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Department of Indigenous Studies | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Indigenous Studies

Post Baccalaureate Diploma

This program provides in-depth knowledge of Indigenous issues including First Nations cultures and Indigenous knowledge, historical contexts, natural and cultural resource management, and legal and public policy issues. Learners engage in dialogue and discussion around these issues and evaluate them, considering Indigenous perspectives. This program is comprised of at least 30 units of upper division or graduate level courses.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Students can apply for entry in the fall, spring or summer terms. Consult with the Indigenous studies advisor for admission deadlines.

Program Requirements

The post baccalaureate diploma (PBD) program can be completed through full-time or part-time study. Upon university admission, students must be approved for entry and must complete a PBD course plan. Completion is expected within two or three years, to a maximum of five years, with a 2.5 GPA in all diploma courses. Transfer credit may be approved if it meets the program requirements, and at least 18 of the 30 required units are completed at Simon Fraser University. Transfer credit application must be initiated at the time of university application. Credit applied to this program may not be applied to another Simon Fraser University certificate, diploma or degree, or vice-versa. Students should plan their program in consultation with the Indigenous studies advisor.

Prerequisite Courses

Students complete both of

INDG 101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3)

Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bryan Myles
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Bryan Myles
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
F100 Sarah Henzi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Alix Shield
Online
OL02 Natahnee Winder
Online
INDG 201W - Indigenous Peoples' Perspectives on History (3)

An examination of fact and ideology in history and historic events involving contact between Indigenous and European peoples. The course will also address questions of research methodologies in studying Indigenous/European relations, such as the evaluation of oral history and written ethnohistoric sources. An additional focus will be on gender as it influences perspectives. Students with credit for FNST 201W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sandie Dielissen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Bryan Myles
Online

Core Courses

Students complete all of

INDG 301 - Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies Research (3)

Involves a survey and examination of method, theory and related topics associated with contemporary Indigenous Studies research in applied contexts. Ethical conduct and protocols for working within First Nations communities are reviewed. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 301 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 401 - Indigenous Peoples and Public Policy (3)

An examination of Indigenous peoples' perspectives on political, social and legal issues involving their rights as first citizens of Canada and North America, and the practical and political relations with various levels of government. Issues examined include: Indigenous rights and title, self government models and concepts, constitutional matters, the impact of federal government policies, including their impact on women's lives, and Indigenous communities and politics. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Recommended: POL 221. Students with credit for FNST 401 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Wenona Hall
Online
INDG 402W - Discourses of Indigenous Peoples (3)

Style and content of Indigenous people's discourse about their culture, world view, history and matters affecting their lives. Includes the analysis of selections from Indigenous oral literature, autobiography, expository writing, modern poetry and fiction. Prerequisite: 60 units and one of INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 402 or FNST 402W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
BLS1 Sessional
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BL01 Sessional
TBD
INDG 403 - Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

This course explores the subject of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for Indigenous programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. Indigenous perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students with credit for FNST 403 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Joyce Schneider
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD

Additional Electives

The remaining 18 elective units will be chosen by completing additional units chosen from

INDG 305 - Treaties in Canada (1)

Introduces students to the historical and contemporary contexts of treaty relations between settlers and the First Peoples of Turtle Island. Provides critical insight into the various treaties within Canada; treaty negotiations, including Indigenous oral histories; Indigenous resistance to treaty infringements; and other important legislation impacting treaty rights.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Zoe Todd
Online
INDG 310 - Indigenous Film (3)

Misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples are a staple of non-Indigenous film and television. This course provides students with the tools to analyze how Indigenous filmmakers are counteracting stereotypes and colonial narratives by creating their own visual content. Prerequisite: INDG 101. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 322 under the title "Indigenous Film" or "Indigenous Film and Resurgence" may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 322 - Special Topics in Indigenous Studies (0) ††

Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

INDG 325 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America to 1850 (4)

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America from first contact with Europeans to the mid-nineteenth century. Prerequisite: 45 units including INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 325 or HIST 325 may not take this course for further credit.

or HIST 325 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America to 1850 (4)

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America from first contact with Europeans to the mid-nineteenth century. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 325 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 326 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America Since 1850 (4)

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: 45 units including INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 326 or HIST 326 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nicholas May
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or HIST 326 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America Since 1850 (4)

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 326 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nicholas May
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 327 - Indigenous Women in Canada (4)

Themes and issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous women in Canada: Indigenous theories of gender; evolution and political function of stereotypes of Indigenous women in Canada; history of Canadian legislation regulating Indigenous identity; relevance of feminist analysis; and history of activism. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students who have taken INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. INDG (or FNST) 327 and GSWS 327 (or WS 327) are identical and students may not take both courses for credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Jeannie Morgan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD
INDG 329 - Sexuality and Gender: Indigenous Perspectives (3)

Examines written works on sexuality and gender including the history of representations of the sexualized savage; the discussion of Indigenous concepts of gender, including discussions of two-spirit versus gay identity; homophobia and sexual violence as tools of colonization; the emancipatory potential of erotica. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FNST 329 or INDG (or FNST) 322 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 332 - Indigenous Ethnobotany (3)

