First Nations and Endangered Languages

at UBC's

Vancouver Campus

Explore the processes and protocols for the documentation, conservation, revitalization, and reclamation of endangered languages, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge systems locally, regionally, and internationally. This interdisciplinary program offers courses in First Nations and Endangered languages at all levels, from introductory to advanced.

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Program information

  • Campus: Vancouver
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op No
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours No
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

FNEL offers courses in First Nations languages, as well as methodology classes on language documentation, conservation, and revitalization. In partnership and collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous communities and their cultural institutions, staff, scholars, and students in our program conduct research with speakers of endangered languages and help to develop educational materials in British Columbia and beyond.

Campus features

The First Nations House of Learning is located in the First Nations Longhouse, a unique building that reflects the architectural traditions of the Northwest Coast. The Longhouse allows Aboriginal students to study in an environment which reflects Aboriginal traditions and cultures. It houses the X̱wi7x̱wa Library, the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP), and the UBC First Nations Student Association.

Your future

Your career opportunities will vary widely across a range of fields including Indigenous organizations, education, government, business, media, museums, law, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests, including:

  • Child and youth worker
  • Communications manager
  • Community culture and language worker
  • Counsellor
  • Cultural site or museum interpreter
  • Digital storyteller
  • Urban and Land Use Planning
  • Tourism consultant

Careers with First Nations and Endangered Languages

Program requirements

English-language requirements

English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.

General admission requirements

IB Diploma Programme

  • Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.

IB Certificate Courses

  • IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
  • IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.

Degree-specific requirements: Arts

  • No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics and Computation
  • Second Languages
  • Social Studies
  • Visual and Performing Arts
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