The student is required to complete a total of 30 credits to fulfill the requirements for the program.  The program will be made up of 6 core courses (6 x 3 credits each) and one Master’s thesis (12 credits).   These courses are mandatory. 

Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice

This course sets the framework for understanding Indigenous research methodologies in relation to Indigenous worldviews, theory and practice.  Critical perspectives on the methods and approaches used in the study of Indigenous peoples are examined as well as the political, economic, cultural and social issues involved in conducting research with Indigenous communities.  (lec 3) cr 3

Indigenous Research Methodologies

This course critically analyzes various methodologies including qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous approaches for relevance to the advancement of Indigenous societies. Relationships among epistemology, ideology and research methods are also examined.

Pre-req: Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice (lec 3 hrs) cr 3

Natural Resources and the Environment from Indigenous Perspectives

This course examines how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people interact with Mother Earth (Shkagamik-Kwe).  The concept of natural resources analyzed from the Anishnaabe/Indigenous understanding as well as Western paradigms.  Case studies are used to examine various issues regarding natural resources, climate change, forest sustainability, management of protected areas and parks, and mining exploitation and environmental healing. An understanding of sharing will be analyzed and understood from the Medicine Wheel, Seven Grand Father and Ancestral teachings.

Pre-req Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice (lecture 3 hrs cr 3); Indigenous Research Methodologies  (lecture 3 hrs cr 3).

Indigenous Relations in Community Contexts

This course examines styles of interaction at the verbal and non-verbal levels as well as analyzing forms of communication that come into play in Indigenous community development and organizational contexts.  Topics include: culturally sensitive communication differences and successful interactions with people from other cultures. An understanding of community relationships will be analyzed and understood from the Medicine Wheel, Seven Grandfather and Ancestral teachings.

Pre-req: Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice (lecture 3 hrs cr 3); Indigenous Research Methodologies (lecture 3 hrs cr 3).

The United Nations and International Indigenous Issues

This course provides an understanding of International Indigenous issues associated with the United Nations and Country policies with respect to Indigenous peoples. Topics include: an examination of Human Rights Conventions; the United Nation system; the role of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations); State Country reporting; and Indigenous actions toward legal, economic, political and International strategies.  The strategies and politics of human rights, Indigenous rights, distinctive juridical customs, International cooperation and the role of foreign assistance programs are also analyzed.

Pre-req: Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice (lecture 3 hrs) cr 3; Indigenous Research Methodologies. (lecture 3 hrs) cr 3

Special Topics in Indigenous Relations

This course entails a project on a special topic in Indigenous community development.  A position paper is conducted with a community in consultation with a faculty supervisor. cr 3

Pre-req: Indigenous Relations and Worldviews – Theory and Practice (lecture 3 hrs cr 3); Indigenous Research Methodologies (lecture 3 hrs cr 3).

Indigenous Relations Master’s Thesis

Under the guidance of a faculty supervisor the student completes a thesis based on a proposal he/she has developed.

Pre-req [All CORE courses of the MIR]   cr 12

The prerequisite for the Thesis is that students must complete all of the Core courses.

Other entry requirements

In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the program, students who are enrolled in other Laurentian Master’s Programs may choose to opt for a Core course from our program and use these credits towards their own course of study if that program approves. 

For example, a student who studies in the Mining Program or the Humanities Master program may choose the Special Topics in Indigenous Relations course or choose from one of the Core courses that are listed. These students will be assessed on a case by case basis as to their eligibility for entry.  

Likewise this program supports those students (if eligible) to select one course based in one of the other Masters’ programs.