Native Studies

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Offered in English
(some courses available in French)

 

Faculty
Chair and assistant professor
N. Kanhai	B.A. (Pol. Sc.), B.A. (Native Studies) (Laurentian), M.Ed. (Toronto)
Associate professor
R. Spielmann	Ph.D. (U.B.C.)
Assistant professors
M.-A. Corbiere	B.Sc. (York), M.B.A.(Laurentian), PhD. (Toronto)
E. Faries	B.A. (Laurentian), B.Ed.(Nipissing), M.Ed., Ed.D. (Toronto)
K. Fitzmaurice	B. Com. (Ottawa), B.A. (Queens), M.A. (Trent), PhD. (Trent)
D. Manitowabi	B.A. (Laurentian), M.A. (McMaster), PhD. (Toronto)

The University of Sudbury’s Department of Native Studies promotes an understanding of Aboriginal peoples, their traditions, aspirations and participation in local, national and international communities. Key areas of study include: culture/spirituality, politics, social justice and language. The entire program is grounded in the study of “the spirit of things,” as opposed to empirical or entrepreneurial approaches.

 

 

Native Studies currently provides core courses and program support for: Native Human Services (Social Work), Law & Justice and Political Science. In addition, the Department is actively engaged in developing new academic partnerships, both on and off-campus, with other Departments. Numerous courses are available via correspondence and, of these, many are also available in French.

The program is inclusive of Native and non-Native, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives in its pedagogical approach.



Admission requirements
Go to the Laurentian University website at www.laurentian.ca, scroll to the top of page and look at the drop down list
under Quick Links, go to Admissions.

