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putting our minds together
ENRICHING OUR SPIRITS
boozhoo, she:kon, waachjiiye, tan si, tungasugiit, greetings, welcome
INDIGENOUS STUDIES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An idiosyncratic guide to Indigenous Studies1. Do I have to be native to take Indigenous Studies courses or major in Indigenou Studies
Indigenous Studies courses are for everyone. We encourage all those who have an interest in things native to take our courses. Previous knowledge of native peoples or native issues is not a prerequisite.
2. Will I learn about Indigenous culture and native ceremony and traditions?
Indigenous culture infuses all that we do. Some courses focus upon different cultural traditions and nations. We do not conduct any indigenous spiritual ceremony on the campus. The Aboriginal Cultural Advisor is available to assist you in contacting elders and traditional people if you wish to pursue this aspect of native culture.
3. What term do I use when talking and writing about native peoples?
There is no standard term. Some use Aboriginal to refer to the original inhabitants of this continent and their descendents. Others use their national name such as Dene or the name they call themselves in their original language. Others use Indigenous; still others use Indian. Some are Métis or métis. Eskimo are now Inuit. It’s best to ask what term to use.
4. What can I do with a Indigenous Studies degree?
Our graduates work throughout the world; some as doctors; some as chiefs. Others are teachers, university professors, corporate trainers, economic development officers, land management technicians, accountants, actors, writers, successful business owners, dancers, social workers, nurses, artists. The field is unlimited.
5. Who will I study with?
The Indigenous Study Faculty are the leading experts in their field: law, community development, language. Many have excellent credentials gained through years of study in traditional aboriginal communities. The faculty consists of both indigenous and non-indigenous scholars.
6. What will I study?
Indigenous Studies courses cover literature, economic development, anishnaabe language, self government, post colonial theory, urbanization, performance, indigenous thought and knowledge.
7. What is the elders and traditional peoples gathering?
The Elders Gathering is a yearly gathering of elders and traditional people and those who are interested in Indigenous knowledge. It is held every year on the weekend preceeding the winter reading break. It consists of teaching workshops, feasts, singing and dancing. All students and community members are welcome.
8. Who are Indigenous Studies students?
Indigenous Studies students come from all walks of life. Some are interested in Indigenous cultures and peoples. Some have an interest in history or Aboriginal language. Some are looking for a course to fill their timetables. Some are activists, interested in race and cross cultural relationships. Others are interested in working with Aboriginal peoples and want to learn how to relate.
9. What is Nozhem?
Nozhem is the name of the First Peoples Performance Space, located in Gzowski/Enweying room 101. Nozhem means bear den in Anishnaabe (Ojibway). It was named because of the healing and transformative power of the arts and performance.
10. What is Enweying?
Enweying is the name of the huge six story orche #33 (yellow) building that dominates the Trent landscape. It is the home of the First Peoples House of Learning and Peter Gzowski College. Enweying, an Anishnaabe word, means the way we speak together. It was chosen in honour of Peter Gzowski, a celebrated Canadian broadcaster who was interested in the North and Aboriginal Peoples and dialogue.