Course Overview:

This course introduces students to the diverse economic worldviews, practices, and systems of Indigenous communities in Canada and globally. Emphasizing economic self-determination, land stewardship, and nation-to-nation relationships, students will examine Indigenous approaches to trade, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and governance. The course also explores the legacy of colonial policies on Indigenous economies and current efforts to restore traditional economic systems through innovation, legal frameworks, and community development. Case studies from Indigenous-led businesses and resource negotiations will deepen understanding of reconciliation through economic partnerships.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • Students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 50, CAEL 45, CELPIP 6.5, DET 105, PTE 47, PCE 175, CAMBRIDGE B2 Level, LANGUAGECERT B2 Level, MET B2 Level, ITEP 3.8, EIKEN Grade Pre-1. or
    • Provide proof of achieving at least 65% in Grade 12 English (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    • Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
      • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
      • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
        • Reading: 235
        • Writing: 235
        • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Analyze Indigenous economic systems and their philosophical foundations in contrast to Western capitalist models.
  • Evaluate the historical and ongoing impacts of colonial policies on Indigenous economic development.
  • Interpret legal, cultural, and political frameworks that influence Indigenous business, land use, and self-governance.
  • Assess contemporary Indigenous-led economic initiatives in entrepreneurship, natural resource management, and community finance.
  • Critically discuss the role of economic reconciliation and its integration in public policy, corporate partnerships, and educational practices.
  • Develop a culturally responsive business or policy proposal grounded in Indigenous economic principles and respectful engagement.

Course Content & Topics:

Class 1: Introduction to Indigenous Economic Perspectives:
Class 2: Relationality, Reciprocity and Indigenous Conceptions of Wealth
Class 3: Indigenous Identity, Nationhood and Economic Self-Determination
Class 4: Traditional Economies, Trade and the Disruption of Colonialism
Class 5: Land, Territory and Indigenous Stewardship
Class 6: Treaties, Rights, Title and the Legal Environment
Class 7: Indigenous Governance and Community Economic Development
Class 8: Common Resources, Sustainability and Collective Decision-Making
Class 9: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Class 10: Finance, Taxation and Community Capital
Class 11: Partnerships, Joint Ventures and Responsible Corporate Engagement
Class 12: Natural Resources, Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development
Class 13: Economic Reconciliation in Business and Public Policy
Class 14: Global Indigenous Economies and Future Directions

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)