COURSE CURRICULUM

Indigenous Studies program at Laurier, students gain a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues, starting with foundational first-year courses such as Indigenous Peoples and Media and Introduction to Indigenous Studies. These courses provide a broad introduction to Indigenous perspectives, communication, and representation, helping students contextualize historical and modern experiences. First-year electives, including Fundamentals of Human Rights and Youth and Children Through the Ages, allow students to explore the intersections of Indigenous issues with human rights, social justice, and generational perspectives. As students progress into upper-year courses, they engage with more specialized topics such as Decolonizing North America, which examines historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, Indigenous Forms of Justice, highlighting traditional and contemporary legal frameworks, and Indigenous Issues and Anthropology, which investigates cultural practices, knowledge systems, and community dynamics. The program emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and cultural competency, preparing students to apply their knowledge in professional and community contexts. Graduates leave with the skills to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, advocate for policy and social change, and contribute meaningfully in careers across education, government, law, social services, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum blends theory, research, and applied practice to foster ethical leadership and intercultural awareness.