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.

This program is deliberately different from conventional euro-birthed academic programs in philosophy, epistemology, and delivery – it is grounded in ceremony and dialogue, learners as teachers, and 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 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.

UnBQ 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 and Blue Quills holds accreditation from the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium and the National Indigenous Accreditation Board. 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 employed at major public universities.

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

What are the admission requirements? Preference will be given to students with prior graduate degrees or equivalent, including PLAR, whose lived experience gives evidence to their alignment with the UnBQ mission, vision, and philosophy.

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 2027 and new co-hort admissions are anticipated in Fall 2027. Applications should be received at Blue Quills by April 1st, 2027 to allow for candidate interviews. Admission decisions will be made in May 2027.  

What about the class schedule? The program spans 5 years, and the cohort will meet in the fall, winter, spring, and summer, for one week (Monday to Friday) each season, 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 euro-birthed academic programs in philosophy, epistemology, and delivery. There is no candidacy exam, students are accountable to themselves, their Nations, their relations, their ancestors, and their peers. They 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 reflecting their expertise. The seasonal cohort meetings are the equivalent of a residency requirement, and support shared interdisciplinary learning. At the conclusion of the program students will make an offering to a circle of witnesses, presenting shared and individual portfolios in ceremony.

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