FNIS and FNEL are undergraduate programs, but we may offer a limited number of seats (if available) to eligible graduate students.
If you are interested in taking any of these courses, visit our Advising & Registration page for instructions.
Pre-Requisite and/or Co-Requisite Request Form
Application Deadline: June 11, 2026
The primary purpose of prerequisites and corequisites is to ensure students possess the necessary skills to be academically successful. However, there may be exceptional cases where students acquire the requisite skill or knowledge through other means.
Students wishing to request a prerequisite/corequisite waiver for FNIS 210, 220, 300, 310, and 320 must meet the below requirements to be considered:
Min. of 6 credits of course work with Indigenous content
Min. of 70% in all FNIS courses you have completed
If students meet these requirements, the following must be submitted to cis.advising@ubc.ca to be reviewed by the program for consideration:
Filled and completed Pre-req_Co-req_Request_Form (*Contact us at cis.advising@ubc.ca for an application.")
Letter outlining your reasons for your request (max. 500 words)
1 writing sample (e.g. term paper, essay, etc.)
Copy of Transcript (can be unofficial)
*Please note, submitting this form does not guarantee acceptance to the course for which the waiver is requested. You are encouraged to register for courses you currently meet the requirements for while your request is being considered.
Special Topic Courses (FNIS 401, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, and 456)
Students requesting to have their course prerequisites waived for Special Topic courses must contact the instructor directly.
If the instructor is listed as to be determined (TBD), please contact the Main Office at cis.program@ubc.ca.
Approved Courses List (ACL)
If you are a student, share your feedback regarding our available courses from the Approved Courses List (ACL).
Introduction to a Salish Language I - Introduction to a Salish Language I
FNEL 101A
keyboard_arrow_downEmphasis on accurate pronunciation, conversation, basic grammatical structures and listening and literacy skills, and the study of oral traditions in their cultural context. No prior knowledge of the language is assumed.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | T, Th | 16:30 - 18:00 | Multiple instructors | Public NotesCourse Information and Location This course is an introduction to the Musqueam Central Coast Salish language: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/programs/first-nations-and-endangered-languages/musqueam-language-program/. Please note that all course materials will be provided in class. Students will be charged a fee of up to $75.00 to cover production costs for all course materials. The location of the class is on the Musqueam Reserve at the Musqueam Community Center, 6735 Salish Drive, Vancouver, B.C. Course Registration Students will need to register on the waitlist and will need to complete an application. Applications will be available here on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Applications are usually reviewed in August. Please note that registering on the waitlist does not guarantee that students will get into the course. We will contact you if you are admitted to the course. For further information, contact cis.advising@ubc.ca. InstructorsCampbell, Fiona | Grant, Larry |
Introduction to a Salish Language II - Introduction to a Salish Language II
FNEL 102A
keyboard_arrow_downContinued focus on the diverse range of language learning skills that advance competency in conversational fluency, pronunciation, comprehension, vocabulary, oral traditions, literacy, grammatical understanding, and the cultural contextualization of language use. Prerequisite must be in same language. Prerequisite: FNEL_V 101.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | T, Th | 16:30 - 18:00 | Multiple instructors | Public NotesCourse Information and Location Continued focus on the diverse range of language learning skills that advance competency in conversational fluency, pronunciation, comprehension, vocabulary, oral traditions, literacy, grammatical understanding, and the cultural contextualization of language use. Prerequisite: FNEL 101. The location of the class is on the Musqueam Reserve at the Musqueam Community Center, 6735 Salish Drive, Vancouver, B.C.
