About
The Certificate in the Study of Indigenous Storytelling is an interdisciplinary certificate that recognizes expertise in the study of oral and written forms of Indigenous storytelling in Canada, as well as culturally-specific knowledge systems inherent in storytelling.
- 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 Indigenous storytelling and literatures from various cultural and disciplinary perspectives. You will also learn about:
- the history and continuing traditions of Indigenous storytelling through specific cultural examples
- the systems of knowledge that are inherent in storytelling with an understanding of protocols
- ways that traditions have been adapted to tell new stories for delivery in new media (stories, poems, plays, books, film etc.)
- the profound impact of different ways that stories have been told and recorded
While this is not a certificate in how to be a storyteller, you may be able to explore pathways toward telling your own stories.
ENG 242.3: Indigenous Storytelling of the Prairies
A study of the Indigenous storytelling traditions in the prairie region, including oral traditions and written literature.
DRAM 231.3: Introduction to Indigenous Playwriting
The purpose of this course is to learn the basics of dramatic writing, with a focus on writing for the stage. The course is intended for students with little to no previous University-level writing experience, but who have an intense interest in theatre. The specific dramaturgical approach employed in the course focuses on the actor/character relationship to text, where the actor is always the first audience of any script. In that the actor is ultimately responsible for interpreting the text (through performance to the audience), it is the playwright's goal to create a script that both challenges and engages the actor. The craft of writing plays is explored through exercises and class discussion, and the course focuses on First Nations and Métis cultural concerns.
INDG 270.6: Literature of Native North America
Surveys literature (folklore, biography, drama, poetry and novels) about and by the Indigenous Peoples of North America. A multifaceted approach (aesthetic, linguistic, historical, and cultural) will be employed in examining this literature.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Teaching and research at USask are well grounded in the priorities and knowledge of Saskatchewan's Aboriginal communities, all the while placing them within the larger fabric of the Canadian Aboriginal experience and the emergent global, social phenomenon of indigeneity.
The College of Arts and Science provides support and promotes success for Indigenous students through the Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) program, which welcomes First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to the College through academically-grounded programming to build confidence, knowledge and skills, while connecting students to one another and to our campus community.
Careers
You will gain expertise and acquire an additional credential in the study of Indigenous literature and storytelling, which will show prospective employers and other academic programs such as graduate school, that you bring interdisciplinary and cultural perspectives to your work. This additional credential will also be advantageous for those seeking careers in:
- Education
- Community liaison work
- Policy advising
- Aboriginal issues coordination
- Youth work
- Corrections
- Journalism and communications
- Mediation
- Employment counselling
- Economic development
- Advocacy
- Government and politics
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 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 (2024-2025 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
The Certificate in the Study of Indigenous Storytelling is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, while pursing a degree, or after graduating university.
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
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca