Indigenous Nation-Building

The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon is a leading Canadian institution known for its diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research, and commitment to inclusivity. With a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines, the university offers a comprehensive educational experience. Its world-class research facilities and centers contribute to advancements in fields like agriculture, health sciences, and sustainability. The campus provides modern facilities and a vibrant community, promoting inclusivity and Indigenous engagement. Overall, the University of Saskatchewan prepares students for successful careers while fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Jointly offered by the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS), the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nation-Building provides students with an in-depth understanding of the traditional and modern governance approaches Indigenous nations are taking as they assert self-determination and self-governance. The impact of Canadian settler colonialism on Indigenous nationhood and how Indigenous peoples have resisted will also be examined. The program addresses three overarching questions: What is governance from an Indigenous perspective? Why is Canadian society-which includes both settler and Indigenous peoples—in this contemporary situation of settler-colonial inequity? How do students work with Indigenous communities to understand their particular nation and circumstance and assist with moving forward from this contemporary situation of settler-colonial inequity? This certificate program will help you strengthen your knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of policy development and implementation, governance, and self-determination within Indigenous governments and communities. Specifically, you will be encouraged and trained to listen to and learn from a nation's culture, language, history, and the Old Ones, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers/Guardians who guide the community. You will also learn how to facilitate or help implement the specific concepts and approaches to self-determination informed by a nation. The Indigenous Nation-Building certificate is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous leaders and practicing public administrators, policy analysts, and non-profit administrators who wish to enhance their conceptual and technical skills in the fields of public administration or public policy, as related to Indigenous peoples and communities. It also prepares graduate students to be managers, leaders and innovators in First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and other organizations that work with Indigenous governments, with a particular focus on Saskatchewan Indigenous nations and communities. This includes those who wish to increase their skills in the increasingly competitive fields of Indigenous government, Indigenous governance, Indigenous nation-building, and policy and program development related to Indigenous peoples.