The minor in Indigenous Community Justice aims to critically engage students with Indigenous social justice issues and explore the impact of European influence on Indigenous life and cultures. Students will examine the social construction of settler societies that have taken root around the world through imperial and capitalist expansionism. They will be challenged to put the knowledge of culture, history, and social justice—and their theoretical understandings—into practice. Students will study Indigenous mobilization, political organization, self-determination, resurgence, and regeneration of communities and cultures. This Minor also exposes students to the complexity and diversity of Indigenous ways of delivering justice, governance, and community structures. Students will also learn about the large variation of Indigenous methods of achieving justice among the numerous Indigenous communities across Canada. Finally, students will also engage in experiential learning and active engagement with local communities and peoples, as well as with peoples throughout Turtle Island.
The objective of the B.A. Minor in Indigenous Community Justice is two-fold. First, we seek to provide students with a richer awareness and understanding of Indigenous studies, peoples, and communities. Second, we aim to support students in developing critical thinking skills in relations to Indigenous communities, cultural knowledge, and justice issues. This is done in order to 1) enhance opportunities for employment for students in fields in which knowledge of Indigenous issues, peoples, communities, and culture is highly prized (e.g. teaching, policing, geography, economics, Indigenous community organizations, etc.); and 2) provide students access to opportunities for future studies in Indigenous-related graduate programs (e.g. Masters in Indigenous Governance, Masters in Indigenous Studies, Aboriginal law programs, etc.).
Completing a B.A. Major with a Minor in Indigenous Community Justice gives graduates opportunities to deepen understanding and skills in Indigenous ways of knowing and justice. This Minor works in conjunction with other majors including, but not limited to, Criminology, Sociology, and Anthropology. This program has been designed to ensure strong links between learning outcomes and curricular structure, and to allow for both traditional and innovative delivery methods (e.g. face-to-face, experiential learning) and flexible offerings (full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend). Students will be encouraged to critically engage with course material collectively in the classroom and on an individual basis with instructors. Promoting active learning and critical thinking are essential to this program.