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Indigenous Studies

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - View all program options

Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.

Indigenous Studies is designed to promote a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous peoples by examining Indigenous traditions, histories, languages and philosophies and their contribution to national and international communities.

Not a USask student?

Learn more about studying indigenous studies at USask and apply for admission.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Year 1 courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

You choose

Academic tips

What will I learn?
  • You will learn about Indigenous experiences, from present day challenges to pre-contact histories as you examine historical and contemporary realities of Indian, Métis and Inuit societies in Canada
  • You will learn the historic and contemporary Indigenous perspectives that guide their interactions with other Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people as you explore the similarities and differences experienced by Indigenous societies within their community and around the world
  • Gain the skills and knowledge that will enable you to contribute constructively to the intellectual, cultural, political, or economical capital of Aboriginal societies

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

 Featured courses
  • CREE 110.3 nehiyawetan Let Us Speak Cree
  • INDG 107.3 Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies
  • INDG 252.3 Introduction to Indigenous Studies Research Methods
  • INDG 361.3 Indigenous Community Development in the 21st Century
  • INDG 471.3 Indigenous Women Feminism Politics and Resistance

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Middle years courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

INDG 210.3 | Indigenous Ways of Knowing
INDG 216.3 | The Presence of the Past in Contemporary Indigenous Life
INDG 252.3 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies Research Methods
INDG 264.3 | Aboriginal People and Canadian Politics

You choose
  • One course (3 c.u.) from either INDG 351.3 Indigenous Oral Histories Research, OR INDG 352.3 Historical Research Methods in Indigenous Studies
  • From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Academic tips

Add to your major

Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

Student Supports

Connect with student support options to maintain your wellness and support your goals.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Final year courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

You choose

Apply to graduate

Academic tips

Consider applying to a graduate program
Find a program

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

Career readiness competencies

USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:

  • Engaging in our intercultural society
  • Nurturing successful relationships
  • Leveraging technology
  • Adaptive design and problem solving
  • Communicating meaningfully
  • Cultivating well-being

Possible destinations

People with a indigenous studies degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.

Career paths

  • Aboriginal Housing Advocate
  • Anthropologist
  • Community Education Officer
  • Community Involvement Animator
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Election Officer
  • Field Service Agent
  • First Nations Education Coordinator
  • Government Researcher
  • Governmental Program Agent
  • Human Rights Coordinator
  • Journalist
  • Multiculturalism Liaison Officer
  • Museum Curator
  • Paralegal
  • Political Researcher
  • Politician
  • Public Relations Specialist

We have hired numerous graduates from the U of S Indigenous Studies department since we were recommissioned in 1996. They understand Treaty history and the impact of colonization, which graduates of other disciplines do not. We have hired Summer students and full-time researchers. Many contribute to community events; some have done archival research and other have done oral history research. Currently we have 8 researchers hired to look into the archival records of Indian Residential Schools. Most of these are Indigenous Studies grads. This is difficult research and we could not take on this important work without them.

—Sheldon Krasowski, PhD, Director of Research & Archives, Office of the Treat Commissioner

Where do USask alumni work?

  • Anderson Global Inc.
  • Big River First Nation Education Authority
  • First Nations University of Canada
  • Indigenous Services Canada
  • kâniyâsihk Culture Camps Inc.
  • Mastercard Foundation
  • Poetry In Voice
  • Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre
  • Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
  • Thunderchild First Nation
  • University of Alberta
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • Ya’thi Néné Lands & Resources
  • Yukon University

Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool

"I chose my major after completing 2 years of a 4 year B.A degree, with the intention of pursuing a law degree thereafter. I decided to pursue the Indigenous studies degree as my major, as the Indigenous studies courses taught me a multitude of methods for thinking about problems, which I thought was unique compared to all other social science disciples. Post graduation, these ideas of being able to "think outside the box" have remained with me, and has provided me with the strength to challenge social and political foundations at a fundamental and often systemic level. It has also enriched me with the history of Canada that is often covered up, but should not be forgotten, because it continues to influence where we are today. And yet, more than that, that colonization is a world-wide phenomenon."

—Geoffery, major in indigenous studies, J.D. of Law '27

"My education has given me the tools to combine lived experience with research and use both to support meaningful conversations about change. Being the first in my family to reach this goal was both empowering and emotional for me. It's more than just a plaque on my wall; it symbolizes my perseverance and dedication to improving my life. The knowledge and lived experience I have gained will assist me in working within research, policy, advocacy, and community programs that can ultimately improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. I encourage anyone interested in making a positive change to enroll in the Indigenous Studies program. We are more than just a faculty; we are a family that cares for each other and supports one another in becoming the best versions of ourselves."

—Michael, Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies '25

"The most valuable experiences in my program were those that expanded my worldview and confidence. Studying abroad forced me out of my comfort zone. It boosted my confidence and made more resilient and independent. I expanded my perspective, observed how Indigenous Studies connects internationally, and experienced a different culture. I would say that through my major, I have acquired confidence, discipline, communication, and critical thinking skills. In addition, I have gained greater insight into colonialism and its continuing impacts, which has changed how I think about the world."

—Shanna, fourth-year indigenous studies student