Understand the value and dignity of Native cultural traditions, histories, languages and philosophies. Learn about Aboriginal experiences from present day challenges to pre-contact histories. Develop skills in writing, research and critical thinking. Enrich your understanding and appreciation of the nature of Indigenous societies and their contribution to national and international communities. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose to major in Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
I have found Native Studies to be a challenging and rewarding field. The variety of services available for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students makes the Department a welcoming place for all students.—Cheryl Troupe, B.A. (Honours)
Graduates of the Native Studies program are well-grounded in historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal peoples. They are successful at finding careers in Aboriginal and mainstream governments, Aboriginal agencies, schools, heritage sites and post-secondary educational institutions. Native Studies serves as an excellent pre-professional program for students continuing with further studies in education, journalism, law and graduate programs.
Native Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to promote a comprehensive understanding of Aboriginal peoples. The Native Studies program provides students with an academic examination of historical and contemporary realities of Indian, Métis and Inuit societies in Canada. Students will explore the similarities and differences experienced by Indigenous societies within their community and around the world.
The primary goal of the Native Studies Department is to promote academic and teaching excellence. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the nature of Aboriginal societies and the contributions they have made to national and international communities. Students are encouraged to participate with their peers and instructors in small group settings by reading current literature and sharing in seminar discussions. The seminar component of the Native Studies program provides students with experience in developing critical thinking and writing skills — assets in any career.
The Department of Native Studies offers both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students unique learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment. Students pursuing a degree in Native Studies examine health issues, resource management, Indian and Métis history, Aboriginal politics and the criminal justice system. Students will be exposed to a variety of perspectives, world views and intellectual traditions.
After nineteen years at the University, Native Studies courses continue to be in great demand making us one of the fastest growing departments in the College of Arts & Science.—Brenda Macdougall, Assistant Professor
Members of the Department of Native Studies hold high academic qualifications from the disciplines of history, sociology, political studies, literature and education. The Department’s faculty maintain an excellent standard of teaching and have been recognized for their accomplishments in the past two years with two USSU Teaching Excellence Awards.
Most of the research compiled by the Department of Native Studies is derived from community-based data collecting through surrounding Native societies. A distinguishing feature of the Department is the incorporation of traditional Aboriginal concepts and knowledge to ensure that the discipline remains well grounded within Native communities.
The Department publishes the Native Studies Review, a biannual academic journal promoting scholarships that emphasize Aboriginal perspectives.
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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