Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice
Why choose a bachelor's degree in Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice at U of G?
How Canada has practiced environmental protection and care needs to be challenged. Together we must create a better future for all beings, and that future starts with you. Our existence is intertwined with the rocks, the plants, the finned, the furred, the feathered, the four-legged, two-legged, many legged and no-legged, those who creep and walk and swim and fly - all our relations.
Support a world that is more respectful and responsive to all beings. In this degree, you will consider and embrace Indigenous methodologies and world views while studying Western environmental science to appreciate how the two knowledge systems can be braided together. This combination allows you to make an impact through skills and experiences grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Pursue a career in environmental science with a unique combination of perspectives to make an impact throughout Canada.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
Our BIESP co-op is a five-year program, with four co-op work terms, providing opportunities to work with a wide variety of employers, including First Nation communities, consulting firms, municipal, provincial, and federal organizations. Co-op is designed to facilitate the transition of students from academic studies to a professional career improving students’ job search skills, work performance and networking abilities, and boosting resume experience.
Indigenous Ways of Environmental Knowing and Being
Braid Together Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Practices
Develop a foundational knowledge of theoretical and applied aspects of environmental science, technology, management, land-use and policy development practices that are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Learn From Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders
Learn through field trips to Indigenous communities and organizations, land-based instruction, interactive labs, and participation in discussion circles and ceremony. You will also learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders.
A One-of-a-kind Degree
This program is like no other program in Canada and has been created with Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in mind. Core courses address Indigenous knowledge systems, land-based teachings and Indigenous-settler relations in Canada, including the legal and political context that surrounds environmental decision-making in our country.
What Students and Professors have to say about the Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Degree
The Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science Program works to focus on Two-Eyed Seeing and combining Western worldviews with Indigenous worldviews to get a holistic view of environmental science. I love seeing non-Indigenous students in the program because it's just such a great step towards reconciliation.
I chose the Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice program because I have always been passionate about the environment and wanted to learn more about the role Indigenous knowledge and culture plays in its protection.
Be prepared for some incredible experiences, like no other, that reach beyond the conventional classroom while embracing multiple ways of knowing and seeing the world to support reconciliation and truly transformation of environmental science.
The classes designed specifically for my program are so fun. They are very focused on land-based learning. We spend the whole period walking around the Arboretum learning how to ID plants and looking at trees and making observations of bugs and organisms. We learn about habitats, and how Indigenous people view the land.
Supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Students
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students as a home away from home for the Indigenous student community on the U of G campus. The ISC team, including the Indigenous Student Advisor and a variety of Visiting Elders and Knowledge Holders support Indigenous students with personal, academic, financial and cultural matters, programs and events, and making community connections. Learn More about the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice?
By braiding together Indigenous and non-Indigenous practices, graduates of this program will see the world through multiple perspectives.
Careers our Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice graduates successfully pursue:
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental analyst or consultant
- Environmental policy maker
- Conservation officer
- Environmental law and advocacy
- Environmental educator or interpreter
- Resource or land manager
Similar programs of interest: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management, Environmental Engineering.
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