through the visiting artist program running alongside the course work. Learners will be required to develop a professional portfolio and present their final project within a ceremonial/performative context in the community. This program is focused on a particular art practice (e.g. carving or textiles) that may change from year to year. Students will learn skills transferable to professional practice, including the roles of professional artist/designer, entrepreneur, and facilitator of cultural tourism. 

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older before the first day of class.

2. Attendance at an information session.

3. Students will be required to attend an interview.

4. Students will need to submit a portfolio at the interview, consisting of at least five current works.

5. Submission of letter of intent and letter of community support.

6. Preparedness and commitment to undertake the program of studies.

7. Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using a point-rating system. Points are awarded on portfolio, letters of support, letter of intent, and interview. This information will be covered at the information session.

8. Ability to substantiate strong ties to an aboriginal community.

9. Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.  

How to apply

Submit the application fee, along with your UFV application for admission form, to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form or apply online at www.ufv.ca/ar/admissions/apply.

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Length and location

The program is one year in length. It will be offered on the Abbotsford campus until facilities allow delivery in Chilliwack or Mission.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

In addition to tuition, your costs include books, supplies, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses. On average, students will pay $2,500 tuition for the academic year. Books and supplies average $600 per year. Prospective students are encouraged to make an appointment with Aboriginal Access Services staff to discuss funding options.

The UFV Financial Aid and Awards office facilitates the disbursement each year of approximately $7 million in federal and provincial student loans, BC grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students.

Program outline

Program regulations

Standing required for continuance

A program grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C average) is required for continuation. Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be placed on academic warning for the next semester. Unsatisfactory progress can include: