About

This certificate program is designed for students who have an interest in developing a deeper understanding of Indigenous political relationships. It cultivates an understanding and appreciation of the unique socio-political position of Indigenous peoples in Canada as this relates to historical and contemporary issues in governance and politics.


Quick facts
  • Two year certificate
  • Full or part-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

You will study various levels of government that affect Indigenous groups as well as ongoing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. You will examine the Federal system of government and its effects on Indigenous identity, community programs and local autonomy. You will acquire specialized knowledge about Indigenous governance and political issues in and beyond Canada.

POLS 221: Global Indigenous Politics

What does it mean to be Indigenous? In what ways are Indigenous politics similar and different in the Global North and Global South? Which political issues dominant the landscape of contemporary Global Indigenous politics? While the course examines contemporary Indigenous politics in Canada, it privileges a more global and comparative perspective to explore the connections between the Global South (e.g. Africa, Asia, Latin America) and Global North (e.g. Australia, Europe, United States). More specifically, the course is organized around key sections which consider the following: the contentious politics of defining Indigeneity, the diverse historical experiences of Indigenous peoples, the politics around land and natural resources, and global challenges around Indigenous peoples' struggles in the areas of cultural survival and human rights. The course concludes by using a case study approach to consider the above issues in greater detail in select political contexts across Africa, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

POLS 222.3: Indigenous Governance and Politics

An analysis of existing and emerging systems of Indigenous governance and politics at the local, regional, provincial and national levels in Canada.

POLS 422.3: First Nations Governance

Examines First Nations governance strategies in Canada, with particular attention to First Nations in Saskatchewan. Attention is devoted to cultural, economic, and political development within First Nations communities. It is designed to provide students with an academic basis for analyzing existing governance development strategies in First Nations communities.


The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Careers

The Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Politics will prepare you for careers in:

  • Political and leadership roles in your community
  • Management and administration within your own community
  • Policy evaluation and development
  • Leadership and organizational roles in local, provincial and national government
  • Social justice and equity work in non-governmental organizations

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $717.00 per 3 credit unit class $3,011.40 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees $1,089 per year $1,089 per year

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program options

Students hanging out in the Bowl in front of the Peter MacKinnon Building

The Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Politics is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.

If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
Aug 15, 2024
Documents due: Aug 15, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

To apply to this program as a new student, please apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science and after you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

Questions?

If you are interested in more information about Indigenous Governance and Politics or how to receive credit for the certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca