UNBC Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences & Humanities

Breaking down barriers to post-secondary education using cultural teachings and Indigenous ways of knowing.

First Nations Studies Master of Arts student Cheri Brown’s research is working to bring a more holistic framework to academia, rooted in place-based knowledge and a reverence for equity for all beings.

“I chose UNBC for my graduate studies because of its location in northern B.C., its strong ties to my Nation and the University’s commitment to meaningfully enact Truth and Reconciliation,” says Cheri, a member of the Nisga’a Nation in the Nass River Valley.

With a focus on Indigenous post-secondary attainment and student lived experience, the scholar shared her latest study with members of the University community at an Indigenous graduate research showcase co-hosted by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Office of the Provost.

Committed to advancing social justice for Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups, Cheri’s work is reshaping how knowledge is understood and valued within universities.

“By conducting my research through an Indigenous cultural lens, my goal is to support pathways to post-secondary education for all students and, beyond that, to contribute to breaking down colonial mindsets and outdated ideals of privilege in academia.”

Congrats to FISSSH MA student, Jenikka Kirkland!

UNBC graduate student earns national recognition for Arctic research!

Jenikka Kirkland has been awarded the 2025–2026 Association for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies in Canada Marna Feldt Graduate Publication Award for their research project exploring Indigenous reindeer herders and energy development in the Arctic.

The award includes publication of the research in the peer-reviewed journal Scandinavian-Canadian Studies, marking Kirkland’s first professional academic journal publication.

Learn more: https://www.unbc.ca/our-stories/story/unbc-student-wins-award-arctic-indigenous-research

From UNBC to the United Nations!

UNBC graduate Joyce Cortez is putting her education to work on the global stage. A two-time UNBC graduate, Joyce recently had two articles published in UNToday, the United Nation’s official magazine of international civil servants.

Drawing on her studies in Anthropology and International Studies, Joyce connects place-based research, Indigenous knowledge systems and global policy conversations in her writing.

Read how her UNBC experience helped shape her path to international impact:
https://www.unbc.ca/our-stories/story/unbc-grad-contributes-united-nations-publication

From the frontlines to social feeds, Ukrainian resistance has taken many forms including memes that cut through disinformation with sharp wit and cultural insight.

UNBC Anthropology Professor Dr. Michel Bouchard and co-author Dr. Daria Antsybor, a Ukrainian scholar, explore how digital creativity has become a force against propaganda in the war against Russia.

Read full article in The Conversation: https://www.unbc.ca/our-stories/unbc-news

Join the ANTH Club on Nov 4th for a fun Archives Night, with a pizza 🍕 of course! ✅ Click post for more info:

Are you looking for a cool thing to do Nov 4th? Well look no further than this event! There’s free pizza, you get to check out the archives and find out a little more about them. If you’d like to attend please fill out the form which can be found in the QR code:)

Field School Info Session: Join us on Friday, October 22nd at 1pm.
📍Rm.5-174

Come check this out! If you’re interested in doing a field school this summer this info session is for you:)

From the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge systems & climate change by ANTH & MAINTS alumna Joyce Cortez ⬇️

University of Northern British Columbia

The key to addressing the climate crisis could be integrating Indigenous Knowledge, states Joyce Cortez, Member of the Board of the United Nations Association in Canada.

Read more here: https://untoday.org/what-indigenous-knowledge-teaches-us-about-climate-resilience/