Course Registration Students who completed FNEL 101 prior to the 2026 Winter Session, can register directly into FNEL 102. Students interested in taking FNEL102 in the 2026 Winter Session Term 2 need to be accepted and registered in FNEL 101. See the FNEL 101 public notes for further information. InstructorsCampbell, Fiona | Grant, Larry |
Introduction to Endangered Language Documentation and Revitalization
FNEL 180
keyboard_arrow_downFoundational concepts in the critical study of cultural, historical, social, and political factors that impact language loss, retention, and revival. Introducing strategies and practical methodologies for collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-based documentation and revitalization projects for First Nations and Indigenous languages. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 1 | In-Person | Lecture | M, W | 09:30 - 11:00 | Turin, Mark | Public NotesThis course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Intermediate Salish Language I - Intermediate Salish Language I
FNEL 201A
keyboard_arrow_downEmphasis on increasing fluency in conversational ability, enhancing pronunciation and comprehension skills, expanding vocabulary, extending literacy and grammatical understanding, and further study of oral traditions in their cultural context. Prerequisite must be in same language. Prerequisite: FNEL_V 102.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | M, W | 16:30 - 18:00 | Point Bassett, Grace | Public NotesPrerequisites: FNEL 101 and FNEL 102 in the same language. An intermediate level study of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the traditional language of the Musqueam people. The location of the class is on the Musqueam Reserve at the Musqueam Community Center, 6735 Salish Drive, Vancouver, B.C. For further information, contact cis.advising@ubc.ca. |
Intermediate Salish Language II - Intermediate Salish Language II
FNEL 202A
keyboard_arrow_downContinued focus on the diverse range of language learning skills that advance competency in conversational fluency, pronunciation, comprehension, vocabulary, oral traditions, literacy, grammatical understanding, and the cultural contextualization of language use. Prerequisite must be in same language. Prerequisite: FNEL_V 201.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | M, W | 16:30 - 18:00 | Point Bassett, Grace | Public NotesPrerequisites: FNEL 201 in the same language. An intermediate level study of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the traditional language of the Musqueam people. The location of the class is on the Musqueam Reserve at the Musqueam Community Center, 6735 Salish Drive, Vancouver, B.C. For further information, contact cis.advising@ubc.ca. |
Structures of Endangered Languages: Conservation and Revitalization
FNEL 282
keyboard_arrow_downDevelopment of skills in the documentation, transcription and analysis of grammatical structures in endangered languages, focusing on the diversity within BC Indigenous languages. Applied techniques in documentation, workflow and multi-media digital annotation, guided by community-based ethical protocols and conservation/revitalization goals. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | T, Th | 11:00 - 12:30 | Rosenblum, Daisy | Public NotesThis course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Biocultural Diversity: Language, Community, and Environment
FNEL 381
keyboard_arrow_downCritical exploration of the links between linguistic, biological and cultural diversity; including connections with linguistic relativity, linguistic identity, language and place; and strategies for collective, interdisciplinary action to promote and support the protection of languages, cultures, and the environment. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | T, Th | 09:30 - 11:00 | Sherpa, Pasang | Public NotesThis course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Endangered Language Documentation and Revitalization - Endangered Language Documentation and Revitalization
FNEL 480A
keyboard_arrow_downCritical study of the historical, social, cultural, political, and economic factors impacting on language loss, retention, and revival. Research on and application of methodologies for collaborative, trans-disciplinary, community-based documentation and revitalization of BC's Indigenous linguistic heritage. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 2 | Online | Seminar | T | 11:00 - 14:00 | Galla, Candace | Public NotesThis course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Heritage Resources in Endangered First Nations Language Revitalization
FNEL 481
keyboard_arrow_downExamines the complementary and intersecting roles of libraries, archives, and museums in collections acquisition, development, curation, preservation, and access traditions pertaining to First Nations languages, to explore how each can contribute to endangered language and cultural heritage sustainability. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite must be in same language. Prerequisite: One of FNEL_V 180, FNEL_V 281, FNEL_V 282. Or permission of the instructor.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | W | 11:00 - 14:00 | Rosenblum, Daisy | Public NotesThis course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Applied Research in Endangered Language Reclamation
FNEL 482
keyboard_arrow_downApplication of research skills and methodologies in the design and implementation of a research project relevant to endangered language conservation and/or revitalization. Project co-constructed in collaboration with a First Nations community, guided by community-based ethical protocols. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Pre-requisite must be in same language. Recommended pre-requisite: FNEL_V 481. Corequisite: All of FNEL_V 281, FNEL_V 282, FNEL_V 389. Corequisites can be taken either alongside or prior to FNEL_V 482.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | M | 11:00 - 14:00 | Turin, Mark | Public NotesThis course is designed to support students seeking to deepen their understanding, experience of or competence in an Indigenous language. Together with the instructor, and with peers in class, students will work to outline their learning goals, identify language resources and relevant community organizations and develop a plan for sustained and deeper engagement with language in the course of the term.
