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Trent University
Indigenous Studies Ph.D
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  2. Indigenous Studies Ph.D.

Indigenous Studies Ph.D.

Welcome

We are part of an international movement to decolonize academic institutions and recognize the centrality of Indigenous Knowledges as foundations for contemporary Indigenous life. 

an image of the tip of a canoe in a rice bed

Embodying Indigenous Knowledge

Land-based learning through personalized, hands-on approaches that combine oral traditions, languages, histories, ceremonies, mentoring, and relationship-building with local Elders and Knowledge Holders

The Experience
Image of audience listening to speakers on Indigenous Language Day

Join the Conversation!

Decolonize. Indigenize. Be a Voice for the Future.

Admission to the Program
Elder Shirley Williams with PhD student Celine Vukson

Apprentice with an Elder

Students have an opportunity to work directly with an Elder or Knowledge Holder in the Bimaadiziwin Atonhetseri:io Option 

Innovative Features
Image of a birch bark basket sitting on the water. An orange text banner reads: dissertation knowledge basket.

Dissertation Knowledge Basket

The PhD Program in Indigenous Studies offers two format options for the dissertation that students produce in year four. Option one is a monograph dissertation and option two is the new dissertation knowledge basket.

Dissertation Knowledge Basket
Elder Doug Williams with PhD graduate

Complete One Dissertation, Get Two PhD's

Explore International Indigenous Knowledges 

Doctoral Cotutelle

Related Links

  • Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
  • Events at the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
  • School of Graduate Studies

Latest News

Gender and Social Justice student Theo Schwartzenhauer standing in hallway at their co-op with the Ministry of Natural Resources

Gender & Social Justice Student Helps Plan Education Forum for Indigenous Relations Practitioners

Through a co-op placement at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Theo Schwartzenhauer helps advance Indigenous relations and gains experience in community engagement and event planning

November 14, 2025
An Indigenous woman stands dressed in traditional clothing facing the camera in front of a white background with her hands behind her back

World-Renowned Water Rights Advocate to Headline 49th Annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering

Autumn Peltier to deliver keynote address for event celebrating Indigenous voices and featuring workshops and cultural experiences

November 3, 2025
Group of people stand in front of banners for Trent University and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

High School Students Earning Indigenous Studies Credit through New Dual Credit Program

Agreement between Trent and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board offers students opportunity to earn university credit while completing high school diploma

October 13, 2025
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Upcoming Events

Feb
28

Celebration of Relationships: Bineshiinyag, Anishinaabeg miinawaa miijim

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Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

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