Build a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences in Canada and worldwide through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. At Trent’s renowned Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, you’ll learn from Indigenous faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and scholars while examining the historical and contemporary issues shaping relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- Shape your degree around your interests, choosing from a wide range of courses in areas such as politics, law, culture, and the land.
- Take learning beyond the classroom through language learning, cultural events, community engagement, and learning on the land.
- Immerse yourself in Indigenous spaces on campus, including Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space, tipi and traditional areas, oral history lab, and gathering space
- Connect with Indigenous knowledge, culture and community through annual campus events such as the Traditional Peoples & Elders Gathering, Indigenous Fringe Festival, Pine Tree Talks and Indigenous Women’s Symposium.
Study Indigenous histories, cultures, knowledges, and contemporary realities at the first university in Canada (and only second in North America) to establish a department dedicated to Indigenous Studies.
Gain valuable career experience while earning academic credit.
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
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
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.
- The James Edward Munro Awards
- K. E. Kidd Memorial Prize
- Edna Manitowabi Prize
- David Newhouse Award
- Dr. Ben Chan/Julie Schindeler Indigenous Languages Prize
- Patricia & David Morton Indigenous Studies Undergraduate Award
- Sarah D. Patterson Award for Aboriginal Language Studies
- TD Green Undergraduate Scholarships
- TD Green Undergraduate Awards
- John Wadland Award
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.
The lessons I've learned at Trent, both in and out of the classroom, will guide me in helping my students see the importance of truth, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous knowledge.
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work with local businesses, government agencies, community organizations, or Indigenous groups.
- Complete community-based research for course credit, working with local organizations on research, planning and community development projects.
- Complete a fourth-year Honours Thesis, pursuing an independent research project with faculty supervision.
- Gain applied research experience through in-course projects. For example, Foundations of Reconciliation students worked on a project with the Ontario Heritage Trust.
- Develop Nishnaabemowin language skills through speaking, writing, storytelling, workshops, songs, chants and dances that connect language with cultural learning.
- Take part in land-based learning in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, learning on the land with community Elders and Knowledge Keepers through Indigenous teachings and practices.
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
- Gain placement experience in museums, libraries and heritage organizations, with opportunities in Indigenous history research, programming and heritage interpretation.
- Pursue field-based placements at Trent, including opportunities with Campus Planning & Development that involve the University’s Nature Areas.
- Gain professional workplace experience by working within a business or organization on a paid internship, building career-ready skills, making industry connections, and exploring potential career paths. Indigenous Studies Students have secured internships w with leading organizations such as CBC and the United Nations.