Ts’‘Kel Concentration

Ts’‘kel Concentration in EDST

Ts’‘kel is an integrated concentration  for advancing Indigenous access and Indigenous content in education and across disciplines throughout UBC. Students do not apply to the Ts’‘kel, concentration or receive a special designation for completion, those interested in this program should apply to the department and a graduate program of their choice. Once admitted, Ts”kel courses can be applied to their graduate program.

Ts’‘kel, which means golden eagle in the Hal’qemeylem language, was originally established in 1984 as a concentration of courses focussed on Indigenous issues in education. At that time, Ts”kel courses were applied to a Master of Educational Administration degree.. Ts’‘kel students engage with interdisciplinary research  on social and educational topics related to schooling, Indigenous community development, and historical and theoretical work that has a direct relationship to First Nations health and welfare.

Ts’‘kel facilitates Indigenous participation and Indigenous perspectives in UBC master’s and doctoral programs through (1) a concentration of courses in First Nations/Indigenous education, and (2) potential research supervision from Indigenous faculty. Ts’‘kel offers academic, social, cultural, and emotional support in collaboration with the First Nations House of Learning.

Concentration of Courses:
Students complete two core courses and two electives for the Ts’‘kel concentration. The courses include:

• Core course, EDST 545, Indigenous Inquiry and Research
• Core course, EDST 546, Indigenous Methodology and Epistemology
• Two elective courses of First Nations/Indigenous content. These courses are chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee.

Students must enroll in an existing graduate program in order to access the Ts’‘kel concentration. Applicants do not apply to Ts’‘kel, but make note of their background and desire to study and conduct research on Indigenous topics in their application letters to departments. Non-Indigenous students may take the Ts’‘kel courses.

For questions regarding the program please email indigenous.education@ubc.ca