Indigenous Studies
Expand what you know about Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, in this leading degree program – the first of its kind in Canada.
Trent’s Indigenous Studies B.A. incorporates both Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and Euro-centric Knowledge Systems to immerse students in a multicultural and multidisciplinary exploration of historical and contemporary challenges shaping relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Whether you are interested in politics, law, culture, or the land, the Chanie Wenjack School’s wide variety of Indigenous course options mean you can focus your studies on topics that interest you most.
The diversity of Trent’s community of Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, Elders, and other scholars provides a cross-cultural learning experience and helps students develop the skills and understanding needed for a variety of careers and graduate studies.
Advance your multicultural education at the first university in Canada, and only second in North America, to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous Peoples.
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 Studies 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 Studies co-op, students are encouraged to combine two work terms back-to-back creating an eight-month opportunity with one employer.
- Gain 12 months of paid work experience through the four-year co-op stream, offering student placement opportunities with local businesses, government agencies, community organizations, or Indigenous groups
- Take your studies abroad, learning about Indigenous peoples in locations like China, Thailand, New Zealand, or Mexico
- Build career connections by getting involved with annual events that take place on campus like the Traditional Peoples & Elders Gathering, Indigenous Fringe Festival, Pine Tree Talks, and the Indigenous Women’s Symposium
- Develop new language skills as you learn to speak and write in Nishnaabemowin
- Become an expert in the art of Indigenous performance, participating in productions hosted at Trent’s Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space, the only publicly funded theatre of its kind in Canada
#1 undergraduate university in Ontario
92% Trent Grads employed within six months
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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 for admittance into co-op:
- A minimum 80% overall final average
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
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.
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.
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