Indigenous Business Studies Major

The Indigenous Business Studies Major offers all Asper School of Business students an opportunity to complement their major with courses or with a second major that many corporate and Indigenous employers value.

In the Indigenous Business Studies Major, business students develop an understanding of the multicultural context of conducting business successfully in Canada and in Manitoba. The focus is on developing management skills that inform students about economic development in partnership with Indigenous peoples. Courses feature Indigenous peoples, culture, organizations, and economy, and will be drawn from the offerings in Native Studies, the Faculty of Arts, and the Asper School of Business.

With millions of dollars flowing from treaty land entitlements, as well as on-going business development, opportunities exist for knowledgeable business partners, colleagues, and employers who understand issues arising in an Indigenous context. Developing management skills among Indigenous peoples is a prerequisite for self-government. The ability of Indigenous society to deal with grinding poverty in their communities will require development of economic bases and skilled leaders as communities build strong economic foundations.

What is unique about this program at the U of M?

The Indigenous Business Studies major is the only major of its kind in Canada. In addition, there are numerous opportunities outside the classroom for students to further develop their interest in Indigenous business issues through the Indigenous Business Education Partners program in Asper. Each year, the Asper School of Business honours one or more Indigenous business leaders at the Excellence in Indigenous Business Leadership Award dinner, giving students even further opportunity to connect with the Indigenous business community.

Interesting Courses

• Exploring Indigenous Perspectives
• Environment, Economy and Indigenous Peoples
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Small Business Finance
• Managing Not-For-Profit Organizations
• New Venture Analysis
• Indigenous Spirituality
• Indigenous Business Leadership
• Indigenous Organizations

Professional Opportunities

Students who obtain an Indigenous Business Studies major to complement any one of the other majors (i.e. Finance, Accounting, Human Resources) will have a competitive advantage when they seek employment at an organization that works with Indigenous communities (such as RBC, Great West Life, Manitoba Hydro, etc.). As the Indigenous population continues to grow in Manitoba, this competitive advantage will set you apart from other candidates. This major is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Student Groups

University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students (UMICS)