Graduate studies

Indigenous governance programming is more important now than ever. Our program's course content is informed by a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions. You’ll study the current political realities of Indigenous communities and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the profound effect that mutually-productive working relationships can have.

The School of Indigenous Governance is recognized worldwide for its accountability and relevance to Indigenous communities. We welcome students from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance

Learn governance and leadership skills within a cohort model in our Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance program.

Indigenous Governance is dedicated to the resurgence and practice of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Central to the program's curriculum is an engagement with gendered perspectives, innovative scholarship and land based curriculum.

During the program, you will complete an internship, a community-centered project or thesis, a written report and an oral defense.

Learn more about the MA in Indigenous Governance.

Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood

Study Indigenous Nationhood to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the intersections of governance, politics and law. You’ll gain advanced theoretical, methodological and applied understandings of Indigenous nationhood. This certificate will give you the skills to become a researcher, scholar and community leader.

You can take this certificate as a stand-alone program or combine it with a graduate degree in Indigenous governance, political science or law.

Learn more about the Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood.

PhD in Indigenous Governance

The PhD offers students the opportunity to map a specialised course of study that provides a breadth of expertise. IGOV PhD projects advance the field of Indigenous Governance and Nationhood through demonstrated abilities in comprehending, creating, and applying theories, conducting original community-engaged research, and communicating their work effectively in multiple modalities appropriate to their intended audience.

Learn more about the PhD in Indigenous Governance

Related UVic programs

We value Indigenous-led campus collaborations that advance shared goals of Indigenous resurgence, self-governance and nationhood to support the heath and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, communities and First Nations.

Programs like Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Nationhood, the JID, Indigenous language revitalization and entrepreneurship, Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies reflect UVic’s deep and longstanding commitment to foster respect and reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities.

Browse the list of UVic programs with Indigenous content.