Power and Place: Stó:lō Téméxw Responsibility, Reflection and (Re)Storying Associate Certificate

Program Overview

The Power and Place associate certificate program explores the historical and cultural connection between the Stó:lō people and their ancestral lands. Through experiential learning on Stó:lō lands, students gain an understanding of land and water stewardship, Indigenous perspectives, and the impacts of settler colonialism. The program aims to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler people and governments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Background:

The "unceded," "traditional," "ancestral," and "territory" terms are frequently used by settlers and visitors to show respect for the Indigenous lands they occupy. This associate certificate delves into the historical context and relationship between Indigenous people and these terms, specifically focusing on the Stó:lō people and their ancestral lands.

Objectives:

This program aims to:

• Understand Stó:lō perspectives on land and water stewardship through their science and storytelling.
• Connect Stó:lō land and water stewardship with Settler responsibility.
• Contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler people and governments.

Program Description:

The program delves into the deep historical and cultural connection between the Stó:lō people and their ancestral lands. This is achieved through exploring sacred land-based relationships, ancestral traditions, and stories. The program also acknowledges the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and climate change within Stó:lō Téméxw, while recognizing Indigenous contributions, empowerment, and resilience in addressing these concerns.

Outline:

Themes:

The program is structured around four key themes:

• Theme 1: Land-based Storytelling
• Focus: Applied working knowledge of place names and stories.
• Courses: HIST 399E or IPK 206 (3-4 credits).
• Theme 2: Land-based Stewardship
• Focus: Two-eyed seeing approach to water stewardship (Indigenous and non-Indigenous science).
• Course: GEOGF 300 (4 credits).
• Theme 3: Land-based Art and Design
• Focus: Envisioning ways to pursue Indigenization, Decolonization, and Reconciliation.
• Courses: IPK 401, VA 390, or FILM 313 (3-4 credits).
• Theme 4: Reflective Practice: Reconciliation and Reciprocity
• Focus: Reflective practices on learning experiences and fieldwork.
• Course: AIS 401 (3 credits).

Schedule:

• The program is offered in the Early Summer semester (May-June) in a full-time capacity.
• Courses are offered from May to June.
• Three courses are face-to-face on-campus and with several off-campus locations.
• The fourth course includes a face-to-face gathering and combines face-to-face gatherings and online learning.

Modules:

• Each theme is led by a separate faculty member and may be taught alternately.
• Schedules are adjusted for practicum work, guest speakers, field site visits, etc.

Other:

• Learning approach: The program emphasizes experiential learning on Stó:lō lands, focusing on learning with Stó:lō people.
• Entrance requirements:
• Option 1: Completion of 45 university-level credits with a CGPA of 2.50 and completion of an IPK course numbered 102 or higher, any FNST course, or HIST 103.
• Option 2: Demonstration of equivalent professional experience and/or instructors' permission.
• Application process:
• Current UFV students should include their student ID when contacting.