All undergraduate students who have a background in an Indigenous language are welcome to apply. Applications will be available here on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Applications received before Friday, September 18, 2026, will be reviewed in late-September. The final application deadline is Friday, November 20th, 2026. If accepted, students will be manually registered into the course. For further questions, please contact cis.advising@ubc.ca. |
Topics in First Nations and Endangered Languages - Language, Landscape, and All Our Relations
FNEL 489A
keyboard_arrow_downSelected topics will vary. Multiple versions of this course may be taken, under consultation with the FNEL program advisor, for up to a maximum of 12 credits. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | M, W | 11:00 - 12:30 | Perley, Bernard | Public NotesCourse Description: Our ancestral languages are more than words and grammars. They are vibrant modalities of being and thriving on our ancestral lands. When we use our respective languages, we are also making commitments to honouring and maintaining all our relations. This course explores how ancestral landscapes are the oldest technology of language documentation and reclamation; maintained through our continued interactions with our ancestral landscapes. This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. |
Indigenous Foundations - Indigenous Foundations
FNIS 100A
keyboard_arrow_downThe historical, cultural, political, economic and legal issues that inform the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, examined from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. Credit will be granted for only one of FNIS 100, FNSP 100, or FNSP 200. Restricted to Undergraduate Students.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_001 | 1 | In-Person | Lecture | T, Th | 11:00 - 12:30 | Justice, Daniel | Public NotesFNIS Students: Graduate Students: This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Indigenous Politics and Self-Determination
FNIS 210
keyboard_arrow_downThe cultural, historical, political, economic, and gender dynamics that structure the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the state in Canada; Indigenous self-determination struggles in relation to constitutional recognition, self-government, land claims, and economic development. Credit will be granted for only one of FNSP 200, FNIS 210, or FNSP 210. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Recommended pre-requisite: FNIS 100.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 1 | In-Person | Lecture | M, W | 09:30 - 11:00 | Logan, Tricia | Public NotesIt is recommended that you complete FNIS 100 prior to taking FNIS 210. FNIS Students: Graduate Students This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Representation and Indigenous Cultural Politics
FNIS 220
keyboard_arrow_downRepresentation, identity, and cultural politics through Indigenous literature, film, and the visual arts; the relationship between these sites of cultural production and the self-determination struggles of Indigenous peoples. Credit will be granted for only one of FNSP 200, FNIS 220, or FNSP 220. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Recommended pre-requisite: FNIS 100
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 2 | In-Person | Lecture | M, W | 09:30 - 11:00 | Logan, Tricia | Public NotesIt is recommended that you complete FNIS 100 prior to taking FNIS 220. FNIS Students: Graduate Students This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Critical Indigenous Theory Seminar
FNIS 310
keyboard_arrow_downAdapting and integrating current conceptual paradigms in the humanities, social sciences, performing arts, and Indigenous studies into approaches in First Nations/Indigenous Studies, including identity construction, political and cultural self-determination, representation, essentialism/authenticity, ethics, and decolonization. Credit will be granted for only one of FNIS_V 310 or FNSP_V 310. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: Either (a) FNSP_V 200 or (b) all of FNIS_V 210, FNIS_V 220 or (c) all of FNSP_V 210, FNSP_V 220.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | M, W | 14:00 - 15:30 | Perley, Bernard | Public NotesFNIS Students: Graduate Students: This course is restricted to FNIS majors and minors. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Critical Indigenous Methodologies and Ethics
FNIS 320
keyboard_arrow_downResponsible and community-based research from a critical Indigenous perspective; methods for identifying and assessing research materials, critical analysis, oral history/qualitative research interviewing and analysis, and research ethics in the design and implementation of community-based student research projects. Credit will be granted for only one of FNIS_V 320 or FNSP_V 320. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: Either (a) FNIS_V 310 or (b) FNSP_V 310.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | M | 11:00 - 14:00 | Gaertner, David | Public NotesFNIS Students: Graduate Students: This course is restricted to FNIS majors. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Practicum/Advanced Research Seminar
FNIS 400
keyboard_arrow_downApplied research/community oriented project designed and implemented in collaboration with student, faculty and Aboriginal community organization. Emphasis on examining ethical issues and developing culturally respectful and academically rigorous forms of research. Credit will be granted for only one of FNIS_V 400 or FNSP_V 400. Restricted to Majors in First Nations and Indigenous Studies. Prerequisite: Either (a) all of FNIS_V 310, FNIS_V 320 or (b) all of FNSP_V 310, FNSP_V 320. Students must pass FNIS_V 320 or FNSP_V 320 with a B- or higher or request program approval. Equivalency: FNSP_V 400.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D01 | 1 | In-Person | Discussion | M | 10:00 - 11:00 | Gaertner, David | Public NotesThis is the discussion section of FNIS 400. Please note that both a lecture section and tutorial section are required for FNIS 400. | ||
| 001 | 1-2 | In-Person | Experiential | W | 11:00 - 14:00 | Gaertner, David | Public NotesFNIS Students: Graduate Students: This course is restricted to FNIS majors. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/. No Waitlist: |
Special Topics - Structures of Settler Colonialism: Residential Schools, Indian Hospitals and Child Welfare
FNIS 401R
keyboard_arrow_downTopics will vary from year to year. Consult the departmental website: http://fnsp.arts.ubc.ca. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: One of FNIS 100, FNSP 200, FNIS 210, FNSP 210, FNIS 220, FNSP 220.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R_101 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | T | 11:00 - 14:00 | Logan, Tricia | Public NotesCourse Description: Historical and ongoing structures of church, state and corporate colonial control are discussed in context with Survivor statements, archival sources and Indigenous community records. This course reviews the inter-connected systems of residential/boarding schools, child welfare, day schools, Indian hospitals and several other enduring structures of settler colonialism. FNIS Students: Graduate Students: This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/.
