Associate of Arts Aboriginal Studies
| Type | Part Time Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 years |
| Campus | Prince George |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Check the fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Spring 2026 Intersession 2026 |
Program Pending Review
Associate of Arts Aboriginal Studies is currently under review and is not accepting applications at this time.
If you’d like to receive updates directly, please use the information request form and enter your details and program of interest.
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.
This program is an excellent entry into post-secondary social science and humanities for academically inclined students who are motivated to connect with the rich cultural traditions of Canada's First Nations and earn university program credits.
Careers and opportunities
Aboriginal Studies provides a good academic foundation for a broad range of eventual private, non-profit and government sectors, including:
- Community development
- Education and childcare
- Counselling and social services
Associate degrees from CNC transfer into university programs and give you preferential admission at public universities and university-colleges in BC. (Consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide and check with CNC advisors to verify transferability of credits.)
What you will learn
Aboriginal Studies courses include:
- First Nations language and literature
- Introductions to cultural and physical anthropology (archaeology)
- History of Canada and its Aboriginal peoples
- Other subjects and electives in math, science, humanities, and social science
Courses
Required courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
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, Quesnel |
| 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, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Mackenzie |
| 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, Quesnel |
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 | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
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 | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
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 | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
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, Quesnel |
| 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.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course provides an introduction into research methods used in and by Indigenous communities in the movement towards the decolonization of the western model of research. Aboriginal research frameworks and methodologies will be explored by examining some of the unique issues and principals involving ethical research in Indigenous communities. Students are provided an opportunity to prepare a small research project using the techniques learned in class.200 Level ARTS - Humanities or Social Sciences (Not ABST)
200 Level ABST courses
Math, Computing Science or Statistics
Lab Science with minimum 2 hour lab
Science
Electives Arts, Sciences that transfer to SFU UBC UNBC UVIC
Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Program Specific Recommendations
To allow for greater course selection it is recommended that students have the following high school subject in addition to the admission requirements:
- Foundations of Math 11, or
We suggest that you consult with an Academic Advisor or the BC Transfer Guide when planning your Associate Degree to confirm the courses you take will satisfy the lower-level degree requirements at the University you plan to continue to.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our options.
Open admission
Any program of study that does not have a selective admission process or fixed capacity and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
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Invest in your future
Please check the 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.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
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Salaries and employment
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