• Start Date: no new in-takes at this time...
  
• Duration: Part-time, 6 years to complete all requirements (2.5 yrs course work, 3.5 years research and thesis work)
  
• Location: Seven Generations Education Institute – Nanicost Campus
• Coordinator: Laura Horton

Applicants require a BA in Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Philosophy or a related field. Individuals with an equivalent education background with related work experience may be considered on an individual basis through a Prior Learning Assessment. Applicants must also submit a personal profile, based on the four directions: Mental preparedness (academic prerequisites), Emotional stability (balanced) Spiritual Growth (self assessment) and Physical Well-Being (alcohol and drug free types of issues). This 1-3 page personal profile will demonstrate the candidates learning and preparation for entry to this program.

This program is designed for Anishinaabe students. The nature of the program is to challenge students in their thinking and strengthen Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Philosophy. This is a new program and requires extreme care in the development stages. Those not of Anishinaabe lineage are respectfully requested not to apply. The doors may be opened in the future. We ask you to respect the process within which we are engaging: that is, the restoration of our own unique Anishinaabe ways of learning, thinking, and self-exploration. Please do not be offended as this has been discussed at length and the decision was not made lightly.

The Undaa Wiinjigewin is unique as it has been developed and will be delivered by Anishinaabe Elders and Faculty. The intent of the program is to work with students at the graduate level to reclaim Indigenous thought processes and structures. Graduates of this program will meet standards set by the Elders. The work they produce as a result of this program will provide them with the necessary skills and experience to pursue work at the Doctoral level. Students are required to complete all program requirements within a 6-year time frame.

There are two distinct focus areas within which students will demonstrate growth: Anishinaabe-gikendaasowin (Anishinaabe knowledge) and Anishinaabe-inendamowin (Anishinaabe mindset/ worldview).

There are three core stages of growth within each focus area in which students will engage in a number of unique learning processes that contribute to both their personal and professional development.

Stage One: Gaa-maajii-gikino’amaagoziwaad- Students will complete a number of core courses within a 1.5 – 2.0 year time frame.

Stage Two:

a) Inaakonigewin- Planning of the community-based research which leads to the thesis, project, or paper. Some course work will be involved. Individuals will also work with an advisor to write a research proposal which meets the established standards and criteria of the Ethics Committee.

b) Ando-gikenjigewin Actual research work in the field will be completed as designed.

Stage Three: Mazina’iganikewin-

Writing and completing the thesis, project, or paper, is the main focus of this stage. The submission and acceptance of this work will demonstrate Mastery of program focus objectives (Anishinaabewi-gikendaasowaad, Anishinaabe-wendamowaad).

Graduates are required to complete a minimum of 7 courses, provide evidence of growth in focus areas, and successfully complete a thesis, project, or paper.

Stage One: Gaa-maajii-gikino’ amaagoziwaad

• UW 501- Biskaabiiyang (Returning to Our Way of Life - Decolonization)
  
• UW 502- Anishinaabe-inendamowin (Indigenous philosophy: mindset & world view).
  
• UW 503- Anishinaabe-gikendaasowin (Why is our Knowledge Different?/ Sacredness of Life - Indigenous Knowledge).
  
• UW 504- Anishinaabe-inaadiziwin (Way of Being and Behaviour – Anishinaabe Psychology).
  
• UW 505- Gidakiiminaan (Relationship to the Land – Connection to our Mother the Earth: getting our hands clean in the dirt).
  
• UW 506- Anishinaabemowin (Language as a Way of Life - Language).
  

Stage Two: Inaakonigewin (under revision)

• UW 507- Anishinaabe-izhichigewin (Anishinaabe protocols: Research Methodology) Skills required to plan the work for the thesis, or project.
  
• UW 508- Seminars- APA Style of Documentation, Qualitative writing formats, to be determined with needs of students
  
• UW 509- Ando-gikenjigwewin- Research work in the field
  

Stage Three: Mazina’iganikewin

• UW 510- Mazina’iganikewin- Writing and completing the thesis or project.
  

Seven Generations Education Institute will maintain a Faculty that represents all aspects of Aboriginal and Indigenous thought. The Faculty will be responsible for course development, supervising candidates, maintaining the integrity of the programme and academic excellence.

Seven Generations Education Institute will invite members of the Aboriginal Academic and Traditional communities to meet and work towards achieving excellence in learning, education and applied Aboriginal research and knowledge.

• Annie Wilson Jim Dumont
  
• Tabasonakwut Kinew Edward Benton
  
• David Anderson Laura Horton
  
• Delbert Horton Brian McInnes

An Admissions Committee will review each applicant to the programme. The Admissions Committee will consist of two Elders and two Aboriginal Academics. Applicants are required to attend a meeting with the Admissions Committee to discuss the program and their application personally during a one day session prior to the first course starting.

Stage one courses are delivered in Seven Generations Education Institute classrooms, over three weekends, held once per month.

Stage two courses are offered on-line with one session, in the classroom.

Stage three is independent with one session per season to maintain support, as it is needed. Students will be assigned faculty during the second stage.

The Undaa Wiinjigewin will be accredited through the Seven Generations Education Institute. On July 2001, the Fort Frances Tribal Area Chiefs passed Resolution #01/ 004 entitled, “Seven Generations Education Institute Self-Accreditation Mandate.” The self-accreditation process has already begun, and will be completed by graduation.

Seven Generations Education Institute will be responsible for providing all physical space required for the delivery of this program. This includes classroom space, ceremonial grounds, computer/Internet facilities, and library resources.

All students interested in applying to Seven Generations Education Institute must submit:

• SGEI Application form;
  
• All official transcripts;
  
• Personal profile
  
• Sponsor letter, if applicable;

Please respect the prerequisite section. We are looking for Anishinaabe with a B.A. or equivalent research skills and some university work. We will not be offering a new intake of this program until September 2005. Please submit your application and transcripts by June 30, 2005..

Please submit all of the above information to: