Career Compass: Indigenous Studies

As an Indigenous studies student in the Faculty of Arts, you will examine the history, art, literature and the philosophical and religious traditions of Canada's Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) inhabitants. The Department of Indigenous Studies has many opportunities for you to explore with three main areas of study:

1. Indigenous Studies: examines the political, historical and societal processes that affect the Indigenous peoples in Canada.
2. Indigenous Languages: studies the traditional indigenous languages Cree and Ojibway.
3. Indigenous Governance: an interdisciplinary program focusing on the study of traditional knowledge, political governance and Indigenous business and economics.

Skills you will gain by studying INDIGENOUS STUDIES

• A knowledge of Indigenous history and culture with an understanding of unique worldviews
• The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to issues that affect relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General Major and Advanced Major: INDG 1200 or INDG 1220 and INDG 1240

General Major, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) Language Focus (Option 2): INDG 1200 or INDG 1220 and INDG 1240 plus language courses, INDG 1270, INDG 1280 

General Major, Cree Language Focus (Option 3): INDG 1200 or INDG 1220 and INDG 1240 plus language courses, INDG 1250, INDG 1260

Advanced Major - Indigenous Governance Stream: INDG 1200 or INDG 1220 and INDG 1240 plus ECON 1010 or ECON 1210 or ECON 1220 - students must also complete a minor in business. See the academic calendar for required courses. 

To do this year:

1. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your program.
2. Check out the Financial Aid and Awards Office to search for funding sources to help finance your education.
3. Visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Indigenous Students' Association and Métis University Students' Association.
2. Volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or at cultural events in Indigenous communities.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or FSWEP.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik and the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre. Check out the Indigenous Studies Facebook page for ongoing posts about cultural events on campus and across Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General and Advanced Majors: 6 credit hours of Indigenous Language courses offered by Indigenous Studies plus INDG 2530

General Major, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) Language Focus (Option 2): INDG 2272, INDG 2274 plus INDG 2530

General Major, Cree Language Focus (Option 3): INDG 2252 and INDG 2254 plus INDG 2530

Advanced Major, Indigenous Governance Stream: INDG 2110, POLS 2702, POLS 2802, STAT 1000 

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or-4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Attend the Indigenous Studies Colloquium series to network with Indigenous leaders and scholars in the community..
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Katimavik, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata and Thunderbird House.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider a Travel Study program, Leaf Rapids Service-Learning Experience or Parks Canada Parks Life Program.

Staying local? Take a summer community-based program in the Department of Indigenous Studies to live and work in a First Nation, Inuit or Métis Community. Practice your use of Indigenous languages with elders and other community members.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

General Major: 9 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 2000 level plus 6 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 3000 level.

Advanced: 12 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 2000 level plus 12 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 3000 level.

General Major, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) Language Focus (Option 2): INDG 3180, INDG 3190 plus 3 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 3000 level.

General Major, Cree Language Focus (Option 3): INDG 3224, INDG 3300 plus 3 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 3000 level. 

Advanced Major, Indigenous Governance Stream: refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program 

To do this year: Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Canada Revenue Agency, Career Trek, City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Hydro.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Indigenous Link, Amik or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Check out Indigenous Connect to learn about Indigenous events on campus such as the Full Moon Ceremonies and Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

Advanced Major: INDG 4230 or INDG 4290 plus 6 credit hours in Indigenous Studies at the 4000 level.

Advanced Major, Indigenous Governance Stream: refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program 

To do this year:

1. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Manitoba Diversity Internship or Career Gateway Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) which offers free employment services to Indigenous people to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Community Liaison Officer
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Correctional Service Officer
• Employment Counsellor
• First Nations Housing Consultant
• Indigenous Community Food Facilitator
• Indigenous Community Projects & Initiatives Coordinator
• Indigenous Tax Officer
• Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer
• Juvenile Counsellor
• Legal Researcher
• Literacy Instructor
• Outreach Worker
• Student Funding Officer
• Student Support Liaison
• Police Constable/RCMP Officer
• Policy Analyst
• Traditional Community Support Worker
• Youth Worker

Options requiring other education

• Cultural Anthropologist
• Economic Development Manager
• Food Security Program Officer
• Human Resource Manager
• Indigenous Children's Advocate
• Lawyer
• Public Relations Manager
• Social Worker
• Spiritual/Cultural Care Provider
• Teacher
• University Professor

Industries like business, communications, education, government, justice, politics and public health would value an Indigenous studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital Technology
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.