The Program
Our First Nations studies program is divided into three parts, and this is where it all happens (well, most of it). Building 355 on the VIU Campus in Nanaimo.
Arts One - First Nations Studies is the first year core program for VIU's First Nations Studies program. It is an introductory program which explores the history of First Nations people and their interaction with Western Cultures. If you so choose, you can take what you learn in Arts One and branch off to various other Humanties and Social Sciences education or career paths. This program is a great program for new students to take, as it slowly immerses you into student life and you also learn much of the research and writing skills that will prove to be invaluable to the rest of your education and even your career.
The Arts one program tends to be a tight knit community and upon completion of the program there is a year-end feast to celebrate. Our beloved elder, Auntie Delores, provides a great deal of support to the students in Arts One, both within and outside the classroom.
There is currently no second year core program for First Nations Studies. During your second year at VIU, this is the time where you can take elective courses and ponder as to what your major will be. During this time if you choose that you want to major in First Nations Studies, then you need to apply for it during this time.
Third Year - First Nations Studies: During your third year of First Nations Studies, the majority of your time in class will be under the expert tutelage of Professors Melody Martin and Laurie Meijer-Drees. The core classes for third year First Nations Studies are FNAT 320: Colonization And Aboriginal Peoples: A World Perspective and FNAT 325: First Nations Perspectives and the Natural Environment. Laurie and Melody have great chemistry working together and their humour and highly energetic personalities make the program attractive to many, including students who aren't majoring in First Nations Studies.
Fourth Year - First Nations Studies: Having undergone various changes in Fourth Year Faculty since former Professor Richard (Umeek) Atleo left the position to pursue work elsewhere and Dan MacDonald moved to teaching Arts One, the fourth year First Nations studies program has over the past two years been in a time of transition. Experienced Professors Allyson Anderson and Keith Smith bring a great deal of historical and sociological knowledge to the program and are settling into their positions teaching fourth year quite nicely. The two core programs for Fourth Year First Nations Studies are: FNAT 420: First Nations Families and Communities and FNAT 425: Decolonization: First Nations Self-Government into the 21st Century.
At this point you might ask yourself, "So what exactly does a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations studies qualify me to do?" The B.A. in First Nations Studies is very diverse and can help you get into many careers, including:
- First Nations Band Administration.
- Aboriginal Liason (Various Native, government, and third party entities).
- Youth Activity Work and various other positions of community support (Bands and Friendship Centres).
- Historical research
- Cultural Work (With Museums and Cultural Centres).
The possibilties are endless. On top of the careers the degree can open up for you, the B.A. in First Nations Studies also proves to be a great stepping stone to further education, including:
- Masters degree programs at various post-secondary intstitutions.
- Post graduate diploma programs in a variety of skills such as Business Administration, Social Work, Museum Management, and much more.