This course is an introduction to the study of plant knowledge and use by Indigenous peoples. It provides students with information about the role of plants in Indigenous cultures including such areas as foods, medicines, technology, ceremony, ecological indicators, and within Indigenous knowledge and classification systems. Special focus may be placed on the ethnobotany of one or more Indigenous groups or culture areas. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students with credit for FNST 332 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Robert Bandringa
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Robert Bandringa
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 333 - Indigenous Ethnozoology (3)

This course explores the unique relationship that Indigenous peoples of North America have with animals. It examines how they named, classified, used and managed animals and compares this to western science. Prerequisite: Either INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 353W - Indigenous Heritage Stewardship (3)

Examines issues that arise when Indigenous people must balance economic development and cultural integrity. Topics include self-reflexive internalist research, ethics and best practices in representing Indigenous heritage, public laws and land claim agreements affecting heritage, the exhumation and repatriation of human remains and religious freedom and access to sacred sites and objects. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of the instructor. Students who have taken INDG (or FNST) 322 previously under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 353W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Eldon Yellowhorn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 360 - Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for ENGL 360, INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

or ENGL 360 - Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4)

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors, and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 30 units or two 200-division English courses. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Alexa Manuel
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 363 - Indigenous Poetry, Poetics, Printmaking (4)

A studio course. Review, analysis, and understanding of Indigenous poetry and poetics of the Americas including samples from oral traditions, ethnography, song poems, and the contemporary published record. Practice of low-tech printing such as relief, cut/engraving, stencil, monotype, and/or multiple colour technique to make multiple images, in direct democratic action. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of instructor; no previous artistic training and/or experience are required. Students with credit for FNST 363 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 383 - Indigenous Technology: Art and Sustainability (4)

Examines various art forms and aesthetic expressions of select Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Reviews techniques and protocols for the gathering and preparation of materials and the use of ethnographic materials, and provides learning through hands-on practice. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of instructor; no previous artistic training and/or experience are required. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 322 under the topic 'Indigenous Expressive Arts' with a focus in crafts may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 383 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 410 - Elements of Indigenous Style: Indigenous Editing Practices (4)

Introduces basic editorial principles fashioned by an understanding of Indigenous practices and protocols to demonstrate how Indigenous people's ways of being, worldviews, and life experiences play into editorial decision-making. Students will develop an informed and case-by-case approach of their own by critically applying principles learned from Indigenous storytellers themselves. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: INDG 101 or 201W. Students with credit for PUB 410 or PUB 480 under the title "Indigenous Editing" offered in Spring 2022 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Deanna Reder
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
B101 TBD
INDG 419 - Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice (3)

An in-depth examination of Aboriginal/Indigenous conceptions of justice in dealing with crime and other trouble in Indigenous communities, and in relations among peoples. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, CRIM 418, CRIM 419, or FNST 419 may not take this course for further credit.

or CRIM 419 - Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice (3)

An in-depth examination of Aboriginal/indigenous conceptions of justice in dealing with crime and other trouble in indigenous communities, and in relations among peoples. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for this course as CRIM 416 or 418, or FNST 419, may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 422 - Special Topics in Indigenous Studies (0) ††

Special Topics in Indigenous Studies. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

INDG 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3)

An examination of how relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of instructor. Students with credit for FNST 429, CRIM 429, or under CRIM 416 or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations" may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ted Palys
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or CRIM 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3)

An examination of how relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations", or FNST 429 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ted Palys
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 433 - Indigenous Environmental Justice and Activism (4)

Examines contemporary writings regarding Indigenous environmental logic and environmental concerns of contemporary times. Studies effects of resource extraction upon Indigenous nations, globalization, genetic modifications, health, intellectual property, spiritual beliefs, culture and society, art and language and compares these with specific Indigenous logic at the time of contact. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FNST 433 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 442 - Directed Readings in Indigenous Studies (3)

Directed readings for upper level students in Indigenous studies who wish to study selected topics in depth. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: 15 units in Indigenous (or First Nations) studies. Corequisite: Permission of an instructor and department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
INDG 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4)

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including INDG (or FNST) 101, 201W and one other INDG (or FNST) course; or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 443W, HIST 443, or HIST 485 or HIST 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

or HIST 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4)

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 443, or HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

INDG 447 - Directed Studies in Indigenous Studies (3)

Directed study for upper level students in a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Explore Indigenous topics through research. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: 15 units of INDG (or FNST) courses; permission of an instructor and department approval. Corequisite: Varies depending on topic.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
INDG 462 - Indigenous Oral Testimony: Theory, Practice, Purpose, Community (4)

Examines protocol, theory, responsibility, issues of domain (including inherent rights) involving traditional oral testimony, storytelling, oral narrative in an Aboriginal/Nation-centric canon. Compares Aboriginal canon 'oral record' to Aboriginal individual first-person accounts. Prerequisite: 60 units including INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 462 may not take this course for further credit.

Other courses that have significant Indigenous content may be counted towards this program with Indigenous studies approval.

† only one of the two courses may be used

†† may be completed more than once when offered as a different topic