Bachelor of Arts, Majors and Minors

First Nations Studies

A Major and Minor are offered

Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

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General Description

The B.A. Major and Minor in First Nations Studies are products of a collaboration between Vancouver Island University and the First Nations of Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia. Their purpose is to provide comprehensive, high-quality education respectful of the cultures of Aboriginal peoples, while meeting their diverse needs.

The Bachelor of Arts, Major and Minor in First Nations Studies:

explore contemporary First Nations issues in an integrated, multidisciplinary manner;
prepare students for living within First Nations societies and the larger world;
allow students to pursue the widest possible variety of professional specializations;
focus on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of each student;
emphasize links with First Nations communities and organizations, governments, and educational institutions that give students maximum opportunity for success;
build national and international bridges to connect the First Nations of British Columbia with Indigenous peoples around the world.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Year 1	Credits
FNAT 101 - (Exploring Aboriginal Identities)	6
FNAT 102 - (Exploring Aboriginal Communities)	6
Total Credits	12

Year 2	Credits
FNAT 203 - (Indigenous and Settler Relations)	6
FNAT 204 - (Indigenous Perspectives on the Environment)	6
Total Credits	12

Year 3	Credits
FNAT 303 - (Indigenous Families and Communities)	6
FNAT 304 - (Indigenous Self-Determination)	6
Select a minimum of six credits of upper-level courses with First Nations* focus	6
Total Credits	18

Year 4	Credits
Select one or both of the following courses (a minimum of one course is required): FNAT 403 - (Project or B.A. Essay and Indigenous Research Methods) and, or FNAT 404 - (Internship)	6 or 12
Select six credits of upper-level courses with First Nations* focus	6
Total Credits	12 - 18

*Students must obtain permission of Department Chair for course selections that do not have an FNAT prefix.

Requirements for a Minor