PROGRAMMES
Bachelor of Arts (general) in Native Studies (3-year)	Single concentration 36 NATI credits required NATI 1105 NATI 2005 NATI 2285 NATI 3215 + 6 credits from: NATI 1016* NATI 1017* NATI 1025* NATI 2035* NATI 2516* NATI 2517* NATI 3025 NATI 3316 NATI 3516 NATI 3517 NATI 4105 + NATI electives (6 cr) + other electives** (54 cr) * NATI 1016, 1017, 2516 & 2517 not available to students fluent in Ojibwe; NATI 1025 & 2035 not available to students fluent in Cree. ** At least 6 credits may be taken from courses in the 3000 or 4000 series; see general regulations in “What’s offered at Laurentian?” Combined concentration 30 credits required in each discipline NATI 1105 NATI 2005 NATI 2285 NATI 3215 + 6 credits from: NATI 1016* NATI 1017* NATI 1025* NATI 2035* NATI 2516* NATI 2517* NATI 3025 NATI 3316 NATI 3516 NATI 3517 NATI 4105 + 2nd concentration courses (30 cr) + electives (30 cr) * NATI 1016, 1017, 2516 & 2517 not available to students fluent in Ojibwe; NATI 1025 & 2035 not available to students fluent in Cree. Students may also choose from the following courses with permission from the department if they have maintained an average of at least 70% in the courses required for the Native Studies concentration. NATI 4055 NATI 4405 NATI 4586 NATI 4587 NATI 4955
Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies (4-year)	Single specialization 66 NATI credits required NATI 1105 NATI 2005 NATI 2285 NATI 3215 + 4000-series NATI courses: NATI lecture/seminar courses (6 cr) NATI research courses (6 cr) + 6 credits from: NATI 1016* NATI 1017* NATI 1025* NATI 2035* NATI 2516* NATI 2517* NATI 3025 NATI 3316 NATI 3516 NATI 3517 + other NATI courses (24 cr) + electives (54 cr) * NATI 1016, 1017, 2516 & 2517 not available to students fluent in Ojibwe; NATI 1025 & 2035 not available to students fluent in Cree. NATI 4105 (Algonquian Language Structures) may be applied to either language streams. Note: The selection of Native Studies courses should lead to a specialization in a particular area of the discipline. Combined specialization 42 NATI credits required NATI 1105 NATI 2285 NATI 3215 NATI 4655 or 4955 + language courses* (min. 12 cr) + 4000-series courses (6 cr) + 2nd specialization courses (42 cr) + electives** (36 cr) * At least 6 credits must be in either the Nishnaabemwin or Cree language; the other 6 credits must be from an upper-level Native language course or NATI 2005. ** See general regulations for the B.A. in “What’s offered at Laurentian?” Lecture/seminar courses NATI 4055 NATI 4105 NATI 4405 NATI 4586 NATI 4587 Research courses NATI 4655 NATI 4955
Honours Diploma in Native Studies	Students with a 3-year B.A. (or equiv.) and a min. 70% in all required courses are eligible to enroll in the Honours Diploma. Students must complete a min. 30 credits with an overall average of at least 70%. The department establishes the program on an individual basis to ensure that the program of study is equivalent to the 4-year B.A. in Native Studies.
Aboriginal Legal Education Certificate	PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The purpose of the program is two-fold: 1. to expose students to the type of work they would encounter in law school and to give them an opportunity to develop the skills necessary for succeeding in law school. 2. to provide students with an educational experience which covers the fundamentals of the law and explores issues relevant to aboriginal peoples. Through this exposure, students will be able to make an informed choice concerning further studies in law or employment. In order to prepare students for the challenges of law school and cultural specific barriers, or to work in First Nations government or administration, the program shall integrate academic skills, theoretical and practical learning provide the student with experience in a variety of learning approaches provide an understanding of aboriginal history and the aboriginal people’s position in the Canadian legal framework; and emphasize critical thinking, analysis and skills development promote self-evaluation and the need for maintaining or improving competence To qualify for the 30-credit certificate, the student must complete the following courses: NATI 3105 NATI 3116 NATI 3117 NATI 3605 JURI 1105 JURI 2106 JURI 2107
Language Learning Resources	Ojibwe/Odawa (Nishnaabemwin) Correspondence course manuals are available for Introduction to Ojibwe Intermediate Ojibwe Advanced Ojibwe Each manual comes with one or more audiocassettes. The manuals are used as the texts for the correspondence and on-campus courses. The dialect taught is that spoken at Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island. A CD-ROM is also available called Foundations of Nishnaabemwin: Stepping Stones to Conversational Fluency in Ojibwe. This also services to introduce learners to Ojibwe;it includes more interative exercises of various types and many more sample dialogues, and it provides a more comprehensive coverage of introductory Ojibwe. Cree Correspondence course manuals are available for: Introduction to Cree Intermediate Cree Each manual comes with one or more audiocassettes. The dialect taught is that spoken at Moose Factory on the west coast of James Bay.
Native Studies Students Association	The Native Studies Students Association provides a forum for Native and non-Native interaction through its social activities. The Association endeavours to support and participate in Native spiritual and political activities. The participation of the University and greater Sudbury communities is encouraged.
CD-ROM on Foundations of Nishnaabemwin (A capsule description)	Goals and Objectives This CD-ROM gives a comprehensive introduction to the Nishnaabemwin language that focuses on building communicative competence, for learners with no previous knowledge of the language. Learners will: be able to understand and to compose basic sentences in Nishnaabemwin; be able to read materials in Nishnaabemwin written in the Lakehead orthography; apply the language to everyday family and community contexts including social and cultural events; use principles governing tense, person and clause types that will assist them in subsequent studies in higher level studies of Nishnaabemwin. Content The course has 13 in-depth lessons that teach the learner how to compose basic sentences, beginning with simple one-word sentences referring to third persons and working up to two-clause sentences that include conditional clauses beginning with if. This makes it equivalent to the full year (6 credit) course on Introduction to Ojibwe at Laurentian University, in terms of its coverage of the subject. All seven animate subjects (he/she, I , to, they) are covered, as well as it and they (inanimate). Learners are also shown how to incorporate both singular and plural nouns, adverbial ideas as well as negatives into sentences. Each lesson provides thorough explanations of patterns used, many examples in text and on audio, and activities to build aural comprehension, pronunciation and composition skills. A separate section in each lesson presents sample dialogues in the context of three to four scenarios that enable the learner to hear possible uses of the seven scenes. The lines are tailored to illustrate primarily those patterns explained in the lesson. Throughout, we strive for athenticity and cultural relevance in things said and topics discussed. A manual accompanies the CD-ROM. This consists mainly of a workbook with the written self-tests for further practice while the learner is away from a computer. As well, it guides the user on the system requirements for using the CD-ROM. This CD-ROM and workbook may be used independently without the guidance of an instructor. It may also be used as an additional resource by those taking a live course. If you would like more information on how to order your copy of this CD-ROM, simply e-mail us at : mrecollet@usudbury.ca

