Visual Arts

Indigenous Arts certificate

Note: This program is unavailable until Fall 2026.

In this 30-credit certificate, Indigenous students explore the relationship between creative arts practices from their own communities and cultures alongside wider issues concerning Indigenous rights, histories, politics, sovereignty, settler colonialism, and other pressing areas of interest. Students are introduced to a wide range of creative practices, including visual arts, digital media, film, and performance. Learning is experiential, including field trips, guest artists, and hands-on workshops.

In this program, Indigenous students have the opportunity to explore artistic practices that are connected to their identities while also using these practices as a way to learn about cultures and artists. The program situates Indigenous creative practices as contributing to resurgence and cultural reclamation. Students are introduced to critical Indigenous studies and will explore how Indigenous artists use their practices to address Indigenous issues. This program is designed for students who are discovering their gifts as artists and are new to post-secondary learning, although those who identify as more experienced artists or who have undertaken some post-secondary education already are encouraged to contact the program coordinator for more information about whether the program will meet their needs.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students may apply to the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Media Arts, the Theatre diploma, or the Visual Arts diploma.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
2. Submission of a portfolio package, including a letter of intent and samples of artwork. Details about portfolio package requirements will be provided to applicants after their application is processed by the Office of the Registrar and are listed on the School of Creative Arts website.
3. 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 who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement may be admitted based on their letter of intent and samples of artwork on a case-by-case basis.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester in even-numbered years. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

Students planning to apply for funding from their bands should be aware that band funding deadlines may be earlier than UFV’s deadlines and should plan accordingly.

How to apply

1. Before applying, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a program information session, which will provide support for students preparing their portfolios. Information about program information sessions will be available on the School of Creative Arts website and from Advising.
2. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, if not 19 years of age or older.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) 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.
3. When their application has been processed by the Office of the Registrar, applicants will receive information on portfolio submission dates and a copy of the portfolio requirements. Applicants must submit a portfolio of recently created art works, a personal statement, and accompanying documentation, as directed in the portfolio requirements. In their personal statement, students are asked to outline how they self-identify as an Indigenous person. Portfolio requirements are also available on the School of Creative Arts website. The portfolio is not due at the time of application, but must be submitted online for review in April for the Fall intake. An official letter of acceptance will be sent from the Office of the Registrar.
4. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements and have a successful portfolio package review 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.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

The Indigenous Arts certificate program can be completed in two semesters of full-time study or on a part-time basis. Note that some required courses may only be offered once a year; students planning to complete the program part-time should follow a completion plan developed with the program advisor.

Location

Courses may be offered at either the Abbotsford or Canada Education Park campuses. Some elective courses may be available online.

Program outline

Note: Students planning to continue into a diploma or degree program should consult with the program advisor as they select elective courses.

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

Up to 12 credits may be transferred from other institutions to meet the elective requirements. All other courses must be completed at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all courses applied to the certificate.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.