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Community Planning and Native Studies

You can begin this program at an
off-campus site through a satellite campus or regional partner.

Understand not only the value and dignity of Native cultural traditions, histories, languages and philosophies but also how to plan for healthy urban and rural environments and combine the two. Learn about Aboriginal experiences and how to examine the conversion of land from natural habitats to urban built areas. Develop skills in writing, research and critical thinking. Enrich your understanding and appreciation of the nature of Indigenous societies and the management of cultural and heritage resouces.


Program Options

Bachelor of Arts - Community Planning and Native Studies

  • B.A. Four-year
  • B.A. Honours

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

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What is Community Planning and Native Studies?

Community Planning and Native Studies provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as community planners in Aboriginal communities or in communities where a deep understanding of Aboriginal history, philosophy and priorities are important. The interdisciplinary education provided in Community Planning and Native Studies prepares students to work in dynamic environments or undertake graduate studies, focussing on areas where a wide range of problems, both applied and conceptual, remain to be solved.

Community Planning and Native Studies: Is it for you?

  • 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.
  • Students take courses from the Regional and Urban Planning Program which is accredited by the Association of Professional Community Planners of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Institute of Planners and is one of only two professionally accredited undergraduate planning programs in western Canada.

Sample Classes

  • NS 265: Aboriginal People and Development
    Surveys the historic, political and economic causes of Aboriginal underdevelopment. Government-sponsored development projects will be examined and new strategies for Aboriginal economic development will be explored.
  • RUP 395: Planning History and Theory
    This course examines several important aspects of planning history and theory in the urban and rural contexts. Notable topics include the evolution of both planning and planning theory in light of evolving community forms, infrastructure systems, and social economic and environmental conditions; comprehensive, incrementalist, and advocacy planning.
  • NS 450: Applied Research in Aboriginal Communities
    Applied research on Saskatchewan Aboriginal Communities that utilizes both written and oral sources.

Career Opportunities

  • Community Educator
  • Community Planner
  • Researcher
  • Environmental Advisor
  • Community Liaison Worker
  • Policy Advisor
  • Aboriginal Issues Coordinator
  • Youth Worker
  • Journalist
  • Mediator
  • Cultural Anthropologist
  • Communications Officer
  • Economic Development Manager
  • Liaison Officer
  • Advocate

Skill Sets Gained

  • Research skills and methods
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Interpreting research findings
  • Organizational/planning skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Teamwork/interpersonal skills
  • Technical skills
  • Communication skills: written/oral
  • Conducting field research
  • Creativity
  • Computer skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Honesty, integrity, and ethical standards
  • Goal-setting; resolving conflicts
  • Adaptability/flexibility
  • Personal management/motivational skills