Certificate in Arts One - First Nations in Duncan Canada | Vancouver Island University

Discover the rich heritage and diverse viewpoints of Indigenous peoples in Canada through Arts One – First Nations, an interdisciplinary first-year program tailored for students passionate about Indigenous education and the dynamic between First Nations and Western societies.
Participants in Arts One – First Nations can pursue studies across Humanities, Social Sciences, or other fields, combining their Indigenous Studies coursework with humanities and/or social science classes.
Arts One-First Nations offers first-year university students a collaborative, cross-disciplinary learning environment. This program caters to those curious about the convergence of Indigenous and Western traditions within a comprehensive introduction to interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences. Admissions prioritize First Nations students, who make up at least two-thirds of each cohort.

The curriculum examines the historical impacts of encounters between North America's Indigenous peoples and European settlers. Students engage with Indigenous and Western European perspectives on governance, community, and cultural traditions. Key explorations include: How do cultures transform through contact? What roles do myths, rituals, literature, and oral traditions play in shaping understandings of kinship, spirituality, and economic systems?

Arts One-First Nations features a fully unified curriculum delivered by a teaching team predominantly of Indigenous heritage. Instruction primarily occurs in intimate seminar settings, with frequent involvement from Indigenous community leaders and knowledge keepers.

This program delivers a cohesive foundation in Humanities and Social Sciences, accommodating various career paths while being particularly valuable for students not pursuing certain science and engineering disciplines.

Comprehensive support services enhance academic achievement within a culturally affirming environment designed specifically for Indigenous learners.