The UNBC MA program in First Nations Studies establishes the points of view of First Nations people and communities as the starting point for description and analysis, and contextualizes issues from this perspective. Courses will orient students to question underlying assumptions of everyday study. A special emphasis will be placed on creating opportunities for students to learn from and about the First Nations of the north, including courses taught in First Nations communities, internships, and community-based research projects. Each student's program will culminate in completion of either a thesis or major project.
In addition to the high priority on the First Nations of northern British Columbia, offerings will include topics relevant to the First Nations of Canada and indigenous peoples of the world. The two specific streams of study within the program are First Nations Issues and Approaches, emphasizing the development of theory and method for the understanding of contemporary issues, and Northern Nations, which will facilitate students who aim to develop skills, knowledge, and experience in the study of the languages and cultures of northern British Columbia. Links to other graduate programs at UNBC will enrich the options for interdisciplinary work in areas such as Women's Studies, History, Environmental Studies, and Geography, etc.
Note that this program accepts students on a biannual intake. .