Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies certificate

The Indigenous Studies certificate program is designed to assist educators and others in meeting some of the Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by teaching and providing the knowledge of “how to” indigenize in ways that promote respect and empowerment for Indigenous peoples and Indigenous ways of knowing. The program seeks to bring awareness to past and present colonial harms, strengthen Indigenous/Settler relationships, and teach proper protocol in relation to learning from and with Indigenous peoples while incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
2. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Students may apply directly for the certificate only, or they may apply to complete it at the same time as they pursue another program. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.

Basis for admission decision

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. A number of seats will be reserved for Indigenous students.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Financial aid

The Indigenous Student Centre has details regarding access to financial support for Aboriginal students. Students are also encouraged to contact the UFV Financial Aid and Awards office for further information on scholarships and bursaries.

Program duration

The Indigenous Studies certificate can be completed in two semesters of full-time study. Part-time study is also an option. Students wishing to complete the certificate alongside another program, such as the Indigenous Studies major or minor as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree, should consult with the Advising Centre early to develop a plan for meeting the requirements of both programs.

Program outline

These courses can be completed in a flexible format, or completed in two full-time semesters as shown below.

Semester I

Semester II

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

Students must complete at least 25% of the credits required in the certificate at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum program GPA of 2.00 (C average).

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.