Diploma

Wabanaki Visual Arts

Wabanaki Visual Arts

DIPLOMA | 2 YEARS | 6 SEMESTERs

 

In Wabanaki Visual Arts, you will:

  • Take part in a program that is unique in Canada. This is the only diploma that focuses on traditional craft mediums of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki peoples.
  • Be immersed in the First Nations history of this region, and work one-on-one with Indigenous artists, both in-studio and on culturally-significant field trips.
  • Engage in thoughtful dialogue about cultural appropriation, and experience responsible and sustainable harvest of natural materials.
  • Learn a wide range of traditional and contemporary skills before choosing your path, be it quillwork or beading, wood carving, wampum making or basketry.
  • Create a portfolio and learn entrepreneurship skills to launch your career in visual art.

NEWS

Wabanaki Visual Arts students get their books published with new partnership, October 2023

See the Art Inspired by the Wabanaki Creation Story, March 2023

Wabanaki Visual Arts Studio Head Shares Truths, Stories at Government House, October 2022

PROGRAM CHANGE AS OF APRIL 2022:

Wabanaki Visual Arts (WVA) NOW accepts diploma students on a biennial basis.


Next start terms for WVA:

September 2023 (Applications open October 2022)
September 2025
September 2027
September 2029
and so on every other year.

 

Interested in finding out more?

Email the Recruitment Office: nbccdrecruiting@gnb.ca.

  • Curriculum Standard

    Wabanaki Visual Arts 2023-2025 Curriculum Standard

    The Curriculum Standard is an introduction to the program which includes the program’s critical performance, a program description, program learning outcomes, and the program’s potential career opportunities. This is followed by information on duration, credits, admission requirements, advanced placement, certification, articulations, and prior learning assessment and recognition.

    This document also contains a program delivery sequence and the course profiles with specific course learning outcomes and grading basis.

    In addition, the Curriculum Standard is used as a tool for revision and evaluation of the program and for the promotion of transfer agreements with other post-secondary institutions.

  • Areas of Study
    • Ash and Birch Bark Basketry
    • Quillwork and Beading
    • Drum and Traditional Paddle Making
    • Wood Carving and Sculpture
    • Archaeology and Indigenous History
    • Entrepreneurship and Business Practices
  • Career Possibilities
    • Professional Craftsperson/Entrepreneur
    • Basket Weaver
    • Wampum Maker
    • Wood Sculptor or Paddle Carver
    • Beaded Jewellery Designer
  • Course List

    Fall 1

    WVVA 2911
    Wabanaki Media I

    WVVA 2913
    Wabanaki Iconography: Mixed Media

    FVAD 1007
    Foundations: Elements and Principles 1

    HIST 2919
    Wabanaki: Archeology, History of Culture, and Craft

    ENGL 1001
    Language of Design

    Winter 1

    WVVA 2912
    Wabanaki Media II

    WVVA 2910
    Wood: An Introduction to Tools and Shaping

    FVAD 1008
    Foundations: Elements and Principles 2

    HIST 2920
    Indigenous Art in Contemporary Culture

    ENTR 2008
    Entrepreneurship: Professional Practices

    Spring 1

    WVVA 2914
    Wabanaki Media: Individual Exploration

    WVVA 2916
    Waponahkik Skicinuwi-‘Pisun-Traditional Medicine

    Fall 2

    WVVA 3914
    Indigenous Studio: Making your Mark

    WVVA 3913
    Woodcarving

    WVVA 3919
    Introduction to Wolastoquey Language 

    ENTR 3918
    Entrepreneurship: Digital Communications 

     

    Winter 2

    WVVA 3917
    Indigenous Studio: Refining Your Style

    WVVA 3920
    Regalia: Then and Now

    HIST 3909
    Wabanaki Oral Tradition and Art

    General Elective (choose 1)

    Spring 2

    WVVA 3921
    Indigenous Studio: Graduation Project

  • Admission Requirements
    • $50 (CAD) Application Fee (1)
    • An official transcript of marks (one of the following):
        • High school transcript (2)
        • GED
        • Adult high school transcript
        • Equivalent experience will be considered (3) and may lead to a personal interview

    (1) The $50 non-refundable application fee applies to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents, and is subject to change without notice. International applicants pay a $100 (CAD) application fee. See International Students for more information.

    (2) Final grade 11 and semester-one grade 12 transcripts will be accepted in your application until final grade 12 transcripts are available. Please Note: Transcripts must be sent directly from your school to our admissions office to considered official. Additionally, if your public high school transcript indicates an adjusted level in English and/or History, your application will require additional evaluation. (See below.)

    (3) Equivalencies to all academic admission requirements are evaluated through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

      • Applicants Requiring Additional Evaluation
        • Adult Learners: If you are at least 21 years of age, a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, and do not meet the academic requirements, you may be assessed as an Adult Learner. Adult Learners may be required to show through an interview or written Letter of Application that they are prepared for success at NBCCD.
        • Non-Public: If you have been educated in a context other than a public-school environment; have not taken standardized tests; and do not have transcripts that have been validated by a government-recognized educational authority, you will be assessed by our Admissions Officer.
        • Special Admissions: If you have a high school transcript of marks indicating adjusted English and/or History, you will be assessed by our Admissions Officer.
  • Apply Now

    Apply here.

    Go to the Admission Requirements to learn more. This page will also provide more details and info on where to mail your transcript of marks, cash, cheques and/or money order.

Sample Courses

  • Wood: An Introduction to Tools and Shaping

    In this course, students learn the basics of the materials, tools and techniques used to carve wooden objects. Through the process of adding and subtracting form, they create individual projects that interpret traditional themes and techniques. In addition, students engage in discussion on the cultural significance of wooden objects and gain an awareness of the social and economic impact of their production.

  • Wabanaki Media II

    In this course, students make traditional ash basketry, pottery and wampums with techniques specific to the Mi’kmaq, Peskotomouhkati and Wolastoqey Peoples. They examine the similarities and commonalities found in Indigenous craft and integrate a variety of perspectives into their finished products. By investigating these techniques and methodologies, students increase their skills to be able to evaluate opportunities for further study.

  • Regalia: Then and Now

    In this course, students will investigate the meaning and function of traditional and contemporary Regalia for Indigenous peoples. Students will learn basic sewing skills and pattern making to design and create personal regalia that is culturally appropriate. This course provides an opportunity to foster meaningful connections to culture and identity.

2019 Image of a Man wearing traditional indigenous regalia.

find your communityJoin Mawi’Art

Mawi’Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective (MAWAC) was established in 2013 to serve as an organizational means by which Indigenous artists in Atlantic Canada could be more fully supported in developing and selling their work.