Your degree in First Nations and Indigenous Studies

Skills you’ll develop

During your First Nations and Indigenous Studies degree, you’ll develop important skills in ethical research while gaining an understanding of one’s relationship to the contemporary realities and contexts of First Nations and Indigenous communities.

These skills may include:

Analytical thinking applied to examining the roles that language, culture, identity, social structures, colonialism and resistance, and political issues play in shaping First Nations’ and Indigenous perspectives
Developing critical perspectives and apply theoretical frameworks to support work and ethical research with communities and Indigenous organizations
Developing ethical and strategic approaches to contemporary issues and propose solutions considering multiple perspectives
Influencing scholarly and public representations of Indigenous languages and cultures
Collaborating with others to explore Indigenous history, arts and culture, systems of knowledge, political theory, and activism
Qualitative and quantitative research experience developed through a research practicum
Persuasively communicating ideas in writing and through public speaking and debate
Storytelling across different media including film, podcasts, digital media and other non-academic forms of writing

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including Indigenous organizations, government, business, media, museums, education, law, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

Advertising campaign manager
Art curator
Business development officer
Charitable organization director
Communications manager
Community culture and language worker
Community development worker
Community health, fitness, and sport worker
Community records and archivist
Community support worker
Copywriter
Counsellor
Cultural site or museum interpreter
Curriculum designer
Digital storyteller
Documentarian or Filmmaker
Educational policy analyst
Economic development officer
Employment counsellor
Employment equity officer
Environmental and land rights advisor
Event planner
Family support worker
Fundraiser
Grant writer
Human resources manager
Human rights officer
Intergovernmental affairs officer
Journalist
Language archivist
Language instructor
Lawyer
Legislator
Lobbyist
Media or Information consultant
Museum administrator
Museum educator
Policy advisor
Political organizer
Public affairs officer
Public opinion interviewer
Public relations specialist
Rural development officer
Social policy researcher
Social enterprise developer
Speech writer
Student services counsellor
Teacher or Professor
Tourism consultant
University research assistant
Urban and land use planning
Youth worker

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

AMS Indigenous Committee
Join the Indigenous Committee, which is committed to bringing Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS) as well as the larger UBC institution by hosting events, providing support to Indigenous clubs, and advocating for Indigenous rights on campus. All Indigenous students who pay fees to the AMS can join the committee.
Arts Indigenous Student Advising
Receive academic and cultural support from Arts Indigenous Student Advising to help meet your educational and personal goals at UBC.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Search for post-secondary scholarship opportunities for Indigenous students across Canada.
šxʷta:təχʷəm student space
Connect with an Indigenous elder or UBC professor, make lunch or meet up with friends between classes, or take part in cultural practices, such as smudging, and community practices like talking circles.
Indigenous organizations and services
Browse volunteer and work opportunities in local organizations using this British Columbia Government guide.
Indigenous Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program
Apply in term 1 to get paired with a faculty member in this four-month research mentorship program for Indigenous students.
Indigenous Youth Internship Program
Apply in term 2 for a 12 month paid internship sponsored by the British Columbia Government.
UBC Indigenous events
Connect with students and faculty members at a variety of events.
Unceded Airwaves
Tune in to Unceded Airwaves, a bi-weekly radio program produced by CiTR’s Indigenous Collective. We are committed to centering Indigenous voices and offering alternative narratives that empower Indigenous people and their stories.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC First Nations and Indigenous Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.