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First Nations Studies Minor
This program studies traditional and contemporary issues involving Aboriginal peoples of North America and Canada in particular. Designed for both First Nations and non-First Nations students, its focus is on First Nations cultures, languages, Indigenous knowledge and histories as well as "Indian-White" relations, the development of federal and provincial policy toward Aboriginal peoples, Aboriginal rights and title questions, economic development and self-government. The minor critically presents and examines these issues with the perspectives of Aboriginal peoples, and will present research methods pertinent to past, present and future issues affecting Aboriginal peoples.
This program may be completed in conjunction with any major honours bachelor's degree, or as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree with two minors. Students should plan their program in consultation with the First Nations Studies advisor.
Program Declaration
Students seeking admission into a First Nations Studies Academic Program must demonstrate competency in a minimum of three FNST courses at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV with an average subject grade of C or better. Completion of FNST 101 and FNST 201W prior to declaring a FNST program is recommended.
Students who have successfully completed three or more FNST courses should contact the Department Advisor (fnstmgr@sfu.ca) to review eligibility and program completion timeline.
Program Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete at least nine units including
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Bryan Myles |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Madeleine Reddon Potvin |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Sarah Henzi Elise Couture-Grondin |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Distance Education |
An examination of fact and ideology in history and historic events involving contact between Aboriginal and European peoples. The course will also address questions of research methodologies in studying Aboriginal/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 |
---|---|---|---|
Chelsey Armstrong |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Sandie Dielissen |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least one course from
Exploration of Indigenous forms of research and inquiry (ie. genealogies, oral story-telling, autobiographies). Examine and explore life stories of Indigenous authors from around the world. Students with credit for FNST 110W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Elise Couture-Grondin |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Chronologically analyses the use of photography to research Indigenous peoples from the 19th Century anthropological methods to contemporary participatory action methods. Highlights how Indigenous peoples are adapting research methods to benefit and empower their communities. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 111 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to Coast Salish nations, lands, and cultures from historical and contemporary perspectives. Study of similarities and diversities between Coast Salish communities, and their connections to their shared homelands on which ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV is located. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 186 may not take this course for further credit.
Indigenous peoples of North America possess perceptions of landscape rooted in their long history with the land. Using methods and theories designed for anthropology, archaeology, land and resource management planning and geography will bring a multi-disciplinary approach to this study of cultural landscapes. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 212 may not take this course for further credit.
Topics will vary from term to term depending on faculty availability and student interest where the body of work may not otherwise be covered in-depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: Vary according to topic. Consult course outline on prerequisite(s) of each topic offering.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Alix Shield |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Through the interdisciplinary lens of ethnoecology, this course is an exploration of ongoing, hard-earned and reciprocal relationships between people and their environment. This course considers the cultural underpinnings of perception and interaction with landscape and ecologies - as one way to appreciate issues of sustainability and diversity in a global context. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 232 may not take this course for further credit.
Study of Indigenous peoples of BC and effects of historical and political processes on their livelihoods and homelands. Overview of indigeneity and connection to urbanization. Examines linguistic diversity and endangered state of BC First Nations languages; Indigenous ethnography; land rights movement; traditional cultural practices/beliefs; and social, educational and economic disparity. Prerequisite: Recommended: INDG 101. Students with credit for FNST 286 or SA 286 may not take this course for further credit.
Other courses which have First Nations content may be applied toward the minor as an elective, subject to approval by the program advisor.
** may be completed more than once when offered as a different topic
Upper Division Requirements
At least 15 upper division units are required, including at least six units from the following.
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.
An examination of First Nations and Aboriginal 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: Aboriginal rights and title questions, self government models and concepts, constitutional matters, the impact of federal government policies, including their impact on women's lives, and Aboriginal community and First Nations politics. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 and 201W. Recommended: POL 221. Students with credit for FNST 401 may not take this course for further credit.
Style and content of Aboriginal people's discourse about their culture, world view, history and matters affecting their lives. Includes the analysis of selections from Aboriginal 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 |
---|---|---|---|
June Scudeler |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Joyce Schneider |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Students must also complete at least nine units from
The prehistory and cultural traditions of the region. The content, antecedents, relationships, and changes in these cultures through time. Technological, socio-economic, and environmental factors in culture growth. Prerequisite: ARCH 273.
