Course Descriptions

IS 1020E: Introduction to Indigenous Studies
An interdisciplinary survey of Indigenous issues, from academic and community perspectives including indigenous knowledge, historical background, oral history, socio-political context, arts, language and culture. Specific practical examples will be explored by researchers and community members actually engaged in their contemporary documentation and resolution.
Instructor: R. Bedard
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 2000B: Beyond Acknowledgements
Land acknowledgements often frame both the historic and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples on their land, sometimes with limited context. This course moves beyond acknowledgements to explore topics related to Indigenous realities in Southern Ontario on matters of language and culture, health, wellness, and environment, and policy and governance.
Instructor: R. Fehr
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 2001A: Indigenous Allyship
What is an ally and how does a non-Indigenous person become one? How do non-Indigenous people become allies without taking up Indigenous spaces? These questions are considered in this course exploring Indigenous advocacy and the role of non-Indigenous peoples.
Instructor: R. Fehr
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 2106A - Introductory Kanyen'keha (Mohawk) Language
This course is for students with minimal Kanyen’keha knowledge. Students will develop an understanding of basic Kanyen’keha grammatical structures. Conversation and verb construction are the foundations, providing students with a pathway to intermediate Kanyen’keha. Students will also explore Haudenosaunee culture, traditions and perspectives as it relates to language.
Instructor: J. Maracle
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 2210F - Indigenous Peoples & Canadian History
Canadian history has relied on nationalist interpretations that reduce the role of Indigenous People. This course challenges these ideas by demonstrating the permanency of Indigenous Peoples and the continuity of their beliefs, practices, and political systems. Topics discussed include the Northwest Resistance, the World Wars, and the TRC.
Instructor: C. Groat
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 2218G: Contemporary Indigenous Issue
This course explores the critical challenges still faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The material covered will be timely and relevant, including: legal and political mobilization; jurisdictional authority and self-determination; land rights and treaty relationships; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry. 
Instructor: V. Ambtman-Smith
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 2412F: Indigenous Healthcare Spaces
This course explores historic and conceptual foundations for understanding contemporary Indigenous health through the lens of colonial disruption and dispossession, situating health and healthcare environments as important places of reconciliation. The focus will centre on examining spaces of Indigenous health practice and policy grounded in decolonizing, critical theory. 
Instructor: V. Ambtman Smith
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 2601G: Indigenous Environments
The consequences of physical environmental change for Indigenous communities around the globe will be examined in relation to the processes of colonialism and environmental dispossession. Topics include: identity, culture, local economies, social functioning, food security and health. Cross-listed with Geography 2411F/G.
Instructor: C. Richmond
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 2682G: Indigenous Women's Art
This course examines traditional and contemporary artforms created and performed by Indigenous women. Art as an expression of Indigenous women’s social, political, and spiritual realities is studied through readings, lectures, and artistic assignments. This course also considers Indigenous analyses, varied artistic styles, forms, and mediums, from Indigenous women across Canada. 
Instructor: R. Bedard
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 2807F: Indigenous Feminisms
Students explore Indigenous feminist frameworks and epistemologies to understand the participation of Indigenous women in social, political, and environmental movements. This course examines issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous women feminists nationally and internationally. This course also considers Indigenous feminist analyses and Indigenous women’s issues.Cross-listed with GSWS 2290F/G.
Instructor: R. Bedard
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 3600G: Climate, Culture, & Indigenous Geographies
This course offers an introduction to the interrelated dynamics of climate crisis and colonialism. The influence of geographies of epistemology, culture, place and power on climate change impacts, strategies, and outcomes is explored. Adopting an anti-colonialist framework and emphasizing inclusive Indigenous Kinship approaches the course moves from theory to action. 
Instructor: L. Williams
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 4023G: Research in Indigenous Studies
This is an advanced community-based experiential course that combines in-class discussions with community-based research. Students will train in methodologies and ethics of working with Indigenous communities. Areas of research may include but not limited to ecological restoration, land claims, self-government, education, health and wellness and urban issues.  
Instructor: D. Moser
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 4024A: Community-Based Praxis
This field course provides students with practical experience working in a local First Nations community on a collaborative project. Centering Indigenous ways of knowing, a major focus is on understanding intersecting cultural, political, ecological, social, and economic factors that shape community life. Topics include Indigenous governance, treaties, and political ecologies. 
Instructor: C. Golkar-Dakin (S. Awasis)
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 4142F: Decolonizing Relations
This course explores decolonial theory and praxis as a conceptual foundation to building relationship with the land and confronting entrenched colonial power relations. The course considers decoloniality through Black, Indigenous, and queer land-based practices and movements that focus on a transformational re-centering of noncolonial ways of knowing, being, and doing
Instructor: C. Golkar-Dakin (S. Awasis)
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 4806G - Indigenous Peoples & Archives
This course will critically examine archival sciences relating to Indigenous peoples. Long perceived as politically neutral, the collection of records is now identified as an act of settler-colonialism that displaces Indigenous peoples and their historical practices. A class project, alongside relevant case studies, considers themes of power, intersectionality, and reconciliation.
Instructor: C. Groat
Course Outline 2026-27

IS 4903F: Indigenous Research and Methodologies
This advanced course examines the critical issues and tensions of doing research with and for Indigenous peoples.. Themes will include Indigenous methodologies (including but not limited to oral histories), and decolonizing research. Cross-listed with Anthropology 4405F/G.
Instructor: L. Williams
Course Outline 2025-26

IS 4904G - Indigenous Community Service
By serving an Indigenous community organization, students in this course not only put into practice what they have learned in their studies, they will also build professional skills and connections that can help them navigate their life after graduation.
Instructor: L. Suneri
Course Outline 2026-27

Common Information