Indigenous Education
Culture and tradition come first
We have a commitment to Indigenous services and Indigenous education.
Brandon University has been a leader in Indigenous education for decades. In 1975, BU was the first university in western Canada (and only the second in Canada) to establish a Native Studies Department. Our engagement with Aboriginal, First Nations and Indigenous programming continues today.
On Dec. 18, 2015, we reaffirmed our commitment by signing the Manitoba Indigenous Education Blueprint.
The blueprint commits us and our fellow signatories to 10 objectives that will enhance Indigenous education. These new commitments will inform our future efforts, and join the initiatives we have already begun.
Indigenous Education Blueprint
Proud partnership
Brandon University was a founding partner in the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council in 2010, and has maintained a close and fruitful working relationship ever since. In 2016, we proudly participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the BUAPC and the City of Brandon, to promote Aboriginal education, employment and business inclusion in Brandon.
Resources
Elders and Knowledge Keepers are valued members of the BU community, and serve an important role in keeping and sharing traditional cultural knowledge. To ensure a respectful relationship, Brandon University’s Indigenous Education Senate Sub-Committee has undertaken extensive consultation to develop guidelines for respectful engagement.
All members of the BU community are encouraged to make use of this resource:
Indigenous on campus
Indigenous Peoples’ Centre
A home away from home for students, with couches to relax on, a kids’ area for educational play, an Elders room for smudging, and a kitchen. Most importantly we offer you a family and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Canadian Journal of Native Studies
The Canadian Journal of Native Studies is a highly recognized journal in the field of Native Studies. The journal publishes anthropological, historical, sociological, political, legal, educational and cultural issues affecting First Nations people.
Native Studies
The Department of Native Studies offers both general courses in Native Studies and comprehensive programs of study.
Visual & Aboriginal Art
Courses in Aboriginal Art provide an understanding of the multitude of Indigenous art forms and how they have evolved through the ages.
PENT
The Program for the Education of Native Teachers is a community-based teacher education program combined with summer courses at Brandon University.