Surveys the origins, implementations, and need for archaeological heritage legislation on an international and national scale. Topical issues associated with contract archaeology, public archaeology, native heritage, and avocational societies are incorporated. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or ARCH 201.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bob Muir |
TBD |
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.
Variable units: 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.
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.
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.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Cody Groat |
TBD | ||
D101 |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Cody Groat |
TBD | ||
D101 |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Themes and issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal 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: 45 units. 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Sandie Dielissen |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Themes and issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of aboriginal 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: 45 units. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. FNST 327 and GSWS 327 (or WS 327) are identical and students may not take both courses for credit.
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.
This course is an introduction to the study of plant knowledge and use by First Nations peoples in British Columbia. It provides students with information about the role of plants in First Nations' cultures including such areas as foods, medicines, technology, ceremony, ecological indicators, and within First Nations' knowledge and classification systems. Special focus may be placed on the ethnobotany of one or more Aboriginal groups or culture areas. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101. Students with credit for FNST 332 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
Robert Bandringa |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Robert Bandringa |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
This course explores the unique relationship that the First Nations 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 and INDG (or FNST) 232. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 333 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Rudy Reimer |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines issues that arise when Aboriginal 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.
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.
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: Two 100 division English courses and two 200 division English courses, OR formal declaration in the creative writing minor with 45 units. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.
Examines various art forms and aesthetic expressions of select Indigenous peoples of the Americas including Aboriginal poetry and poetic forms. A research and creation studio course. Prerequisite: 45 units and permission of instructor; no previous artistic training and/or experience are required. Students with credit for FNST 322 under the topic 'Poetics/Poetry: Bookmaking' or 'Indigenous Expressive Arts' may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 363 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
annie ross |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of First Nations and Aboriginal 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: Aboriginal rights and title questions, self government models and concepts, constitutional matters, the impact of federal government policies, including their impact on women's lives, and Aboriginal community and First Nations politics. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 and 201W. Recommended: POL 221. Students with credit for FNST 401 may not take this course for further credit.
Style and content of Aboriginal people's discourse about their culture, world view, history and matters affecting their lives. Includes the analysis of selections from Aboriginal 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 |
---|---|---|---|
June Scudeler |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Joyce Schneider |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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.
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.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Ted Palys |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Ted Palys |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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.
Directed readings for upper level students in Indigenous Studies who wish to study selected topics in depth. May be repeated once when topic is different. 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 |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
TBD |
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.
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.
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. This course may be repeated for credit when topic is different. 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 |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
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 and permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 462 may not take this course for further credit.
Structural and genetic characteristics of aboriginal languages of the Americas, with special emphasis on languages of the Northwest. Detailed examination of one language or language family. Prerequisite: 12 upper division linguistics units. Recommended: LING 323.
Detailed examination of the structure of a selected language. Prerequisite: LING 282W; or LING 221 and 222.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
Detailed examination of the structure of a selected language. Prerequisite: LING 282W; or LING 221 and 222.
An examination of the ways in which ethnographers seek to understand a world experiencing profound changes in the relationships between governments and the societies they govern. Topics to be considered may include: relations between indigenous peoples and governments; the social and cultural dynamics of public policy making; the articulation of human rights issues. The focus of the course will vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
In this intensive seminar, we compare political actions and social movements of indigenous peoples across several countries: analyze development of these movements over time; and discuss factors affecting the timing, reception, intensity and nature of these politics. Students write research papers on topics they develop. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Michael Hathaway |
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Other courses which have First Nations content may be applied toward the minor as an elective, subject to approval by the program advisor.
Credit accumulated in the certificate in First Nations Studies Research may be applied toward the minor in First Nations Studies.
*** when not used toward requirement of six units core requirement of six upper division units
†only one of the two courses may be used
†â¶Ä may be completed more than once when offered as a different topic
†â¶Ä †only when the topic is an Aboriginal language; preferably in the same language in both courses
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and minimum CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0Ìýacross all units attempted in each subject that is a major, a joint major, a minor, or an extended minor. FASS Departments may define specific requirements for their respective programs.
For students in other Faculties, please check your Faculty's overall degree requirements: /students/calendar/faculties-research.html
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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