Aboriginal Studies Certificate
| Type | Part Time Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 year |
Fall Orientation 2026
Overview
Aboriginal Studies (ABST) offers you a chance to better understand the cultures, traditions, history, and contemporary concerns of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and especially in the CNC region. The Aboriginal Studies Certificate is a starting point for careers in private, non-profit and government sectors, and especially for employment by Aboriginal organizations and communities. You can also completely ladder the one year certificate iinto the two-year Associate Degree.
Courses
Required courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
History and Traditions of the Carrier People. This course is based on the traditional knowledge holders of our communities who are versed in the traditional ways of knowing that is not written down in any text but passed down through oral traditions. The course provides students with an in-depth study of Yinka Dene culture, language, spirituality, community, and social structures. Elders and topics will focus on the Yinka Dene of the north central interior of British Columbia.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course focuses on the diversity and development of Aboriginal communities and organizations in Canada. Attention is placed on the nature of Aboriginal/Euro-Canadian interactions from contact to present day in order for students to understand contemporary perspectives and issues relevant to Aboriginal peoplesTypical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Cultural anthropologists examine social patterns and practices across cultures, with a special interest in how people live in particular places and create meaning. The goal of this course is to examine the diversity of existing human cultures as well as provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts used by cultural anthropologists. Topics include research methods, economic systems, marriage, kinship, political systems, expressive culture, religion, illness, and gender. Examples will be drawn from a variety of Indigenous cultures.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course provides a broad introduction to the field of Archaeology and Physical Anthropology as sub-fields of Anthropology. During this course students will examine topics such as: evolutionary theory; living primates and primate evolution; hominid evolution; archaic and modern Homo sapiens; the dispersal of the Genus Homo throughout the world; human variation; the origins of food production; settled life; and the emergence of cities and states. Examples will be drawn from different cultures to explore these topics.Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A study of grammar, composition, and style. A vigorous program of essay-writing plus a variety of writing assignments or exercises dealing with specific problems in essay-writing. Strongly recommended for students who wish to improve their writing skills.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
A survey of the interwoven social, economic, cultural, and political developments between Indigenous peoples and European settlers that culminated with the establishment of Canada in 1867. Topics include First Nations-European relations, early exploration, imperial rivalries, political reform, social conflict, and the road to Confederation.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course surveys the social, political and economic developments of the newly formed nation - The Dominion of Canada. It covers a period beginning with Confederation in 1867 and ending at the turn of the 21st century. Topics include factors that caused the birth of the nation, French-English relations, colonial-imperial relations, Canadian-American relations, and Indigenous-Newcomer relations.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course surveys Aboriginal literature. Students assess traditional tales from an oral storytelling tradition, as well as poems, plays, and short stories by contemporary writers. As well, students learn effective composition skills and the techniques of literary analysis.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is designed for students who have no knowledge of the Carrier/Yinka Dene language. Participants are introduced to the Carrier language, spoken and written, with an emphasis on basic conversation and culturally important vocabulary and phrases. Through lecture and lab work, participants will have an understanding of basic level Carrier and be able to create simple sentences.University Studies elective
Entry Requirements
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
Invest in your future
Please check the Fee Schedule for up-to-date information.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus. Check the for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.
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My experience at CNC was more than I could have hoped for. I made lifelong friends and memories. With small cohorts of students we were able to create connections with fellow classmates and get the most out of every class, which was integral to managing the program’s demanding workload.
There aren’t many jobs where you can be outdoors 90 percent of your time and see different places. I’ve gotten to experience some absolutely beautiful places in B.C. that most people wouldn’t even consider going to because they are that remote, or just areas that aren’t on the general horizon of the public. I work with a helicopter quite a bit, and that’s awesome. You can’t beat that.
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