the b.a. major and minor in indigenous/xwulmuxw studies are products of a collaboration between vancouver island university and the first nations of vancouver island and coastal british columbia. their purpose is to provide comprehensive, high-quality education respectful of the cultures of indigenous peoples, while meeting their diverse needs.

• explore contemporary indigenous issues in an integrated, multidisciplinary manner;
• prepare students for living within indigenous societies and the larger world;
• allow students to pursue the widest possible variety of professional specializations;
• focus on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of each student;
• emphasize links with local first nations communities and organizations, governments, and educational institutions that give students maximum opportunity for success;
• build national and international bridges to connect the indigenous of british columbia with indigenous peoples around the world