 

Courses coded (10) are also available by correspondence.

NATI 1016 Introductory Nishnaabemwin A
Intended for students with no previous knowledge of Nishnaabemwin (also called Ojibwe), this course introduces skills
and concepts essential for beginning to communicate in the language, both orally and in writing. Upon completing the course,
students will be able to comment on and describe persons and events, as well as to indicate the relative time of activities
and events - present, past, or future. Topics of discussion will vary. (lec. 3, lab 1) cr 3. Students cannot retain credit
for both NATI 1016 and NATI 1015.

NATI 1017 Introductory Nishnaabemwin B
This course builds on the skills acquired in NATI 1016, and introduces students to concepts essential for expressing
thoughts that involve objects, not simply subjects. Third person objects will be the focus of the course. Students will be
able to communicate about a wide variety of topics. Prerequisite: NATI 1016. (lec 3, lab 1) cr 3. Students cannot retain
credit for both NATI 1017 and NATI 2515.

NATI 1025 E - Introduction to Cree
An introduction to the basic elements of Cree language structure. Emphasis is placed on learning to speak and comprehend
the language in naturally occurring interactions. Extensive oral practice is involved and different writing systems are
briefly explored. Students may not retain credit for both NATI 1025 & 2025. (lec 2, lab 1) cr 6

NATI 1105 E - The Original People of North America
Explores the cultures and histories of the First Nations of North America. Special attention is given to the study of how
Native people view their own relationships with this land, with each other and with other groups who came to live here.
Accordingly, the elaboration of deeply rooted Native forms of learning, along with written literature by and about Native
people, is brought to the service of the study. The aim is to combine the examination of Native views of this land’s past,
present and future with other perspectives which can enhance understanding of the Aboriginal dimension of North American
experience. (lec 3) cr 6

ÉTAM 1106 F(10) - Les Premières Nations de l’Amérique du Nord : Perspective euro-américaine
Les Européens et, par la suite, les Euro-Américains, considéraient l’Amérique un territoire vierge, mais cette pensée
devait se heurter à la vérité que ce continent était habité par plusieurs millions de personnes. S’ensuit un mode
d’organisation sociale qui doit répondre à deux impératifs distincts, mais intimement liésÊ : l’organisation des
rapports entre les personnes elles-mêmes, et entre les personnes et leur milieu. On accorde une attention particulière
aux comportements anthropologiques, historiques et culturels des groupes amérindiens de la région des Grands Lacs.
On ne peut obtenir de crédits à la fois pour NATI 1105 et ÉTAM 1106. (cr 3)

ÉTAM 1107 F(10) - Les Premières Nations de l’Amérique du Nord : Perspective amérindienne
Ce cours est conçu de façon à favoriser une meilleure compréhension de la vision amérindienne du monde : la perception,
la spiritualité, les mythes et la genèse. Les questions de langues, de cultures et d’identité sont abordées, suivi du
contact avec les Européens et le changement. Le cours traite également de l’impact des lois et des politiques
gouvernementales sur les peuples autochtones. On ne peut obtenir de crédits à la fois pour NATI 1105 et ÉTAM 1107. (cr 3)

