What is Practicum?

The FNIS practicum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in research projects in collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. While adhering to certain university requirements, particularly in research ethics review processes, the core principle of the practicum is that projects are grounded in student ideas and tailored to meet community needs. Practicum students receive unique training to conduct research that ethically stewards knowledge, adeptly navigating the specific needs and protocols of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Our partners benefit from working with practicum students because they apply research approaches rooted in their First Nations and Indigenous Studies training. This training emphasizes meaningful and respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, including community-engaged research practices. Although they may not complete large projects independently, practicum students can initiate new projects, scaffold research efforts, establish procedures and ethical frameworks, or advance specific components of larger research projects. With supervision and guidance, practicum students contribute meaningfully to research initiatives, laying the groundwork for future, more comprehensive efforts.

The FNIS practicum represents a valuable opportunity for organizations to engage reciprocally with our students and the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program. This collaboration not only supports the professional development of students but also strengthens the relationship between the university and Indigenous communities through shared goals and mutual learning.

Students typically dedicate about 8 hours a week to their projects, with preliminary work beginning in mid-October and the main phase of work commencing in mid-November. The practicum concludes in March.

Do you have a question about the practicum that is not answered here? If so, email fnis.practicum@ubc.ca.