Wabanaki Governance

Faculty: Faculty of Education
Degree(s): Certificate or Diploma
Campus: Fredericton

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Why Wabanaki Governance at UNB?

Rooted in the principles and traditions of the Wabanaki Confederacy, UNB’s Wabanaki Governance certificate and diploma offer a unique opportunity to explore Indigenous leadership, self-governance and community development from an Indigenous perspective.

Created in collaboration with Elders, community leaders and experts, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for Indigenous rights, develop community-based policies and lead in culturally responsive ways. Through land-based learning in Wabanaki communities and practical community applications, students will strengthen their understanding of traditional governance models, contemporary political issues and strategies for sustainable development, while also contributing to the revitalization of language and culture.

Offered through the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, the program is open to individuals from all backgrounds, with a focus on aspiring and current Indigenous leaders.

Skills you will acquire

  • Understand Indigenous governance systems, Wabanaki structures and traditions
  • Integrate cultural knowledge, language and values into leadership and decision-making
  • Advocate for Indigenous rights, sovereignty and reconciliation
  • Design and evaluate community-based governance models 

Program modality

The certificate program: 

  • In-person in Indigenous communities across the Maritimes
  • On campus in Fredericton
  • Online synchronous delivery

The diploma program: 

  • On campus in Fredericton
  • Online synchronous delivery

All students participate in a required land-based course (INDG3682) offered in person to build cohort connections and foundational knowledge.

Sample courses

Certificate (8 courses, 24 ch)

  • First Nations Leadership Foundations
  • Writing in Indigenous Contexts
  • Current Topics in Self-Governance
  • Peace and Friendship Treaties

Diploma (20 courses, 60ch)

Includes all certificate courses plus:

  • First Nations Leadership and Entrepreneurship
  • Wabanaki Worldviews
  • Indigenous Dispute Resolution
  • First Nations Perspectives and Organizational Behaviour

Admission requirements

Applicants must meet the academic and other prerequisites for the Wabanaki Governance certificate and diploma or qualify as a mature student. Additionally, applicants must:

  • Obtain approval from the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre
  • Submit a personal statement addressing:
    • Connection to an Indigenous community
    • Leadership experience and goals
    • Interest in Indigenous governance and reconciliation
    • Cultural knowledge and aspirations
  • Provide two references from community leaders, educators or supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s leadership, commitment and community involvement
Note: Students completing the certificate may be eligible to continue into the diploma program without resubmitting references or a personal statement.

Next steps