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Indigenous Governance

Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood

Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of Indigenous nationhood through our Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood. This program explores the intersections of law, politics and governance while building advanced theoretical, methodological and applied knowledge.

Our certificate can be completed in 1 to 2 years as a stand-alone graduate credential or alongside a PhD program in law or political science.

Through their studies, students:

  • explore Indigenous governance, law and nationhood
  • engage with issues of colonialism, decolonization and resurgence
  • prepare for leadership, research and community-based roles

Program requirements

Our curriculum combines graduate coursework and a capstone experience.

For a full list of courses and degree requirements, see the academic calendar.

Capstone experience

Students complete 1 of 2 capstone options:

  1. Comprehensive examination: available to PhD students enrolled in law or political science.
  2. Community-based project: complete an internship, placement or community initiative.

Both options allow students to integrate and apply the concepts, principles and practices explored throughout the program.

For full details about program requirements, capstone options, supervision and graduation, refer to the IGOV Student Handbook.

Research strengths

Our faculty members are engaged in diverse areas of Indigenous governance research. Students benefit from opportunities to learn, collaborate and contribute to community-engaged research that supports Indigenous communities and nations.

Learn about our faculty members’ research.

Admissions

Applicants are normally expected to have a background in Indigenous governance, politics, law or related experience.

Applicants do not need to identify a supervisor when applying. Students are assigned a temporary supervisor before being matched with a permanent supervisor after 2 terms.

Learn about admissions and how to apply.

Funding

Graduate students may be eligible for:

Learn about graduate student funding

Questions

Have questions about our program? Email the graduate secretary.