Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Career Options for Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies focuses on the intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous Peoples in the areas of history, language, medicine, health and wellness, creative arts, literature, economy, activism, community and political dynamics, peacebuilding, spirituality and traditional ecological knowledge. 

The degree experience also examines a wide range of topics including history, health, literature, land claims, environment and self-determination.

Indigenous Studies graduates in the workforce can:

  • Utilize and draw from the theoretical foundations of Indigenous Studies within the University and beyond, including Indigenous forms of governance, problem-solving, approaches to wellness, conflict resolution, and sustainable relationships to the natural world;
  • Critically read, think, research and write;
  • Understand and articulate the historical narratives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from an Indigenous perspective;
  • Integrate Western theories with Indigenous approaches to knowledge and articulate how and why the systems merge, overlap and dissect;
  • Identify research initiatives and develop educational resources with, and for, First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities;
  • Develop meaningful and innovative ways to enhance Indigenous knowledge within the University, the community and in a variety of settings to ensure its continued survival in the future. 

Graduates of Indigenous Studies programs have many skills and competencies, including:

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Cross-Cultural Sensitivity
  • Service Orientation
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Systems Analysis

Examples of Indigenous Studies career paths:

  • Education/Outreach 
  • Law 
  • Advocacy/Social Services 
  • Policy/Governance 
  • Community Development 
  • International Development/Affairs 
  • Communications 
  • Humanitarian Efforts 
  • Administration/Management

Information Box Group

Career Advising Contact An Advisor

Explore online and in-person resources to support you in your career development and planning.

Program Information Visit Program Site

Explore the courses and degree pathways available by visiting the program website.