NATI 2005 E - Aboriginal Languages in the Contemporary Context
Examines the roots and current state of Aboriginal languages spoken in Canada and throughout North America. Topics include:
the significance of language to Native philosophy, culture and society; the geo-graphic, cultural and linguistic groupings
of Aboriginal languages in North America; the role of Aboriginal languages in education, in their written forms and in
various forms of print and contemporary expression; the pursuit of Aboriginal language renewal and enrichment. (lec 2, sem 1) cr

NATI 2035 E - Intermediate Cree
Designed to further develop the student’s ability to speak Cree. Vocabulary is expanded and more complex grammatical
structures are introduced so that the student can begin to interact with greater competence in broader contexts: social
gatherings, storytelling, community meetings, and so on. The oral approach remains central to the course.
PREREQ: NATI 1025 or equiv. (lec 2, lab 1) cr 6

NATI 2105 E - Culture, Behaviour and the Identity of the Native Person
Introduces students to the cultural identity of the Original People of North America: their traditional values,
culture-based behavioural patterns and the effects of changing times and relations. The course covers such topics
as traditional Native values, the Native personality and developmental stages, the Native perspective, and the modification,
adaptation, conflict or persistence of aboriginal behaviour in the midst of social and relational change.
(lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

NATI 2205 E - The Aboriginal People: Family and Community
Examines the dynamics of Native family and community life. The course covers the traditional patterns of family
relations and community living, the social and cultural structures of Native society, and the inner dynamics of
Native community life. Attention is given to the effects of social change and the behavioural, cultural and institutional
problems, needs and culturally appropriate responses to the present Native family and community situations. (lec 2, sem 1)
cr 6

nati2216 e - native women:perspectives and issues

(details coming fall 2008)

ÉTAM 2276 F(10) - Légendes et traditions orales amérindiennes
Définitions, origines, caractéristiques et évolution de la tradition orale, des contes, des légendes, et des mythes.
À partir d’un choix de textes, l’étudiant effectue des analyses thématiques, linguistiques et culturelles du répertoire
traditionnel. Il examine la variation et la permanence de cette littérature orale, tout en appliquant la méthode comparative
aux textes appartenant à la littérature orale du Canada français. Équivalent au cours FOLK 2276. cr 3

NATI 2285 E - North American Native People: Tradition and Culture
A discussion of basic Native spiritual insights and the traditions and cultural expressions developing therefrom.
The contemporary revival of these and their relevance to the present day is emphasized. Cross-listed as RLST 2285.
(lec 3) cr 6

ÉTAM 2286 F - La religion des Amérindiens du Canada
Une introduction aux fondements philoso-phiques et religieux : perception du monde (les Ojibwés, le chaman, et le
fripon divin), la signification du cercle, le rapport entre l’humanité et la nature, et le concept de l’âme.
On examine aussi comment la transmission orale et la connaissance du sacré jouent un role essentiel dans la vie
des amérindiens et dans leur volonté de maintenir leurs modes de vie. On ne peut obtenir de crédits à la fois
pour NATI 2285 et ÉTAM 2286. Équivalent au cours SREL 2286. cr 3

ÉTAM 2287 F - Coutumes amérindiennes: le cycle de la vie
Les questions du sentier de la vie et des quatre collines de la vie sont abordées. Le cours comprend aussi l’étude
du cycle de la vie, de la naissance à la mort, tel qu’il est envisagé par les familles et les collectivités amérindiennes.
Les coutumes liées à la vie de l’individu sont soulignées par plusieurs rites de passage : naissance, attribution d’un nom,
enfance, adolescence, vie adulte et vieillesse. Les rites d’initiation et de purification sont aussi importants.
On ne peut obtenir de crédits à la fois pour NATI 2285 et ÉTAM 2287. Équivalent au cours FOLK 2287. cr 3

NATI 2305 E – Contemporary Native Issues
An exploration of those issues which currently most significantly affect the destiny of Native societies in Canada
and beyond. The movement of First Nations people towards greater self-determination is considered under topics such
as Indian, Inuit and Métis government, land claims, constitutional evolution, international law, education, the prison
system, health care and the social welfare system. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

