Program Length
- 1 Year
Credential
- Certificate
Fully Available at
- Nanaimo
Partially Available at
- Cowichan
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Are you interested in learning about Indigenous history and culture as part of your introduction to university studies?
Explore the history and perspectives of First Nations in Canada with Arts One – First Nations, a multi-disciplinary program for first-year students designed for those interested in Indigenous education and the interactions of First Nations peoples with Western cultures.
Arts One – First Nations students can choose to branch off into various Humanities, Social Sciences or other programs, and take courses in humanities and/or courses in social sciences alongside their First Nations Studies courses.
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program
Arts One-First Nations is a multi-disciplinary learning community for first-year university students. The program is intended for students who are interested in the intersection and interaction between First Nations and western cultures within a broad introduction to interdisciplinary study in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Enrolment in the program is managed to ensure that First Nations students comprise at least two-thirds of the class.
Students will study the history and effects of interaction between the First Nations of North America and those who came to this land from Europe. The program curriculum incorporates concepts of First Nations and Western European governance, community and culture. Students will explore such questions as: What happens when different cultures collide? How do people use myth, ceremony, writing, and story-telling to understand family, spirituality, and economics?
The curriculum for the Arts One-First Nations program is completely integrated and is taught by a team of instructors, the majority of whom are of First Nations ancestry. Much of the teaching takes place in small seminars. First Nations leaders and elders are regular participants in the program.
Arts One-First Nations is designed to provide an integrated introduction to the Humanities and Social Sciences. The program is compatible with a wide variety of career objectives and is suitable for most students, except those planning to go on to some science and engineering degrees.
A range of support services is available and has been designed to foster academic success in an atmosphere that is culturally supportive for First Nations students.
Note on Admission
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,333.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,335.06 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Arts One - First Nations Certificate Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Georgina Martin Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2763 Email: Georgina.Martin@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
For further information, please contact the First Nations Studies department, 250.740.6194.
Sign up for more information about this program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.