Indigenous Course Requirement

A university degree requirement has been introduced that all undergraduate students beginning studies at Trent in fall 2018 or thereafter complete at least one half-credit course with approved Indigenous content.

Since its founding, Trent University has been strongly supportive of Indigenous education, demonstrating a commitment to the creation of places of dignity and respect for Aboriginal peoples and their knowledges and to the generation of dialogue and discussion about Indigenous issues. The new Indigenous course requirement (ICR) will strengthen efforts in support of Trent’s 2010 vision statement: “We foster an environment where Indigenous knowledges are respected and recognized as a valid means by which to understand the world.”

Indigenous Studies at Trent is a multidisciplinary area of study committed to the exploration and analysis of Indigenous experiences from Indigenous perspectives both in Canada and throughout the world. Through the examination of past, present, and future Indigenous issues, students will be introduced to the foundational knowledge of the history, traditions, cultures, values, and philosophies of Indigenous peoples. This cross-cultural view will provide students with a greater appreciation and respect for indigeneity. Students will understand the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, and how their academic experience is connected to the reality of being Canadian.

Approval process for courses fulfilling the Indigenous course requirement (ICR)

1. Academic department develops course syllabus* (it is recommended that course developers work with the Centre for Teaching & Learning’s Indigenous pedagogy specialist during the development phase for assistance with pedagogical approach, creation of learning outcomes, and content development)
2. Course is evaluated and approved by departmental curriculum committee
3. Department sends course syllabus and Indigenous Course Requirement consultation form to Director, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies (ICR consultation form may be obtained from the USC secretary)
4. Wenjack School curriculum committee reviews Indigenous content using criteria below; provides feedback to department
5. Upon confirmation from Wenjack School that course content fulfills the criteria for meeting the Indigenous course requirement (ICR), department submits: 1) course syllabus, 2) New Course Regularization form, and 3) completed Indigenous Course Requirement consultation form to USC
6. USC approves course and submits to Senate
7. Senate approves course and its addition to the Approved Indigenous Course List (AIC)

*Note: only regularized (permanent) courses may fulfill the ICR; trial courses are not eligible

Approved Indigenous Course List (AIC)

Once approved by Senate, University Registrar adds course to the list of courses fulfilling the Indigenous course requirement (ICR), which is published in the Academic Calendar and on the Trent University website. Individual course listings are identified in the Academic Calendar with the notation “ICR."

Criteria – Course Content

Courses fulfilling the Indigenous course requirement (ICR) will contain substantial (at least 50%) Indigenous content and will identify with at least one of the following four areas of focus:

1. Indigenous Knowledges, Cultures and Languages
2. Indigenous Land, Politics, and History
3. Indigenous Theories, Methods, and Practices
4. Indigenous Cultural Expression and Performance

Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome matrix for courses fulfilling the Indigenous course requirement (ICR) is currently under development; please consult Undergraduate Studies Committee for more information.

Periodic Review

The Undergraduate Studies Committee, in consultation with the Chanie Wenjack School, will conduct a review of courses on the AIC list every three to four academic years to ensure that content continues to meet ICR criteria. (First review: 2020-2021 Academic Year)