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Beginning this fall, Queen’s students will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts general degree plan in Indigenous Studies through the Faculty of Arts and Science.

“I am pleased to announce the Indigenous Studies degree plan. This new concentration will give both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indigenous history and culture, to ensure that future leaders and policymakers have a solid foundation in the histories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples,” says Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic).

The plan in Indigenous Studies will be interdisciplinary, and can be completed either as a minor in combination with any major offered in the Faculty of Arts and Science or as a stand-alone general area of study in a three-year degree.

“The Faculty of Arts and Science is strongly committed to building Indigenous Studies as a flagship interdisciplinary field of study, and this degree plan, along with the current search for a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies, are exciting strategic initiatives,” says Gordon Smith, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science.

The plan will be administered through the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and was developed in close consultation with the Queen’s University Aboriginal Council, the Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre (FDASC) and the Aboriginal Council Working Group on Indigenous Curriculum, Knowledge and Research.

“Queen’s sits on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples and this degree plan will have a strong focus on connections with these local Indigenous populations, who have a wealth of knowledge to share,” says Janice Hill, Director, FDASC. “At Four Directions, we are closely tied to these communities and through events and guest speakers, students will gain first-hand understanding of their cultures.”

The approval of the Indigenous Studies degree plan follows news of increased Aboriginal enrolment at Queen’s. For the 2013-14 academic year, the university saw a 6 per cent increase in applications from self-identified Aboriginal students over the previous year, along with a 28 per cent increase in offers and a 48 per cent increase in acceptances.

Queen’s is in the process of selecting a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Indigenous Studies. The three finalists will present public lectures June 18, 25 and 26 in Watson Hall, room 517, 10:30 am.

FDASC has several events planned in June to celebrate Aboriginal History Month, including drumming and singing, and a strawberry social.