Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies

First Nations Studies


  • Program Length 
    4 Years
  • Credential 
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options 
    Major, Minor
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo
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First Nations Studies is a program where you can experience community and explore Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing and being. 

VIU’s Aboriginal Studies program is designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn about the history, culture and lives of First Peoples from an Indigenous perspective.

This community-based Indigenous Studies program, founded in 1993 as a unique collaboration with local First Nations communities, creates a culturally responsive context for Indigenous students to participate in post-secondary education. Elders are fundamental faculty members who teach and guide Aboriginal studies curriculum development. VIU’s BA in First Nations Studies is offered as a major or minor.

The Indigenous Studies Program

The B.A. Major and Minor in First Nations Studies are products of a collaboration between Vancouver Island University and the First Nations of Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia. Their purpose is to provide comprehensive, high-quality education respectful of the cultures of Aboriginal peoples, while meeting their diverse needs.

The Bachelor of Arts, Major and Minor in First Nations Studies:

  • explore contemporary First Nations issues in an integrated, multidisciplinary manner;
  • prepare students for living within First Nations societies and the larger world;
  • allow students to pursue the widest possible variety of professional specializations;
  • focus on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of each student;
  • emphasize links with First Nations communities and organizations, governments, and educational institutions that give students maximum opportunity for success;
  • build national and international bridges to connect the First Nations of British Columbia with Indigenous peoples around the world.

Program Outline

Program Outline

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Years 1 and 2

Credits

Please select at least two of the following:
FNAT 101 - (Exploring Aboriginal Identities)
FNAT 102 - (Exploring Aboriginal Communities)
FNAT 203 - (Indigenous and Settler Relations)
FNAT 204 - (Indigenous Perspectives on the Environment)

12

Plus Degree English Requirements

Total Credits

12

 

Years 3 and 4

Credits

FNAT 303 - (Indigenous Families and Communities)

6

FNAT 304 - (Indigenous Self-Determination)

6

Please select one of both of the following:
FNAT 403 - (Project or B.A. Essay and Indigenous Research Methods)
*FNAT 404 - (Internship)

6 or 12

Select a minimum of six credits of upper-level courses with First Nations** focus

6

Total Credits

30

*Students seeking an internship need to discuss this option with the First Nations Studies department. All internships are dependent on availability of appropriate sites.

**These can be additional FNAT courses and/or courses from another department that have a First Nations focus. Students must obtain permission of Department Chair for course selections that do not have an FNAT prefix.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Years 1 and 2

Credits

A minimum twelve credits of lower-level FNAT courses or courses with First Nations focus*

12

Total Credits

12

Years 3 and 4

Credits

FNAT 303 - (Indigenous Families and Communities)

6

FNAT 304 - (Indigenous Self-Determination)

6

A minimum six credits of upper-level FNAT courses or courses with First Nations focus*

6

Total Credits

18

*Students must obtain permission of Department Chair for course selections that do not have an FNAT prefix.

Updated 
Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Program Fees

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition Fee Schedule

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year*

Amount

Tuition (30 credits x $150.71 per credit)

4,521.30

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

180.85

Student Services fee (30 credits x $6.66 per credit)

199.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $19.43 per month)

155.44

Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year)

275.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

6,832.39
Notes

The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice.

International Fees

Tuition Fee Schedule

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year*

Amount

Tuition (2 semesters x $7620 per semester)

15,240.00

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $374.4 per semester)

748.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $19.43 per month)

155.44

Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year)

275.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

17,919.24
Notes

The above table is based on 15 credits or less per semester. Additional fees of $635.00 per credit will be applied if taking more than 15 credits per semester.

The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Updated
Monday, April 1, 2019

Start Date and Application Deadlines

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Admissions & Registrations Assistants
Phone: 250-740-6400
Email: Registration@viu.ca

Chair Contact

Name: Melody Martin/Laurie Meijer Drees
Phone: 250-753-3245 ext. 2035
Email: Melody.Martin@viu.ca

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