Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance (MAIG)

Students will gain an understanding of the philosophical and political dimensions of Indigenous governance, as well as a background in the theory, methods, and tools relevant to conduct research with and for Indigenous people. The program provides students with a strong foundation of basic and applied scholarly research and teachings from local and international knowledge holders grounded in a thorough understanding of the current political realities of Indigenous communities.

 The program aspires to educate students who are grounded in a diverse body of knowledge to assume leadership roles, or to continue their academic careers in a variety of fields.

Program Structure:

  • Complete all of the following
    • Complete all of:
      • IGOV510 - Indigenous Introduction to Local Lands, Waters and Languages (1.5)
      • IGOV520 - Indigenous Governance in a Local Context (1.5)
      • IGOV530 - Indigenous Research Methods (1.5)
      • IGOV550 - Indigenous Peoples and Self Determination in a Global Context (1.5)
      • IGOV570 - Indigenous Feminism and Resistance (1.5)
      • IGOV575 - Mentorship (1.5)
    • Complete 1.5 units of:
      • Elective in a related field of study with permission of the relevant course instructor, the student’s supervisor, and the Graduate Adviser.
    • Complete 1 of:
IGOV598 - Community Governance Project (6.0)

Projects are geared toward providing a practical learning experience and opportunity for students to face the real world challenges of governance in an Indigenous context. They also serve a crucial function for affiliated communities in providing access to the university’s resources and expertise through the students’ participation in projects to enhance the community’s governance capacity. Students will work with a faculty supervisor and community supervisor to propose and deliver a project that meets a communities needs and produce a report that reflects the student’s engagement with the research or policy work completed within the CGP.

IGOV599 - Thesis (6.0)

IGOV’s thesis option provides students with the opportunity to undertake a research project of intellectual or scholarly significance under the supervision of a faculty supervisor. Students choosing the thesis stream should keep in mind that their research project is directed at an academic audience. Students should meet with their faculty supervisor to discuss their areas of interest and their proposed thesis ideas. Once there is general agreement on a research topic, students must submit a detailed project proposal to their supervisor.

 

How to Apply:

  • A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution recognized by UVic.
  • A minimum B+ academic standing in the final two years of your undergraduate degree.

If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Review our general admission requirements for more information.

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • A cover letter
  • Your CV
  • Two letters of reference submitted during the application process
  • A two-page statement of intent that covers why you wish to participate in this program. It should also indicate your specific areas of research and academic interest
  • A sample of academic writing in English. This sample should demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality work that:
    • analyzes and interrogates a particular issue relevant to Indigenous Governance
    • reaches beyond the limits of a single discipline

All applicants are normally expected to have some background in Indigenous Governance, politics, law or other related experience.