Academic Pathway

Through the Academic Pathway, we focus on on post-secondary students, including those currently enrolled in colleges, university undergraduate and graduate studies, and postdoctoral training, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students seeking to expand their understanding of Indigenous and place-based knowledge systems, knowledge co-production, and Western-Indigenous knowledge braiding approaches and opportunities.

We aim to create a national cohort of graduates who:

Are better positioned to contribute to reconciliation and the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples;
Understand and respect the distinctiveness of Western and Indigenous knowledge systems;
Can engage with Indigenous Peoples ethically, and;
Have the knowledge, interpersonal skills, and ethical understandings required for effective knowledge braiding in support of conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being.

BKC will achieve this through 3 central activities: a Braiding Knowledges Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), student internships through placements with partner organizations, and support through stipends.

MOOC

Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development is an online course designed to strengthen understanding and respectful collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners. Developed by the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and supported by Braiding Knowledges Canada, the course offers learners foundational knowledge on how to engage ethically and effectively with Indigenous communities, Nations, and organizations.

Launching in 2026

Student Exchange Opportunities

BKC will partner with nationally-based and internationally-based organizations and educational institutions to share experiences in braiding of knowledges with partners and participants nationwide and worldwide.

Support through Stipends

BKC will Support post-secondary students involved in BKC’s research through stipends in partnership with Mitacs. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous graduate students will benefit from student stipends.

The opportunities are designed to support BKC Knowledge Hubs to share knowledge and experiences with Western researchers and local and Indigenous communities worldwide, including a biennial international meeting aligned with BKC’s annual Knowledge Gathering.