ÉTAM 2337 F - Objets de la vie quotidienne des amérindiens
Une étude des techniques artisanales qui se présentent dans l’habitation, le mobilier, les outils et leur décoration.
Aborde les questions de lieux de vie et de rencontres, les objets cérémoniels, domestiques et de travail (chasse et pêche,
cueillette, agriculture), l’influence spirituelle, l’évolution et l’adaptation au milieu.
Équivalent au cours FOLK 2287. cr 3

NATI 2406 E - Native People and Newcomers in Encounter in Eastern Canada
An examination of the relations between Native people and members of various newcomer societies in the area of
present-day Eastern Canada. Topics include: the fur trade, treaties, missionary movements, the development of
Indian policy and Indian administration, and the resurgence of First Nation self-assertion in the 20 th century.
(lec 2, sem 1) cr 3

NATI 2407 E - Native People and Newcomers in Encounter in Western Canada
An examination of the relations between Native people and members of various newcomer societies in the area of
present-day Western Canada. Topics include: the fur trade, treaties, missionary movements, the development of
Indian policy and Indian administration, the Metis, and the resurgence of First Nation self-assertion in the 20 th century.
(lec 2, sem 1) cr 3

NATI 2505 E - Native Arts of the Americas: Retrospective and Transition
Traces Native artistic expression and development from traditional times to the 20th century. Emphasizes architecture,
literature and the visual and performing arts. These art forms are examined as traditional cultural expressions manifesting in the spiritual beliefs, legends and myths, symbolism and the practical application of daily life. As well, contemporary expressions are examined as evolving out of traditional forms and as reflections of modern concerns and influences. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

NATI 2516 Intermediate Nishnaabemwin A
This course may be taken concurrently with NATI 1017. It is distinguished by its two principal areas of focus:
communicating one's own actions and activities, typically in response to questions from a second person; and questions
that begin with what, when, where, how and why. The students will learn how to compose questions and answers that have
subjects only, no objects. Prerequisite: NATI 1016. (lec. 3, lab 1) cr 3. Students cannot retain credit for both
NATI 2516 and NATI 1015.

NATI 2517 Intermediate Nishnaabemwin B
This course expands on the principles learned in NATI 1017 and enables a student to indicate oneself as the object
of a sentence, typically in response to questions from a second person. Students will thus learn to communicate in
sentences that have either a first or a second person as the object. Prerequisite: NATI 1017. (lec. 3, lab 1) cr 3.
Students cannot retain credit for both NATI 2517 and NATI 2515.

NATI 3005 E – Education and Native People
The course examines the policies, processes and methods involved in the education and socialization of Native people.
Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian approaches to learning and to pedagogy, both past and present, are comparatively examined.
The course emphasizes consideration of Native people’s efforts to realize greater degrees of self-determination through
control of educational programs and institutions. Selected models of Native alternative schools and Native Studies
programs are examined in this context. (lec 3) cr 6

NATI 3025E Advanced Cree
A study of the structure, patterns and written forms of the language employing basic grammatical and linguistic rules
and concepts. The course will involve exercises in the translation and transcription of Cree stories and legends.
Prerequisite: NATI 2035 or equivalent. (sem 2, exp 1) cr 6.

NATI 3105 E - Canadian Law, Politics and Aboriginal People
Explores the political, legal and constitutional status of Aboriginal people in Canada. It includes an examination
of the effects of laws and policies on their individual and collective rights. The Constitution Act, Indian Act,
international law and Aboriginal customary law are studied. Issues such as self-government, self-determination,
Treaty rights and Aboriginal rights are discussed. Students may not retain credit for both POLI 3105 & NATI 3105.
(lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

