Indigenous Studies (PhD)

University of Manitoba

As a PhD student in the Indigenous Studies program, you will develop a higher degree of specialization and advanced training in research.Our program reflects interdisciplinary approaches to research and scholarship that have been developed by Indigenous Studies over the years in its curriculum overall. These include an emphasis on Indigenous scholarship, Indigenous epistemologies, a strong ethical commitment to Indigenous rural and urban communities, and a high regard for peer review processes.Program detailsThe Department of Indigenous Studies offers programs of study leading to a PhD in Indigenous Studies.In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must complete12 credit hours of coursework at the 7000 level, includingINDG 7230 Methodology and Research Issues in Indigenous Studies (3 Ch)INDG 7280 Indigenous Studies Colloquia (3 Ch)Plus 6 credit hours in an Indigenous language if this requirement has not already been satisfiedA residence requirement of at least one academic year devoted to full-time study at the University of ManitobaA candidacy examPreparation and successful defense of the thesisAreas of specialization include Metis studies, Cultural-specific Indigenous areas, Indigenous economies and political organizations, Indigenous languages, Indigenous aesthetics and Northern Indigenous issues.More about specializationsMetis studies with three Metis scholars in the department, several students have focused on historic and contemporary Metis issues, literatures, art and politics. No other University program in Canada provides this breadth or level of support for work in these areas.Cultural-specific Indigenous areas Six scholars in our department offer examinations and explorations in various aspects of Inuit studies, Cree studies, Ojibway studies and Inuit studies.Indigenous economies and political organizations with two scholars focusing specifically on Indigenous businesses and political organizations in their research areas, this remains one of the strengths of our department particularly in focusing on developing contemporary models of community resistance and resilience based on Indigenous principles of economic and political livelihood. This also includes traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous politics and economics, the application of colonial law and politics in the history of Indigenous communities and Indigenous resistance and political movements throughout time.Indigenous Languages including regular courses in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. While the department does not have a full-time language professor, a departmental commitment has been made to offer Indigenous languages every year.Indigenous aesthetics three scholars in the department focus on Indigenous creative and critical expressions found in literature, art, film, beadwork and performance art.Northern Indigenous issues our department has created innovative opportunities for work in remote northern communities, with two scholars who have studied various aspects of culture, politics, entrepreneurship and history in a northern context.