Indigenous Arts – certificate

Quick Facts

Apply online

Credential:
Certificate

Duration:
Three semesters

Format:
Full time, Part time

How to apply

Start date:
September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • Field trips enhance classroom learning
  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • Application fee waiver available
  • Program eligible for financial aid

Program description

Nurturing cultural and creative connections

The Indigenous Arts Certificate at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed for Indigenous learners who want to explore creative practices connected to culture, identity, community, and resurgence.

Through this certificate, you will engage with Indigenous arts practices alongside conversations about Indigenous rights, histories, sovereignty, settler colonialism, and contemporary Indigenous experiences. The program combines hands-on creative learning with critical Indigenous studies, mentorship, and community-based experiences.

Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic practices, including:

  • Visual arts
  • Digital media
  • Film
  • Performance
  • Storytelling
  • Photography
  • Weaving
  • Carving
  • Beading
  • New media

Whether you are beginning your artistic journey or looking to deepen an existing practice, this program supports learners at different stages of experience.

Why study Indigenous Arts at UFV?

Cultural and identity connection
Explore Indigenous creative practices in relation to cultural reclamation, resurgence, and community knowledge systems.

Hands-on experiential learning
Participate in workshops, field trips, guest artist sessions, and community-engaged learning experiences.

Learn in a supportive cohort
Study alongside a community of Indigenous learners in a culturally grounded environment centered on mentorship, care, and shared learning.

Flexible learning pathways
Complete the certificate through full-time study or part-time options that support work, family, and community responsibilities.

Continue into further studies
After completing the certificate, you may apply to programs such as:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Media Arts
  • Visual Arts Diploma
  • Theatre Diploma

The program emphasizes experiential and community-connected learning. Depending on student interests and opportunities available, learning experiences may include:

  • Community engagement
  • Guest artists and cultural practitioners
  • Workshops
  • Field learning opportunities
  • Collaborative projects
  • Portfolio development

Career expectations

The Indigenous Arts Certificate helps you develop creative, cultural, and professional skills that can support a wide range of artistic, community, and educational pathways.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship, experiential opportunities, and portfolio development, you will strengthen your ability to communicate ideas, tell stories, engage with communities, and create meaningful artistic work grounded in Indigenous perspectives.

Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as:

  • Visual arts and studio practice
  • Digital media and creative production
  • Community arts and cultural programming
  • Indigenous arts organizations
  • Museums, galleries, and cultural centres
  • Arts education and youth programming
  • Cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing initiatives
  • Public art and community-engaged projects
  • Creative entrepreneurship and freelance artistic practice

As Indigenous artists, creators, and cultural leaders continue to play an important role in shaping communities, preserving knowledge, and advancing cultural resurgence, the skills developed through this certificate can help prepare you to contribute through both creative practice and community engagement.

Entrance requirements

Go to  entrance requirements for the Indigenous Arts certificate in the UFV Academic Calendar

International student admissions

This program is open for international students.

Upgrading options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

Our Future Students team is here to help you understand your options and get ready to submit an application.

When you submit the form below, you'll get a follow-up message (no phone calls!) with answers to any specific questions you share in the form.

You'll also receive informational emails about applying to UFV (you can unsubscribe at any time.)

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