Indigenous Learning and Women's Studies at Lakehead University at Main

The field of Women’s Studies has transformed dramatically since its introduction to Lakehead University in 1990. Alongside women’s experiences and gendered systems, students will examine elements of sexuality, queer theory, social justice, masculinity, and law. Through these topics and more, this program’s goal is to demonstrate how people are constrained by various ideological notions and how these notions can be challenged to facilitate equality.

The Department of Women’s Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to feminism. Faculty members are prominent in the fields of feminist legal studies, women’s health, queer studies, cultural and new media studies and teach related courses that easily springboard our students into the Masters of Social Justice and related postgraduate programs, law schools across Canada, midwifery, policing, and many others.

As a Women’s Studies Honours student, they are free to combine their studies with a joint major in Indigenous Learning. Indigenous Learning is an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural department open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Borrowing from subjects including history, geography, anthropology and sociology, this program will examine societal structures and the ways the Indigenous population relates to mainstream populations in Canada.

The program aims to enhance students’ awareness of Aboriginal life experiences, culture and political issues. This focus on the current reality of Aboriginal Peoples as opposed to the traditional, anthropological approach. While history is a component of their Indigenous Learning studies, it will be within the context of lived implications in order to challenge assumptions and mistaken understandings about Aboriginal Peoples.