This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Indigenous Education

Electives in Indigenous Education

Students sit around a table, engaging in a cedar weaving activity. The room is adorned with Indigenous artwork, creating a focused and collaborative atmosphere.

Open to UVic students in any program, these courses let you explore Indigenous language revitalization, community-based language work and Indigenous education practice. Whether you are building toward a language program, fulfilling a degree requirement or simply following your interest, these courses offer practical skills and grounded knowledge rooted in Indigenous community contexts. 

All courses at the 300 level or higher can count toward an upgrade for teachers subject to TQS review. 

IED 159: Introduction to SENĆOŦEN invites students to begin learning the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples through foundational vocabulary, pronunciation and cultural context, fostering respect for Indigenous languages and their revitalization.

IED 371: The History of Indigenous Education in Canada is a broad overview of the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit education in Canada. Various eras in the history of K-12 Indigenous Education in Canada are examined. Pre-contact forms of Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy are emphasized. The purpose of education from both historical and contemporary Indigenous perspectives are explored as well as the current situation and future directions in both public schools and Indigenous-controlled schools in BC.

IED 372: Indigenous Epistemologies is an exploration of Indigenous knowledge and practices of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Discussion topics include: Indigenous worldviews, frameworks, methodologies and protocols that validate Indigenous ways of being and living, and the appreciation of the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of Indigenous knowledge.

IED 374: Indigenous Pedagogies provides students with an examination of traditional and contemporary approaches to teaching and learning within an Indigenous worldview. Elements include distinctive features of Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy such as learning by observation and doing, learning through enjoyment, teachings of the Elders and the use of humor among others.

IED 375: Understanding Indigenous Language Contexts for Educators explores how stories, places, histories and greetings in the local language of the territory, such as SENĆOŦEN, situate people within their environment and reflect Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing. This understanding of Indigenous language contexts contributes to educators’ awareness of how language shapes worldview and can inform educational practice.

IED 376: Indigenous Literature in the Classroom is an examination of works by Indigenous authors for use in K-12 classrooms. Genres may include poetry, drama, stories, history, fiction, essays and autobiography. An analysis of the roles literature plays in shaping and reflecting Indigenous histories, identities and communities.

IED 377: Indigenous Voices in Video, Audio, Film builds understanding of diverse Indigenous identities, experiences, and worldviews, including lands, languages and cultures through video, audio and film media by Indigenous artists.

IED 378: Educators Working Towards Reconciliation as Allies and Activists is an exploration of relational ways of working meaningfully and appropriately as Indigenous and settler peoples with an emphasis on how to become agents of positive educational and social change guided by the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

IED 379: Indigenous Environmental Activism and Education is an exploration of Indigenous worldviews as a critical means to an ecologically sustainable future. Introduces various schools of environmental thought with a focus on Indigenous relationships with land and examples of impactful action.

IED 473: CENENITEL TW TOLNEW: Helping each other to learn is an introduction to an Indigenous world of learning and teaching through hands-on practical activities integrated with theoretical and academic goals. Experiences in the principles of traditional Indigenous ways of teaching and learning such as mentorship and apprenticeship. Respectful practice, community engagement and personal responsibility help learners develop insight into Indigenous pedagogy while working alongside community knowledge keepers, elders and artists.

IED 476: Foundations of Decolonization is a critical exploration of the relationship between settler and colonial identities in Canada. Students examine and engage settler colonial structures to identify ways to decolonize at individual and institutional levels.

IED 530: Indigenous Research Methods examines Indigenous methodologies, research practices and protocols, including ownership, process and outcomes. It explores culturally respectful, ethical and reciprocal approaches to research.

Note: Only some sections of IED 530 are open to everyone. Every other year, a section of 530 is offered exclusively for students in the Master of Education in Indigenous Revitalization (MILR) program.