No Waitlist: |
Special Topics - NDN Time Isn’t What You Think It Is
FNIS 401Y
keyboard_arrow_downTopics will vary from year to year. Consult the departmental website: http://fnsp.arts.ubc.ca. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: One of FNIS 100, FNSP 200, FNIS 210, FNSP 210, FNIS 220, FNSP 220.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y_101 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | Th | 14:00 - 17:00 | Perley, Bernard | Public NotesCourse Description: This course celebrates Indigenous embodiments of daily, seasonal, and annual practices of Indigenous resurgence while taking a critical Indigenous perspective toward colonial conceptions of time and other Western modes of regimenting bodies and ideas. This course will draw from a wide range of representations from texts to visual arts, from landscapes to performances, and other forms of keeping time. FNIS Students: Graduate Students This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/.
No Waitlist: |
Indigenous Feminisms
FNIS 451
keyboard_arrow_downThe historical, cultural, political, and activist roots of contemporary Indigenous feminisms. Indigenous feminist methodologies, theory, and praxis in relation to contemporary Indigenous politics and social justice movements. Credit will be granted for only one of FNSP_V 401D, FNIS_V 451, or FNSP_V 451. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: One of FNIS_V 100, FNSP_V 200, FNIS_V 210, FNSP_V 210, FNIS_V 220, FNSP_V 220.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | T, Th | 09:30 - 11:00 | Sherpa, Pasang | Public NotesFNIS Students: Graduate Students This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/.
No Waitlist: |
Indigenous New Media
FNIS 454
keyboard_arrow_downNew media and digital storytelling works designed and implemented by Indigenous artists, authors, and programmers. Restricted to Undergraduate Students. Prerequisite: One of FNIS_V 100, FNSP_V 200, FNIS_V 210, FNSP_V 210, FNIS_V 220, FNSP_V 220.
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 1 | In-Person | Seminar | M | 11:00 - 14:00 | Gaertner, David | Public NotesFNIS Students:
Graduate Students This course is intended for undergraduate students only. If you are a graduate student, please visit: https://cis.arts.ubc.ca/courses/.
No Waitlist: |
Special Topics - Indigenous Theory and Methods
FNIS 501A
keyboard_arrow_down
| Section | Term | Delivery Mode | Format | Day(s) | Time(s) | Instructor(s) | Syllabus | Details Data | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A_101 | 2 | In-Person | Seminar | M | 14:00 - 17:00 | Perley, Bernard | Public NotesCourse Description: This graduate course on Indigenous Theory and Methods will start with a critical conversation on the methods and theories that define the growing field of Critical Indigenous Studies. Course materials will focus on critical texts representing a variety of Indigenous positionalities including but not limited to music, literature, global Indigeneity, language reclamation, and climate change. We will approach the topics and themes from both experiential perspectives as well as ethical community-based research and engagement. The course welcomes and invites contributions from the graduate students who come from diverse disciplines and programs across the UBC campus. When possible, students can help shape the course conversations in consultation with the instructor. Graduate students who are interested in registering in FNIS 501A must complete an application. Applications will be available here on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading. |