The University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills iyiniw pimâtisiwin kiskeyihtamowin Doctoral Program is based on a cohort model.    

The program design grows from ceremony and operates as circle of learners, Elders, and advisors  in a collective collaborative program of study, allowing for self-directed shared learning, in a multi-disciplinary program grounded in Indigenous practices, languages, knowledges, and methods.

This program is an act of sovereignty — our ancestors took over this school with the firm conviction that we can do this for ourselves, that we have a responsibility for the education of our people and for the preservation of our knowledge and life-ways. Graduates have been acknowledged and accepted to teach at major public universities.

Preference will be given to students with prior graduate degrees or equivalent.

This program is deliberately different from conventional western academic programs in philosophy, epistemology, and delivery. There is no candidacy exam, students are encouraged to collaborate on research projects employing Indigenous knowledge and methodologies, and are invited to contribute to the growth of Blue Quills and Indigenous knowledge transfer by designing and delivering courses on campus. Regular gatherings of the cohort will support shared learning. At the conclusion of the program students will make an offering to a circle of witnesses, presenting shared and individual portfolios.

Doctoral Program FAQ

Is this program recognized? At Blue Quills we believe the most important recognition comes from our people, and we develop our programs with their guidance, input, and support. The degree is issued by Blue Quills. This program is an act of sovereignty — our ancestors took over this school with the firm conviction that we can do this for ourselves, that we have a responsibility for the education of our people and for the preservation of our knowledge and life-ways. Graduates have been acknowledged and accepted to teach at major public universities.

Is this a PhD or Doctoral program? What is the difference? A Doctoral program is primarily applied learning and the PhD focuses more on the theoretical. Successful students will receive a Doctorate of iyiniw pimâtisiwin kiskeyihtamowin.

What are the admission requirements? Preference will be given to students with prior graduate degrees or equivalent. Applicants are invited to complete the application form available on-line in our calendar, or at the Registrar’s office, prepare and present a portfolio outlining their learning and experiential journey (transcripts and narrative) as well as a statement of intent (why do you want to study at Blue Quills, and why this program? What is your primary area of interest? What will you do with your knowledge?). The expected completion for the current cohort is 2017 and new co-hort admissions are anticipated in Fall 2017. Applications should be received at Blue Quills by April 15, 2017 to allow for candidate interviews. Admission decisions will be made in early May 2017. 

What about the class schedule? The first activity will be a cultural camp in September  where students will collectively build a ceremonial lodge and participate in ceremony and dialogue. Learning happens everywhere all the time.

What about the candidacy exam, the research requirement, the residency requirement, the dissertation defense? This program is deliberately different from conventional western academic programs in philosophy, epistemology, and delivery. There is no candidacy exam, students are encouraged to collaborate on research projects employing Indigenous knowledge and methodologies, and are invited to contribute to the growth of Blue Quills and Indigenous knowledge transfer by designing and delivering courses on campus. Regular gatherings of the cohort will support shared learning. At the conclusion of the program students will make an offering to a circle of witnesses, presenting shared and individual portfolios.

Please look at the checklist below to see what is required to enroll.

Doctoral Checklist-New Enrollment

Doctoral Program Information

ipkDoc WIREC 2018

Inquiries are welcome. Please contact the registrar at 780-645-4455 ext. 174 or email registrar@bluequills.ca