Indigenous Economic Development
This six course certificate program prepares students to engage in culturally appropriate strategies for economic development with Indigenous communities. The program provides students with an understanding of Indigenous culture, history and current events, community research issues and methods, and an introduction to economic theory and business in a First Nations context.
This program is introductory in nature and allows students to take the first steps in understanding the complexities of Indigenous business situations. This includes concepts like organizational behaviour and economic development in Indigenous communities. Structural inequities and other barriers can make it difficult for Indigenous communities to attract and facilitate economic growth.
The aim is for students to understand the context of economic development for Indigenous businesses/First Nation bands in Canada.
This program is intended for people working in Indigenous communities on the business development side– including current band administration employees—or people working in an administrative capacity for a First Nations band.
Some of the course options available include:
INDG 201 Introduction to Contemporary Indigenous Issues
This course is a survey of contemporary Indigenous issues, covering topics including self-government, political organizations, the land claims process, social and economic conditions, and Indigenous identity.
INDG 236 Indigenous Economic, Environmental, and Geographic Systems
This course will provide an overview of the holism and interconnection of Indigenous value systems with concern to business, environment and geographical location. It will examine issues for a few Indigenous communities and how the use of land, and geographical location, effects decisions concerning business development.
INDG 280 Research Issues in Indigenous Studies
This course examines the dynamics of research in Indigenous studies, including ethics, sensitivities, protocols, and priorities. This course will survey the history of research in Indigenous studies.
ADMN 225 First Nations Economic Development
Students will learn about numerous examples of First Nations communities in Canada working through economic development opportunities and how they navigate provincial and federal bureaucracy. They will learn about the unique challenges for First Nation communities in establishing economic development initiatives and how this is associated with the public governance of services in the community.
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Why Study Indigenous Economic Development at the University of Regina?
We offer knowledge building in Indigenous worldviews and cultures that is unique to First Nations University of Canada. We specialize in Indigenous knowledge.
The knowledge and research methods in Indigenous cultures will help students understand the importance of empowering the community and the positive impacts of research projects that benefit First Nations communities.Earn credit towards diploma and degree programs
The courses in this program are full-credit undergraduate-level courses that can be used towards other undergraduate programs.
Students may choose to ladder into a longer program such as a diploma or degree. If you are interested in the laddering option, seek academic advising early in your program.
Expert professors and instructors
Our faculty members and instructors are all Indigenous people with lived experiences related to the subject matter they teach. This is invaluable to understanding Indigenous realities in the Canadian context.Required Courses
| ADMN 100 | Introduction to Administration |
| ADMN 225 |
First Nations Economic Development |
| ADMN 260 |
Introduction to Organizational Behaviour |
| INDG 100 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies |
| INDG 201 or INDG 236 |
Introduction to Contemporary Indigenous Issues Indigenous Economic, Environmental, and Geographic Systems |
| INDG 280 or INDG 282 |
Research Issues in Indigenous Studies Methods in Indigenous Community-Based Research |
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