Indigenous Studies
The list below describes each course we offer, as well as prerequisites (if any) and a few other details. (How to read a course description).
To find out when a course is actually offered during a particular time period, search for that course on Camlink and search for sections. Remember, in order to register for a credit course or courses you first need to apply to a college program. Apply now!
IST 092 Intro to Indigenous Studies
(3 credits) F, W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course looks at Indigenous people's relationships with land, resources, cultures, and each other, as well as historical and contemporary relationships between Aboriginal people and settler governments. The course includes an overview of Indigenous cultures in BC, colonialism, and cultural and political re-emergence.
Prerequisite(s): English 10, or ENGL 050.
IST 104 Indigenous Ways of Knowing
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0,0)
This course will explore Indigenous ways of knowing and living. It engages students in self reflection on their own learning processes and looks at how various approaches are grounded in culture. The course explores how Indigenous voice and spaces are integral to creating truly inclusive educational experiences.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092; or ENGL 103, or ENGL 140; or ELD 092, or ELD 097; or assessment.
IST 111 Circle Seminar 1
(2 credit) F (0,1.5,0,0,0)
This course supports students to develop skills in circle learning and examine identity within an Indigenous program.
Open to INDST students only.
IST 112 Circle Seminar 2
(1 credit) W (0,1,0,0,0)
A one-credit course consisting of weekly circle-based, debriefing sessions for program students, staff and faculty.
Prerequisite(s): IST 111.
Open to INDST second-semester students only.
IST 114 Indigenous Studies Health 1
(1.5 credits) F (51 hours over 6 weeks)Introduces the learner to the role of Aboriginal Health Care Worker. Self-awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and the impact of history on families and communities is explored. College orientation, planning for full-time attendance in school, and discussion of home/life balance is part of this course.
Open to IHCA students only.
IST 115 Indigenous Studies Health 2
(2 credits) F (58 hours over 25 weeks)
A continuation of IST 114. Expands on societal, political, spiritual and cultural issues that impact on the student's role as a personal support worker and caregiver. Explores the role of healthcare workers and their impact on Aboriginal families/communities. Students will develop a resource book of Aboriginal supports.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): IST 114.
Open to IHCA students only.
IST 116 Indigenous Studies in Canada 1
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0,0)
This course examines the traditions, societies, and cultures of Indigenous peoples in what is now known as Canada prior to European contact. The course provides an introduction to various Indigenous peoples' ways of knowing (epistemology) with a special emphasis on the maintenance and/or revitalization of traditional values, cultural identity and spirituality.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092; or ENGL 103, or ENGL 140; or ELD 092, or ELD 097; or assessment.
IST 117 Indigenous Studies in Canada 2
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course analyzes the effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples/communities through an examination of policies such as residential schools, child welfare, treaties and the Indian Act. The course studies revitalization strategies and the nation rebuilding processes operating in Indigenous communities.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): IST 116; or IFS 100, and IFS 110.
IST 171 Ways of Wellness - Learning
(3 credits) F,W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course provides students with the ability to make informed decisions about career and education preparation. As well, it examines health and individual wellness issues from Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives of individual wellness.
Prerequisite(s): "C" in English 10, or ENGL 050; or assessment.
IST 172 Ways of Wellness - Community
(3 credits) F,W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course examines health and education needs and issues in Aboriginal communities. As well, it provides students with learning and thinking strategies necessary for success in wellness and communityleadership programs.
Prerequisite(s): IST 171.
IST 204 Special Projects
(3 credits) W (0,3,0,0,0)
Students will undertake assignments enabling them to develop leadership and community skills. Projects may include working with Indigenous communities and organizations, government ministries and departments, NGOs and other agencies.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of three semesters of the INDST program.
IST 211 Circle Seminar 3
(2 credit) F (0,1.5,0,0,0)
This course supports students to develop advanced circle learning skills and practical applications of the learning acquired from the IST program, including interacting with community.
Prerequisite(s): IST 112.
Open to INDST students only.
IST 212 Circle Seminar 4
(2 credits) W (0,1.5,0,0,0)
This coures supports students to identify concepts and practices of self-awareness and self-care, and to develop skills in public presentation..
Prerequisite(s): IST 211.
Open to INDST students only.
IST 220 Indigenous Art Studies
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course presents an overview of the arts of various Indigenous peoples and communities within their histories and cultures. The creative voices of artists will take students beyond the facts and figures of history, geography, and political science, and reveal the stories of the underlying individual and collective human experiences.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Pre or Co-requisite(s): ENGL 150.
IST 232 Indigenous Political Science
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course is an introduction to Indigenous political science. Students will gain awareness about historical and contemporary perspectives on Indigenous political epistemologies, policy initiatives and political organizations. Students will integrate new learning from themes presented with non-Indigenous governments as a way of creating transformative political structures for Indigenous communities.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
IST 234 Land and Language
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course introduces students to the Indigenous relationships among culture, land, and language and their connected influences with development of self-identity. Students participate in land-based activities, learn some aspects of speaking a traditional Indigenous language, and connect with their own ancestral land and language.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12; or "C" in ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 and ENGL 106; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or assessment.
IST 241 Gender & Identity
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course will examine the influence of colonization and the issues of resistance and recovery in regards to traditional knowledge, ethnicity, and sexuality, and the construction of Indigenous gender roles and identity.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
IST 242 Environment & Stewardship
(3 credits) W (3,0,0,0,0)
This course will explore Indigenous and non-Indigenous views of the environment, perspectives on traditional ecological knowledge and nature as a living system. Students will examine contemporary Indigenous environmental issues including those related to forestry, fishing, wild species, protected areas, climate change, and resource planning and stewardship.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
IST 243 Comparative Indigenous Issues
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0,0)
This course examines historical and contemporary policies and practices concerning Indigenous people in New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Students identify, examine and analyze treaties, Aboriginal policy, education, child welfare and international law. The course includes examination of international Indigenous movements towards self-determination.
To find where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
IST 244 Language Revitalization
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0,0)
This course will examine historical and contemporary factors in Indigenous language revitalization. Issues considered in this course are language revitalization practices, language policies affecting Indigenous languages, community complexities and knowledge of local language issues. This course will prepare learners to support the development of language programs in their communities.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 150.
