Certificate
The Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership is administered by the Faculty of Native Studies and is available to students:
- in undergraduate degree programs across the University, regardless of Faculty or program; or
- as a University credit certificate only (Stand Alone).
This certificate provides students with the necessary understanding and skills to effectively lead, work, or partner with Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, communities, organizations, or governments. The program of study centers on developing knowledge while increasing analytical and applied skills suited to the unique governance issues and opportunities facing Indigenous peoples and their non-Indigenous partners today. The curriculum features theory and practice for negotiations and partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities, including best practices for successful partnership, leadership, government, management, administration, and business growth for First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations, and their non-Indigenous counterparts.
What is the Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership all about?
"The Indigenous Governance and Partnership Certificate offered me a chance to prepare myself to ensure that I will bring an Indigenous perspective to the workforce. The program presented me with a wonderful opportunity to meet Indigenous professionals and Indigenous government workers and to gain a valuable education in the sui generis that is Indigenous governance at every level. I better understand the dynamics and infrastructure of First Nations government, which has helped me prepare to work in Indigenous governments."
Quote from Josh Littlechild, BA Natuve Studies and Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership
Governance Courses
- NS 200: Looking Forward/Looking Back
- NS 201: Looking Forward/Looking Back (online delivery)
- NS 240 Introduction to Indigenous Legal Issues (blended delivery)
- NS 320 Indigenous Politics and Diplomacy (blended delivery)
- NS 330 Indigenous Economic Development (blended delivery)
- NS 340 Indigenous Legal Systems
- NS 345 Governance in Indigenous Nations (blended delivery)
- NS 372 Métis Politics
- NS 403 Selected Topics in Indigenous Studies (Governance Topics Only)
- NS 420 Partnership Strategies (blended delivery)
- NS 430 Indigenous Governance and Partnership Capstone (blended delivery)
- NS 435 Management of Indigenous Natural Resources
- NS 441 Indigenous Land Claims and Agreements
- NS 445 Community Development Processes
- NS 485 Urban Indigenous Issues and Identities
Blended Learning
The Indigenous Governance and Partnership Program received U of A Blended Learning Awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) to enrich the delivery of select Governance courses:
- to enhance student engagement with the course content and overall AGP certificate learning experience, and
- to create a cohesive blended delivery strategy for the AGP certificate, which will have an additional online activities offering for the stand alone certificate.
As our Certificate programming emphasizes both theoretical and applied skill development, we find that the blended learning approach is a pragmatic format that prepares our students for public service, industry, and community work environments.
With pre and post class activities, guided by clear learning objectives, students engage with the material through their respective learning styles and arrive to class prepared to engage, facilitate, and negotiate concepts with their peers, not unlike the professional partnership scenarios our students face after graduating our program - such as asserting policy recommendations, land claim negotiations, and passing laws for community governance structures.
For more information on the University's approach to blended learning, visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning.