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Trent University
Indigenous Studies Ph.D
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  1. Trentu.ca
  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

A line of people stand outside shoulder to should, some in matching blue t-shirts, smiling for the camera with a pop up tent with a lake and trees in the background

How Indigenous and Western Knowledge Together are Shaping Global Environmental Solutions

Award-winning Trent educators Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall and Mary-Claire Buell curate success stories of collaborative environmental change

June 17, 2026
Barbara Wall, a woman wearing a mauve blazer and white t-shirt, smiles for a photo looking at the camera as she stands in front of a concrete wall

Trent Indigenous Scholar Honoured with Top Provincial Teaching Award

Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall recognized with 2025-26 Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award for contributions to land-based learning, Indigenous knowledge and environmental care

June 16, 2026
A red dress hanging from Trent Durham atrium

Observing National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

Trent community invited to explore resources, information to support efforts of individual learning and reflection, and collective action towards reconciliation

May 5, 2026
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