NATI 3116 E - Aboriginal People and the Criminal Justice System
Examines the involvement of the Aboriginal people in the Criminal Justice System. Identifies the problems
encountered in the system and studies the proposals for reform. Among those developments specifically
examined are the following: the Native Courtworker Programs, the Native Justice of the Peace Programs, the Native
Inmate Liaison Service Programs and the alternatives to incarceration programs. (lec 3) cr 3

NATI 3117 E - Social Policy and Family Law with Native People
Explores the development, implementation, and impact of social policy and related legislation on Aboriginal communities.
Also examines Aboriginal customary laws relating to marriages, adoptions, divorces and band membership, as well as
the need for the consideration of such laws in the development of social policy. The issue of jurisdiction on family
law is also considered. (lec 3) cr 3

NATI 3205E Nature and Humankind: A Native View
An exploration into man’s place and relationship in nature. The philosophical background of the subject is
reviewed and several strategies for approaching the relationship are examined with an emphasis upon Native world-view.
The ecological implications, the implications, the concept of “development” and an inquiry into environmental rights and
priorities are aspects of the course. Field trips and outdoor activities will be used to augment classroom studies.
(lec. 1, exp 2) cr 6.

natixxxe metis of canada

(detail coming fall 2008)

natixxxe inuit of canada

(detail coming fall 2008)

NATI 3215 E - Native Community-Based Research Methods
Designed to lead the student through the various steps of doing research in a Native context and to provide the student
with the skills necessary for discovering, describing and analyzing community attitudes, ways of thinking, traditional
knowledge and appropriate interaction from a distinctly Native perspective. The course introduces the student to a variety
of research methods and is designed to enable the student to develop research skills based on principles which reflect a
respect for and an awareness of the existing belief systems in First Nations communities. The application of these skills
to community concerns of language and culture revitalization, politics, education, health, family and community is examined. Students may not retain credit for both NATI 3215 & 2215. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

nati 3256e aboriginal health and wellness

The aboriginal holistic notion of health, including the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional aspects of being. A comparative historical approach will be taken in order to understand Aboriginal health issues in the past and present. Notions of Aboriginal wellness and healing will be explored with reference to culture, spirituality and traditional medicine. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 3

NATI 3315E Economic Management and Aboriginal Self-Determination
This course examines past and present ways that Aboriginal people have gained their livelihoods from their ancestral lands. Specific themes that are explored include taxation, the financing of Aboriginal governments and the development of economic activities and management structures that are consistent with Aboriginal beliefs and social practices. The quest for Aboriginal self-sufficiency and the need for an ecologically-sound regime of sustainable economic development are inter-related subjects that inform the ideological approach of this course. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

NATI 3316 Intermediate Nishnaabemwin C
This course expands on the principles covered in NATI 2516 by focussing on questions that employ interrogative adverbs.
In this course, such questions will have third person objects. The structures will also enable students to include conditional and other kinds of dependent clauses in their sentences. This course may be take concurrently with NATI 2517. Prerequisites: NATI 1017 and NATI 2516. (lec. 3, lab 1) cr 3.  Students cannot retain credit for both NATI 3316 and NATI 3015.

NATI 3516 Advanced Nishnaabemwin A
In this course, students will learn to use questions that employ interrogative adverbs, and conditional clauses,
to situations where the first person or the second person is the object. Students will also study narratives containing a broad sample of the structures they will have covered up to this level. Prerequisites: NATI 2516 and NATI 2517. (lec 3, lab 1) cr 3.  Students cannot retain credit for both NATI 3516 and NATI 3015.

