Indigenous Studies (Co-op Available)
What does it mean to be an Indigenous person today? How do history and politics, the land and the law, culture and contemporary issues shape relationships amongst and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities? Students in Trent’s Indigenous Studies programs develop a complex understanding and appreciation of Indigenous experiences in Canada and around the world.
For more than 50 years, Trent has been committed to advancing a multidimensional understanding through Indigenous Studies. Here - in the first program of its kind in Canada - you’ll explore the interdisciplinary nature of a program with a distinct sense of community as you immerse yourself in diverse Indigenous Nations, including all aspects of the Indigenous experience and their many contributions to Canadian society.
Degrees Offered:
- B.A.
- B.A. (Honours)
- B.A. Co-op (Peterborough Only)
Locations:
- Peterborough
Specializations:
Resume Boosters:
- Explore your strengths and career interests, and graduate with 12 months of work experience (and income) through the new four-year B.A. co-op option, giving you the edge for future career success
- Study abroad and learn about Indigenous peoples in the USA, China, Thailand, New Zealand or Mexico
- Build career connections by getting involved with annual events that take place on campus like the Elders Gathering, Pine Tree Talks, CINSA, and the Indigenous Women’s Symposium
- Develop your own Indigenous language skills as you study Nishnaabemowin or Mohawk
- Engage in hands-on research projects with agencies and organizations that make a difference in local communities
- Become an expert in the art of Indigenous performance as you take place in productions hosted in Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space, the only publicly-funded space of its kind in Canada

Career Paths:
Featured
College Teacher
This unit group includes instructors who teach applied arts, academic, technical and vocational subjects to students at community colleges, CEGEPs, agricultural colleges, technical and vocational institutes, language schools and other college level schools. This unit group also includes trainers who are employed by private training establishments, companies, community agencies and governments to deliver internal training or development courses. College teachers who are heads of departments are included in this group.
Career Opportunities
- Lawyer
- Teacher
- Medical Professional
- Social Work
- Treaties Negotiator
- Historian
- Public Servant
- Project Manager
- Economic Development Officer
- Coach
- Indigenous Linguist
- Traditional Knowledge Holder
- Elder, Politician Journalist
- Author
- Performer
- Film Maker
Popular Courses:
- Foundations of Indigenous Learning
- Introduction to Nishnaabemowin
- Indigenous Environmental Studies
- Critical Incidents in Modern Indigenous Life
- Alliances: Indigenous/Non-Indigenous Relationships for Justice
- Indigenous Peoples and State Relations
- Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge
- The Living History of Indigenous Dance and Theatre
- Urbanization and Indigenous Peoples

Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
Program Requirements:
- A minimum 70% overall final average
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
Co-op Requirements:
- A minimum 80% overall final average
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
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