School of Indigenous Governance

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Hokulani K. Aikau, Kelly Aguirre and Gina Starblanket.

Making space for Indigenous feminism

What does it mean to make space for Indigenous feminism? School of Indigenous Governance Associate Professor Gina Starblanket explores this question as editor of the third edition of the seminal series Making Space for Indigenous Feminism.

Making space for Indigenous feminism

IGOV grad pushes for inclusive future in academia

Michael Chutskoff embraces multiple identities. They dream of a future where people like them—an Indigenous, queer, neurodivergent and two-spirit person—can flourish in academia.

IGOV grad pushes for inclusive future

IGOV students honour Songhees tradition

Indigenous Governance (IGOV) students started off their term in a good way, arriving by canoe at the Songhees Nation and asking for permission to live, study and work in their territory.

IGOV students honour Songhees tradition

Locally Responsive, Indigenous Centered, Globally Recognized


Our vision


The School of Indigenous Governance is Canada’s leading school for the advancement of Indigenous knowledges, creativity, and activism. Our graduate programs support the training and education of future Indigenous leaders through innovative models of governance and nationhood that draw inspiration from Indigenous ways of knowing and learning, community-based research practices, and intersectional, critical, and Indigenous feminist approaches.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance

Fall Term (2026) – Applications open: Sept 1, 2025 | Application deadline: Jan 15, 2026

PhD in Indigenous Governance

Fall Term (2026) – Applications open: Sept 1, 2025 | Application deadline: Jan 15, 2026

Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood

Spring Term (2026) – Applications open: Jan 1, 2025 | Application deadline: Oct 31, 2025

Fall Term (2026) – Applications open: Sept 1, 2025 | Application deadline: May 15, 2026

 

We acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.