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  1. Trentu.ca
  2. Programs Content
  3. Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science

Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science

Trent’s groundbreaking Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science (IESS) degree program, offered jointly with the School of the Environment, is the first program of its kind in North America. This degree focuses on the interaction and collaboration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Euro-centric Knowledge Systems and offers two study pathways.

Choose to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Studies) and gain an understanding of the social, cultural, and human experiences with the environment through an Indigenous perspective. Choose the Bachelor of Science (Sciences) pathway and gain the theory and skills to analyze the natural world, from Indigenous and Western perspectives.

With guidance and support from leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, Elders, guest speakers, and scholars, you’ll learn to apply critical, creative and innovative thinking to address climate change, sustainability, health, food security, and other complex issues affecting Indigenous and all peoples around the world.

Accelerated Masters

Fast-track your education, by earning your M.Sc. in Environmental & Life Sciences in only 12-20 months of graduating from your Honours B.Sc.

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Trent University staff and students, doing on the land learning, at the medicine garden.
Trent Advantage

In this program – the first of its kind anywhere in North America – you’ll study a unique mix of Indigenous knowledges and teachings and Western sciences, learning from Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, elders, guest speakers and other scholars.

Locations
Peterborough
Co-op available
Available
Co-op Detail
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Trent's paid co-op is an opportunity for you to gain work-integrated experiential learning that will help you get a head start on your career. The Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science co-op assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within a wide range of sectors.

Specifically, paid co-op gives you a chance to obtain 12 months of practical experience on the job, develop or enhance technical skills, explore career options, network with a variety of individuals and organizations, learn from mentors, enhance communication and presentation skills, and develop technical writing skills.

Traditionally there are three co-op work terms of paid employment, each four months long, 35 hours/week, giving students the opportunity to manage well-defined special projects at an organization. With the Indigenous Environmental Studies/Science co-op, students are encouraged to combine two work terms back-to-back creating an eight-month opportunity with one employer.

Note: Paid co-op is only available to students in the Bachelor of Arts IESS program , not the Bachelor of Science IESS program.

Experiential Learning
  • Gain 12 months of paid work experience across three work terms as part of the four-year co-op stream (B.A. pathway only), with student placements ranging from environmental planning and community education to research and policy analysis
  • Apply your knowledge to a community-based research project assisting a local or national organization, including Curve Lake First Nation Band Council, Chiefs of Ontario, The Ayalik Fund, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, or Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)
  • Volunteer with the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science youth outreach program through their in-school or summer camp programming
Did you know
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Did you know?
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Photo of Trent campus in the spring
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#1 undergraduate university in Ontario

92% Trent Grads employed within six months

#1 undergrad university in Ontario for student services and student awards

Requirements
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  • Ontario
  • Non-Ontario
  • International
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Mature
  • Transfer

Requirements

If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
  • A minimum 70% overall final average
  • ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%

Program requirements and admittance into co-op:

  • A minimum 80% overall final average

Requirements

Requirements

Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.

Requirements

Requirements

International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.

Requirements

Requirements

IB students apply to Trent based on the overall score in their diploma.

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Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.

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Requirements

With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.

Requirements

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Also Interested
Indigenous Studies
Global Development Studies
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental & Resource Science / Studies
Color
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Level of Study
Undergraduate
Faculty
Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
School of the Environment
Admissions

Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.

Start Terms
Fall
Winter
Spring/Summer
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts - Honours (B.A. Honours)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Bachelor of Science - Honours (B.Sc. Honours)
Time dedication
Part time/Full time
Area
Environment & Sustainability
Indigenous Studies & Canadian Studies
Gallery
Images
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Trent University staff and students, doing on the land learning, at the medicine garden.
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An outdoor garden on the Peterborough campus
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Trent students talking in an outdoor space on the Peterborough campus
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Trent University staff and students, doing on the land learning, at the medicine garden.
Co-op Location
Peterborough
Credential Type
Undergraduate Degree
Featured Career
Natural Resources Planner
Careers List
Indigenous or non-Indigenous Government Policy Specialist
Environmental Educator
Natural Resource Manager or Researcher
Indigenous Corporate Liaison Officer
Environmental Lawyer
Consultant
Teacher
Indigenous/ Private Sector Liaison
Park Warden
Environmental Activist
Co-op Opportunity
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  • Community Education
  • Environmental Planning
  • Evaluation & Research
  • Policy Analysis
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Foundations in Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Environment
Indigenous Peoples Health and Environment
Canada: The Land
Sustainable Indigenous Communities
Indigenous Food Systems
Opportunity List
Community Research Project
Field Experience
Paid Internships
Study Abroad
Volunteer Opportunities
OUAC Code
RAI - Peterborough Bachelor of Arts
RCI - Peterborough Bachelor of Science
RIE - Peterborough Co-op
Program Website
https://www.trentu.ca/iess/
Prospect Id
33
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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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