Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - INDG 286 B900

Indigenous Peoples and British Columbia: An Introduction (3)

Class Number: 3230

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: INDG 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Study of Indigenous peoples of BC and effects of historical and political processes on their livelihoods and homelands. Overview of indigeneity and connection to urbanization. Examines linguistic diversity and endangered state of BC First Nations languages; Indigenous ethnography; land rights movement; traditional cultural practices/beliefs; and social, educational and economic disparity. Students with credit for FNST 286 or SA 286 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Delivered through an anti-colonial pedagogy, this course will introduce students to the languages, communities, values, beliefs, legal systems, and cultural practices that sustain past and present Indigenous Peoples within the boundaries of what is known as British Columbia. We will do so by engaging a broad spectrum of visual, material, written, oral, and multimodal sources.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon Successfull Completion of this Course Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of Indigenous languages and communities in present day British Columbia 
  • Appraise a spectrum of visual, material, written, oral, and multimodal Indigenous and non-Indigenous sources
  • Identify important Indigenous leaders and role models who have made important impacts on B.C. and Canada
  • Compose written analysis effectively and persuasively
  • Challenge dominant settler perspectives and worldviews that work to restrict Indigenous self-governance and self-determination
  • In large and small group settings, collaboratively and respectfully give shape to knowledge and understandings that exceed that wich could be produced individually
  • Describe how forces of colonialism shaped B.C. and how Indigenous Peoples have and continue to respond to and resisted those forces
  • Assess the strengths and limitations of First Peoples working through governments and courts to redress legacies of colonialism
  • Examine creative works foundational to the continuation and resurgence of Indigenous cultures in B.C.

Grading

  • Anti-colonial Mapping Project (small groups) 10%
  • Critical Responses (3 x 10%) 30%
  • Canvas Quizzes (3x 5%) 15%
  • Term Paper (topic of the Student’s choosing) 20%
  • Participation 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

By enrolling in this course, you are confirming that you have the technology, space, and access to stable internet required to access in Canvas narrated lecture slides, assigned readings, quizzes, and small group collaborations via google docs, etc. We meet in person in the classroom on Tuusdays from 12:30-2:00 pm  (1.5 hours) and the remaining 1.5 hours of class time is used for asynchronous review of lectures and assigned videos (to be done prior to the on campus class).

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All readings will be provided by the instructor and are available via SFU CANVAS, on-line e-books, on reserve in the library, or in-class.
Narrated lectures and other course materials will also be supplied in Canvas as needed. In-class lectures, activities, resources will not be provided outside of the classroom.

Please have a gmail email account prior to the first class to facilitate your engagment in small group collaborations.

REQUIRED READING:

Please see weekly modules in Canvas to access asynchronous lecture materials, assigned readings, and videos to be completed prior to the weekly on campus class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

NOTE re AI
Please note that submissions that employ generative AI tools in this course (for idea generation or other purposes) are not accepted by the Department. Your grade in this course is meant to reflect your personal engagement with course materials. If you are ever unsure about your instructor's stance on generative AI, please be sure to ask before submitting work using these tools: "If you are unsure, you must not assume that using generative AI is permitted." - SFU Academic Integrity
Those who employ these tools in their course submissions may face disciplinary action in accordance with SFU's academic integrity policies. https://www.sfu.ca/students/enrolment-services/academic-integrity/using-generative-ai.html

COPYRIGHT
Materials included in this course, unless otherwise stated, have been created by the Instructor, and reproducing or using this material outside of this course is not permitted unless written consent has been provided by the owner of this material. The course-based Canvas page and its related resources are maintained and developed by the Instructor for the use of the students registered to take this course. Course materials such as PowerPoint slides, lecture notes, the lecture itself and exams are all protected by copyright. Recording, copying or sharing these materials without permission may be a violation of Canadian copyright law and SFU policies. What does this mean? It means that you are legally not permitted to circulate the course materials to any other entity without explicit permission from the course author.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.