Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
By braiding together Indigenous and non-Indigenous practices, students in the Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice program learn to see the world through multiple perspectives. Students develop a foundation in the theoretical and applied aspects of environmental science, technology, management and landuse and policy development practices that are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Students in this program have a broad range of interests and skills that can be applied in many workplaces.
University of Guelph Advantage
This degree program is like no other program in Canada and has been created with Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in mind. The curriculum includes unique courses addressing Indigenous knowledge systems, land-based teachings, and Indigenous-settler relations in Canada, including the legal and political context that surrounds environmental decision making in the country. Working directly with Indigenous communities and organizations on projects is also a key element in course delivery and cross-cultural learning.
Students do not begin their first work term until they have completed 2 years of study and have mastered the core competencies needed to be successful in their work terms. Students are available for up to four work terms (4, 8, or 12 months) and employers can post, interview and hire throughout the semester.
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Ability to apply a critical and decolonial lens to the existing approach to environmental stewardship in Canada through the exploration of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonization, land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma.
Deep Understanding
Awareness of Indigenous cultural frameworks of environmental stewardship including the role of traditional knowledge keepers, right relations, multi-generational environmental stewardship, and inclusion of non-human beings.
Application
Technical and analytical expertise and skills (environmental risk assessment, GIS, remote sensing) for environmental management across different knowledge systems.
Intercultural Communication
Ability to respectfully engage with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to address environmental challenges utilizing both Indigenous and western scientific knowledge systems.
Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Academic |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- General Chemistry I
- Natural History of the Great Lakes Region
- Introduction to Indigenous
- Environmental Science And Practice
- Indigenous Language And Culture
- Elements of Calculus I
Winter
- Introductory Financial Accounting
- Discovering Biodiversity
- Indigenous Knowledge For Environmental Science And Practice
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives
Fall
- Ecology
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Land-Based Teachings For Environmental Science And Practice
- Statistics I
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives
Winter
- Environment and Resources
- Mapping and GIS
- Contemporary Indigenous
- Peoples in Canada or Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- The Anthropology of Indigenous
- Peoples Before Canada
- Indigenous Politics in Canada
- Right Relations: Reconciliation, Decolonialization & the Environment
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives
Winter
- 5 Electives/Restricted Electives
Summer
Work Term Two
Fall
Work Term Three
Winter
Work Term Four
Summer
Off
Fall
- Indigenous-Settler Relationships In Environmental Governance
- Indigenous Environmental Science: Methodologies In Practice
- 3 Electives/Restricted Electives
Winter
- Indigenous Environmental Science Project
- Indigenous Environmental Science Reflective Capstone
- 3 Electives/Restricted Electives
Restricted Electives
A minimum of 2.50 credits of restricted electives are required, of which at least 1.00 credits must be at the 4000-level. Students must select restricted elective courses from each of Groups 1, 2, and 3. Please refer to the Undergraduate Calendar for the complete list of courses in each Group:
Group 1
- List A: Environmental Economics and Policy
- List B: Quantitative Methods and Geomatics
Group 2
- List C: WIldlife Stewardship and Conservation
- List D: Environmental Microbiology
- List E: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemistry
- List F: Forest Ecosystems
- List G: Soil and Water Stewardship
- List H: Climate
Group 3
- Leadership, Business Management and Ethics
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