NATI 3517 Advanced Nishnaabemwin B
This course introduces students to structures used to express doubt, conjecture, and to indicate past intentions.
Students will have the opportunity to study traditional stories and other examples of fluent discourse that employ
the full range of simple to advanced structures. Prerequisite: NATI 1017 and NATI 2516 (lec 3, lab 1) cr 3

NATI 3605 E - Legal Research, Writing and Aboriginal Law
Intended to introduce students to the methodology for the conduct of legal research; the development of legal writing
and advocacy skills; and instruction in the law affecting Aboriginal peoples in Canada through the use of materials dealing
with such law. (lec 3) cr 6

NATI 4055 E - Selected Themes
Designed to explore a variety of issues relating to Native people in North America. Individual and group studies are
combined with lectures and seminars involving members of the departmental staff and visiting authorities experienced
in specific areas. Students are required to develop extensively a specific theme from among those presented in class.
PREREQ: at least one NATI course or dept.'s permission. (lec 1, sem 2) cr 6

NATI 4105E Algonquian Language Structures
The course is designed to lead the student through the basic methods of analyzing grammatical and performative features
of language, with a primary focus on the Ojibwe, Cree and Algonquin languages. Natural discourse such as myths, legends,
oratory, joking/teasing and conversation will be used to explore these features. Students will also examine how world views,
cultural assumptions and values are manifested through particular features. The ability to analyze and understand these
features of the Ojibwee, Cree and Algonquin languages will be related to ongoing efforts to revive and maintain these
languages, and to the need to recover and preserve the traditional knowledge passed on through oral histories, myths,
legends and other discourse. Prerequisite: NATI 3516 and NATI 3517 or NATI 3025, or permission of the department.
(lec 2, sem 1) cr 6.

NATI 4405 E - Seeing with a Native Eye
Examines the traditional sources of Native worldview and spiritual understanding of such areas as origins, relationships,
nature of existence, self-knowledge and traditional teachings. Universal themes, patterns of manifestation, growth and
change, perception of reality and levels of meaning are examined and explored through various Native cultures of North
America. The course not only derives meaning from the traditional knowledge as it is gained by studying the teachings of
the past but attempts to search out these meanings as a basis for alternative direction for contemporary society and for
the gaining of self-knowledge and insight. Students may not retain credit for both NATI 4405 & 3405. PREREQ: NATI 2285 or
dept.'s permission. (lec 2, sem 1) cr 6

NATI 4586 E - Interpreting Aboriginal Histories
Designed to lead students into an exploration of aboriginal interpretations of history and aboriginal value systems which
motivate these versions of history, including: pre-contact oral histories and traditions, Native-White relations from an
aboriginal perspective, and traditional and contemporary oral-based versions of what constitutes history in a variety of
First Nation perspectives. Emphasis is placed on interpretations of history as significant in their own right as
value-laden interpretive systems of equal quality and insight as those accorded in the western interpretive tradition,
offering alternative understandings of and reflections on history relevant to the humanities. Students learn skills and
techniques relevant to the exploration of systems of aboriginal ethos and values with a focus on Algonquian peoples.
A key component is the examination and analysis of aboriginal ethno histories and traditional teachings using a text
linguistic approach. (lec 1, sem 2) cr 3

NATI 4587 E - From the Fourth World: International Aboriginal Perspectives on Current Global Issues
Brings international Aboriginal perspectives to the analysis of contemporary global problems that affect the environment
and humanity. Definitions of progress are critiqued and the implications of contemporary industrial and consumer culture
for the future of human societies are studied within the framework of the primal insights, values and definitions of
community shared by Aboriginal peoples around the globe. The potential relevance of Aboriginal bodies of knowledge and
wisdom to the search for solutions to contemporary environmental problems and survival issues is examined and assessed.
PREREQ: NATI 3205 or dept.'s permission (lec 1, sem 2) cr 3

NATI 4655 E - Honours Essay
A literary and/or text-based research project comprised of a supervised essay of substantial depth designed to
demonstrate a degree of expertise in the following areas pertaining to the discipline: sense of historical development;
understanding forms of inquiry; depth and breadth of understanding in relation to issues and theories; and critical
thinking and independence of thought. May replace 6 cr of electives in 4-year program with dept.'s approval. (tut) cr 6

NATI 4955 E - Independent Reading and Research
This specialized study for qualified students provides an opportunity to focus on areas not covered in existing courses.
The project is supervised by designated faculty. PREREQ: dept.'s permission. (tut 3) cr 6