Indigenous Studies
What Is Indigenous Studies?
Indigenous Studies is a multidisciplinary program that centres Indigenous knowledge systems, histories, and worldviews. At McMaster, the program emphasizes community-based learning, land-based education, and Indigenous-led scholarship.
Students explore topics such as sovereignty, governance, health, language, and cultural resurgence – guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous faculty. The department fosters respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and prepares students to contribute to reconciliation, policy, education, and advocacy.
What Might You Study?
Courses in Indigenous Studies integrate academic scholarship with Indigenous ways of knowing:
Indigenous Governance & Sovereignty
Self-determination, treaties, and policy
Health & Wellness
Traditional medicine, mental health, and community care
Language & Culture
Revitalization, oral traditions, and storytelling
Colonial Histories & Resistance
Residential schools, land claims, and activism
Environmental Knowledge
Land-based learning, sustainability, and Indigenous science
Program Options
Program Type |
Description |
| Indigenous Studies (BA) |
A flexible 3-year program focused on Indigenous knowledge, history, and community-based learning |
| Honours BA in Indigenous Studies | Focused on Indigenous knowledge, governance, and cultural resurgence |
| Combined Honours BA | Pair Indigenous Studies with another discripline (e.g., Sociology, Political Science) |
| Minor in Indigenous Studies | Add Indigenous perspectives to any major |
| MA in Indigenous Studies | Interdisciplinary graduate program with research and community-based options |
| Graduate Research Options | Major Research Paper (MRP) or Community-Based Research Project (CRP) |
| 2+2 Indigenous Studies Pathway (Mohawk & Lambton Colleges) |
Complete two years at college and transfer into McMaster’s Indigenous Studies program to earn your Honours BA |
| University Consortium Year 1 Program (Six Nations Polytechnic) | Start your university journey in the Six Nations community and transfer into Year 2 of a BA program at McMaster |
* Courses range from topics like Theories in Critical Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Indigenous Health and Healing, and Reconciliation and Indigenous-Settler Relations
Unique Opportunities
Indigenous Studies students engage in experiential learning, community partnerships, and land-based education – guided by Indigenous scholars and Knowledge Keepers.
Facilities & Centres
While not lab-based, the department offers dedicated Indigenous spaces and research hubs:
- Indigenous Student Supports: Connects Indigenous students to wellness, peer, and cultural supports
- McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI): Supports Indigenous-led research across disciplines
- Indigenous Knowledge Centre (Six Nations): Houses sacred texts and artifacts in partnership with Six Nations Polytechnic
- Indigenous Health Learning Lodge: Supports Indigenous health education, leadership, and cultural safety
- Feast Centre: Advances Indigenous STBBI research through community-led scholarship and training
Students learn through storytelling, ceremony, and community-engaged research.
Experiential Learning & Internships
Students gain hands-on experience through placements, research, and community collaboration:
Key highlights:
- Land-based learning courses and workshops
- Experiential Learning Course (INDIGST 704) for graduate students
- Elder-in-Residence Program for cultural mentorship
- Graduate students choose between a Major Research Paper or Community-Based Research Project
- Opportunities to work with Indigenous organizations and local communities
These experiences foster deep engagement with Indigenous knowledge and prepare students for careers in education, policy, advocacy, and community development.
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
While rooted in local Indigenous contexts, students can explore global Indigenous issues and cross-cultural learning:
Key highlights:
- Courses on Indigenous peoples worldwide and global Indigenous movements
- Opportunities to attend conferences and symposia on Indigenous research
- Partnerships with Indigenous scholars and institutions across Canada
- Funding support through fellowships and bursaries for research and travel
These experiences help students connect Indigenous knowledge to global conversations on justice, sustainability, and cultural survival.
Student Life & Community
Indigenous Studies offers a vibrant and inclusive community for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike:
Key highlights:
- Students are able to join programs such as Indiginerds, Ohneganos, and Indigenous Health Research Development Program (IHRDP)
- Indigenous Students Services: Supports Indigenous learners through advising, events, and community spaces
- Cooperative of Indigenous Students Studies & Alumni: Promotes Indigenous culture, community, and student advocacy at McMaster
- McMaster’s Indigenous Education Council: Guides Indigenous education strategy and supports inclusion at McMaster
Students are encouraged to build relationships, reflect on identity, and contribute to Indigenous resurgence and reconciliation.