Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - INDG 401 D100

Indigenous Peoples and Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 3788

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, INDG (or FNST) 101 and one of INDG (or FNST) 201W or 250, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of Indigenous peoples' perspectives on political, social and legal issues involving their rights as first citizens of Canada and North America, and the practical and political relations with various levels of government. Issues examined include: Indigenous rights and title, self government models and concepts, constitutional matters, the impact of federal government policies, including their impact on women's lives, and Indigenous communities and politics. Students with credit for FNST 401 may not take this course for further credit.

Grading

  • In-class Monthly Reflections (2x written) 20%
  • Decolonial Policy Audit Poster Presentation (Group) 30%
  • Rematriation/ Repatriation Paper 25%
  • Policy Thought Quilt 10%
  • Current Events Presentation 15%

NOTES:

Resources / Other Considerations:

  • Centre for Accessible Learning statement and contact https://www.sfu.ca/students/accessible-learning.html;
  • Health and Counselling services statement and contact https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/
  • The Indigenous Student Centre (http://www.sfu.ca/students/indigenous.htmlLinks to an external site.) provides a gathering space, workshops and tutoring, and other services to Indigenous students.
  • International Student Advising and Programs (http://www.sfu.ca/students/isap.htmlLinks to an external site.) offers resources to assist international students with adjusting to university in Canada.
  • Out on Campus (http://sfss.ca/ooc/ (Links to an external site.)) provides space for LGBATQ+ education, advocacy, and resources, and community for students.
  • The Women’s Centre (http://sfss.ca/wctr/ (Links to an external site.)) offers support, programs, and resources to all women and allies of all genders, regardless of orientation or identity.
Academic Honesty Policy; Plagiarism or Additional Academic Honesty Related Information

All assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade to be assigned. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Department of Indigenous Studies adheres to SFU policy related to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct (S10.01 and S10.05). It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of these policies available on the SFU website:

https://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching/t20-01.html

https://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Additional Readings available via SFU Canvas and SFU Library Reserve.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Health and Well-Being Supports for Indigenous Studies students
The Indigenous Student Centre has various different supports available to students to ensure their health and well-being.  Please visit their website to see what is available: https://www.sfu.ca/students/indigenous/wellness.html. 

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.