Overview
This course offers an innovative opportunity for learners to apply and hone the knowledge and skills attained in the Indigenous Business Studies program. Learners will engage with an Indigenous community, organization, enterprise, or other entity to complete a research project with real-world relevance. Learners will gain experience using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach by integrating, applying, and reflecting on Indigenous and Western knowledge within a specific First Nations, Inuit, or Métis context.
Learners will work both independently and in close collaboration with an Indigenous Community Partner to develop a proposal, conduct research, and write a report. Learners will be supported by an instructor and will present their findings and reflections to a committee comprising both academic and community representatives. Course assessment encompasses the project deliverables as well as the learner’s self-reflection and overall growth.
This applied research project offers considerable flexibility for learners to undertake a research project that interests them and their community partner. Learners will be expected to manage their project timelines and to reach out for support when needed.
Important notice: Athabasca University recognizes that this course deals with sensitive topics that might trigger challenging emotional issues for some students. Students are reminded that they must participate within their own capabilities and limits. Students may discuss with the course professor to find support for their mental wellness. Neither the professor nor Athabasca University is responsible for any personal problems that should arise during the participation in this course.
Outline
Stage 1: Preparation and Approval Overview
- Milestone 1: Learning Plan
- Milestone 2: Understanding Engagement
- Milestone 3: Foundations Portfolio
- Milestone 4: Understanding Research
- Milestone 5: Project Proposal
Stage 2: Research and Writing
- Milestone 6: Action Plan
- Milestone 7: Draft Report
Stage 3: Sharing and Finalizing
- Milestone 8: Committee Preparation
- Milestone 9: Presentation
- Milestone 10: Final Report
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to do the following:
- apply and reflect on contemporary business theory, knowledge, and skills using research methods, reflection, collaboration, Indigenous Knowledge and Protocols, and the Two-Eyed Seeing approach
- build meaningful long-term relationships with an Indigenous community, organization, enterprise or other entity through collaborative research, problem solving, and application of Western and Indigenous knowledge
- apply Western and Indigenous economic development theory, knowledge, and practice to contribute to Indigenous community development and prosperity and to work toward social, economic, environmental, and spiritual sustainability
Evaluation
Your final grade in INBU 490 is determined by a weighted average of the grades you receive on six assignments. To receive credit for INBU 490, you must achieve a minimum overall grade of D (50 percent) or better for the entire course.
The weightings for each assignment are as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Learning Plan | 10% |
| Foundations Portfolio | 10% |
| Applied Research Project Proposal | 20% |
| Action Plan | 20% |
| “What Have I Learned” Presentation | 10% |
| Applied Research Project Report | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
All of your course work must be submitted before 12:00 midnight (Mountain Time) on the final day of your contract.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Walker, R., Jojola, T., & Natcher, D. (Eds.). (2013). Reclaiming Indigenous planning. McGill-Queen's University Press.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.