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 Brandon
University was the first university in western Canada (and only the second in
Canada) to found a Native Studies department, in 1975.
We continue to be the leaders in innovative programming.
We are the only Native Studies department in North America to
feature archaeology as a regular part of its program, providing a unique
approach to the early history of Aboriginal people in this region, and we have
one of the most extensive programs on the study of Aboriginal literature and
creative writing in Canada. In
addition, we provide studies in current affairs, history, economics, politics,
family and spiritual life; the expressive aspects of Aboriginal cultures through
art, music and literature, and the practical side of contemporary Aboriginal
life in Canada, including government and education.
Some
of our specialties
- Native
Literature: The many Native literature classes function not only for the
study of the written work of native authors across North America but also as
creative writing classes. Many
students have had their creative abilities recognized by external bodies
such as the Manitoba Arts Council. The
courses are taught by regular staff and by a number of visiting Native
authors, including Jordan Wheeler (North of 60, The Rez, Brothers in
Arms) Maria Campbell (Half Breed, Achimoona) and Yvette Nolan. It
is reinforced by Native authors who come here from across the continent to
read their work, authors such as Paula Gunn Allen, Jeanette Armstrong, Greg
Young-Ing, Louise Halfe and Gregory Scofield. One literature class studies
the effect of social, cultural and physical environments upon authors of a
particular region, and then visits the region for study on-the-scene. For
2000-20001, the region is the American Southwest of New Mexico and Arizona.
Another class regularly visits the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North
Dakota.
- Native
Writers Library Collection: We have developed what we believe to be the
finest Native creative writing library in the world, available for all
students and researchers. The library program is well funded and continues
to acquire all published creative works in English by North American
Native authors, plus selected works by Native authors in other countries.
- The
Canadian Journal of Native Studies We also launched the first Native
Studies journal in Canada, the Canadian Journal of Native Studies, which is
now the premier international journal of Native Studies in the world. CJNS
is also the only Native Studies journal in the world which is available in
full text online.
- Bearpaw
Publishing is the publishing arm of the Department of Native Studies,
producing anthologies and textbooks in Native Studies.
NATIVE
STUDIES AT WORK:
Many past students are in
senior administrative positions in Bands, or have served or are serving as
Chiefs/Councilors. Teaching, administrators, manager of radio station, president of a
native communications company, working
for Aboriginal Disabilities Association,
published author, professional archaeologist
PROGRAMS OF STUDY AT BU:
- B.A.,
3 year General
- B.A.,
4 year General
- Minor
in Native Languages (with Department of Languages)
- Minor
in Aboriginal Art (with Visual Arts)
- Other
courses shared with Drama, First Nations and Aboriginal Counseling, History
and Religion.
QUESTIONS ABOUT NATIVE STUDIES MAY
BE DIRECTED TO:
·
Prof. Darrell Racine (racine@brandonu.ca)
or Dr. Lorraine Mayer (mayerl@brandonu.ca)
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