Indigenous Studies - Western University

Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study that examines the history, culture, language and modern-day realities of Indigenous people and communities on Turtle Island and around the world. Emphasis is placed on theories, concepts and methodologies related to legacies of colonialism, Indigenous Knowledge, resurgence and decolonization.

Aanii, Boozhoo, Koolamasi, Shekoli, Shekon, Tansi

Welcome to Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study, examining topics relevant to Indigenous peoples' realities. Housed in the Faculty of Social Science, the program provides students with an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with matters that are important to Indigenous peoples while providing them with the flexibility to combine their program with other undergraduate degrees.

Western mourns Elder Dan Smoke

The Western community is remembering Dr. Dan Smoke, a cherished Elder, educator, and spiritual leader, whose journey home to the Spirit World began on Monday, Nov. 4. Read more here.

Call for Applications: Indigenous Artist-in-Residence

The Department of Visual Arts at Western University is seeking applications from emerging to established artists, including individuals and collectives, for the one-year Indigenous Artist-in-Residence (IAiR) program. This program will support a First Nations, Métis, or Inuk artist in the research, creation, and production of new artistic work. The IAiR will work closely with the Department of Visual Arts and undertake community engagement or other outreach activities, that could include (but are not limited to) artist talks, workshops, studio visits, collaborating with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and exhibiting at the ArtLAB. Applications from artists with connections to, or living in, the region are particularly encouraged. Projects that incorporate distance or remote components, or other innovative virtual forms of residency, are welcome.
Read more here.

Congratulations to Lina Sunseri!

Lina Sunseri has joined the Indigenous Studies program as of May, 2024. She is a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Turtle Clan. Lina taught at Brescia University College for 20 years before joining our program, and as of July 1, 2024 she has been promoted to Full Professor Rank!

New Module Changes!!

Indigenous Studies is offering new modules for our Minor, Major, and Honors Specialization programs. The previous modules are still available for current students, but all students are encouraged to consult with the new modules, as they offer a comprehensive pathway in Indigenous Studies and will prepare students for their post grad journey.

Pre-existing Program Modules

2024 - 2025 NEW Program Modules

Peace and purpose

A health equity advocate, Vanessa Ambtman-Smith gives back to the Indigenous community that healed her.

Click here to read more.

Indigenous Studies Program Strategic Foundations Report

June 2023

Read Report Here

Important Dates for November:

November 1

Deadline for official transcripts for courses taken on Letters of Permission during the academic year 2023-24 and the Spring/Summer Terms of 2024

What's new

Indigenous Studies Mural!

New Indigenous Studies mural honours community voices on Western University campus.

Two bears climb trees, acting as protectors as animals gather around a sacred fire. Flowing behind it all are the waters of the Deshkan Ziibi.

This scene is part of a new mural outside the Indigenous Studies office on the third floor of the Social Science Centre at Western. The mural has been created by students, staff and faculty connected to the program.

Mike Cywink, an Indigenous Studies student and staff member at Western, designed the mural with input from the community.

Watch the YouTube Video Here

Indigenous Studies collaborates in Multi-generational Wisdom Council on climate crisis

In March of this year Indigenous youth and traditional knowledge holders from from Deshkan Ziibi and Alba/Scotland got together for a virtual wisdom council to discuss the role of Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational connections as a means of strengthening climate crisis resilience. The Wisdom Council was also attended by interested members of the public from Alba, Turtle Island and Aotearoa. This was the second of two wisdom councils led by the Alliance for Intergenerational Resilience, Western University and Vancouver Island University. We are very happy to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Head and Heart Indigenous Research Fellowship program (HHIRFP) Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Western, and in particular Indigenous Studies student and HHIRF Chantel Jamieson in producing a report on both wisdom councils. The report on both wisdom councils can be read here. The report can be read here.

Snapshot of 2024-25 Courses

INDIGSTU 1020E – Introduction to Indigenous Studies , Instructor: Renee Bedard
INDIGSTU 2113 – Algonquain Language and Culture , Instructor: Mario Wassaykeesic
INDIGSTU 2210F – Indigenous Peoples & Canadian History, Instructor: Cody Groat
INDIGSTU 2216G – Anthropology of Latin America Instructor: T. Granadillo
INDIGSTU 2218G – Contemporary Indigenous Issues, Instructor: Vanessa Ambtman Smith
INDIGSTU 2230G – Arctic Archaeology, Instructor: L. Hodgetts
INDIGSTU 2412F – Indigenous Healthcare Spaces, Instructor: Vanessa Ambtman Smith
INDIGSTU 2253B – Endanger Langs & Revitalization, Instructor: T. Granadillo
INDIGSTU 2601G – Indigenous Environments, Instructor: Chantelle Richmond
INDIGSTU 2676B – Land, Arts, Place l, Instructor: J. Leween
INDIGSTU 2682G – Indigenous Women's Art, Instructor: Renee Bedard
INDIGSTU 2807F – Indigenous Feminisms, Instructor: Lina Sunseri
INDIGSTU 3001F – Special Topic in Indigenous Studies, Instructor: J. Emberley
INDIGSTU 3140F – Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions, Instructor: D. Ireland
INDIGSTU 3209G – Indigenous Theatre, Instructor: P. Wakeham
INDIGSTU 3267G – Residential Schools , Instructor: Cody Groat
INDIGSTU 3600G – Climate, Culture, & Indigenous Georgraphy, Instructor:
INDIGSTU 4001G – Advanced Special Topics Indigenous Studies, Instructor:
INDIGSTU 4023F – Research in Indigenous Studies, Instructor: Desmond Moser
INDIGSTU 4142F – Decolonizing Land-Based Relations, Instructor: Cortney Golkar-Dakin (S. Awasis)
INDIGSTU 4818G – Indigenous Public History, Instructor: Cody Groat
INDIGSTU 4903G – Indigenous Research Methodologies, Instructor: Renee Bedard