Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies

Why get a BA in Native Studies?

Native Studies is an exciting area of study that seeks to understand the experiences and lives of Indigenous people and communities past, present, and future – not on their own but in their relationships with those of settler society.

The BA in Native Studies degree combines the insights of many traditional university disciplines, such as anthropology, history, law, and sociology, along with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Graduates of this degree have one of highest employment rates of any faculty!

This degree can also be taken as an Honors program.

Why the Faculty of Native Studies?

We are the only independent Faculty of Native Studies in Canada, with small class sizes and a diverse student population of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

We are student-centered, with a close-knit community of students, professors, and staff. We host regular Tea and Bannock potlucks, an annual tipi raising and take-down, and Games Night with the Dean.

We are research-focused, with opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research projects. Our courses incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge and heritage as well as contemporary Indigenous experiences.

Our Purpose

Motto

Quaecumque vera - “whatsoever things are true.”

The phrase comes from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 8, in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible. In the passage, the writer exhor ts the readers to focus their thoughts on truth and other virtues.

Mission

Within a vibrant and supportive learning environment, the University of Alberta discovers, disseminates and applies new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, community involvement and partnerships. The U of A gives a national and international voice to innovation in our province, taking a lead role in placing Canada at the global forefront.

Vision

To inspire the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community, building one of the world's great universities for the public good.

Research + Innovation

The pursuit of truth drives the work done at the University of Alberta. By asking why, what and how, our researchers push the boundaries of knowledge. Using some of the world’s most advanced research facilities and resources, our researchers have discovered new knowledge in health and life sciences, energy, artificial intelligence and much more.

Student Opportunities

We are home to leading experts in both established and emerging fields including health, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety and security, nanotechnology, the environment and earth’s resources, our past, clean technology, climate change, smart technology, and aerospace to name a few.

Student Groups

More than 425 student groups provide students with opportunities to pursue academic, cultural, recreational and political interests.

Study Abroad

Students can study at partner institutions around the world, including the Worldwide Universities Network, a consortium of 23 top research universities.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Initiative funds undergraduate students to pursue research with $5,000 stipends.

Community Service Learning

Students gain hands-on experiences and draw real-life connections to social issues while giving back to their community.

Employability

U of A graduates rank #2 in Canada for employment rate, the result of multiple programs for internships, job shadowing and career mentoring.

Co-ops + Careers

Integrate your classroom learning with valuable experiences in community with faculty-led co-op and work placement programs.