Concurrent Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges, Ecosystems and Society (IKES)
Rethinking Ecology & Society Through Indigenous Knowledges
The Concurrent Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges, Ecosystems and Society (IKES) invites you to explore the relationships between ecology, land, and society through Indigenous ways of knowing and environmental stewardship.
Drawing on both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, the IKES Certificate offers a unique opportunity to reflect on your role in shaping the world we live in – today and in the future.
Open to undergraduate students in all faculties, the IKES Certificate can be completed alongside your degree.
Why Should Students Consider The IKES Certificate?
The IKES Certificate offers a meaningful learning pathway for students who want to deepen their understanding of the relationships between Indigenous knowledges, land, and society alongside their undergraduate studies.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, students are introduced to Indigenous research methods and ethics, traditional ecological knowledge, and environmental perspectives that complement and extend Western approaches. The certificate also highlights land‑based and experiential learning opportunities offered through Indigenous Studies and the Sciences.
By engaging with multiple ways of knowing, students are encouraged to reflect critically on stewardship, responsibility, and how knowledge systems shape decision‑making in contemporary and future societies.
Required Courses
Students completing the IKES Certificate must take the following required courses:
INDIGST 1A03 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies
An introduction to Indigenous peoples’ worldviews from pre‑contact to the Indian Act of 1876. Indigenous history and philosophy are examined alongside issues of representation and colonialism.
Open to all undergraduate students. Offered in the Fall term (in person) and the Spring term (virtual).
INDIGST 2D03 - Traditional Indigenous Ecological Knowledge
This course examines the ecological teachings of Indigenous peoples and their relationships with the natural environment in historical and contemporary contexts.
Open to all undergraduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IKES Certificate?
The Concurrent Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges, Ecosystems and Society is designed for students who wish to learn two‑eyed ways of seeing. “Two‑Eyed Seeing” is a guiding principle originating from Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall.
It encourages seeing the world through the strengths of both Indigenous ways of knowing and Western ways of knowing, simultaneously.
Students who complete the certificate gain a strong grounding in Indigenous research methods and ethics, traditional ecological knowledge, and environmental and earth sciences.
Who’s eligible for the IKES Certificate?
The certificate is open to all undergraduate students (Level I and above) enrolled in any faculty.
How do I obtain the IKES Certificate?
Undergraduate students at McMaster can register for the certificate through Mosaic:
Student Centre → Service Requests
A list of eligible courses is available in the Academic Calendar.
Who do I contact for more information?
For questions or additional details about the IKES Certificate, please contact: indigaa@mcmaster.ca
