Established in 1988, the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta “dedicates itself to education both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students on the complexity of Indigenous-Canada relations and the validity and values of Indigenous knowledges.” It operates autonomously within the University of Alberta.

It gives special priority to online learning. Its strategic plan calls for expanding blended and online learning options and “working with our partners and other Indigenous educational institutions to increase course opportunities for students.” Public understanding of Indigenous peoples is a key objective. “In the era of reconciliation, the Faculty of Native Studies embraces its duty to educate the Canadian public on Indigenous issues. Building on our free online course, “Indigenous | Canada,” we will collaborate with units and programs across the university to develop new programming that supports the mission of the Faculty.” The course was launched in 2015, and since then well over 400,000 people have enrolled.

Watch for a revised and updated edition of the Indigenous | Canada course and course materials, planned to be available in the mid-2020s.