Challenge Racism and Colonialism

Despite Canada's progressive reputation as a "multicultural" society, there are profound inequalities among Canadians, as well as between Canadians and Aboriginal Peoples. Our new and innovative Multicultural and Indigenous Studies (MIST) program (formerly Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity - REI) - the only one of its kind in Canada - challenges these inequalities by examining how they thrive in our everyday experiences, addressing how they are promoted by Canadian governments and institutions and exploring how we can work towards social justice.

Students in this innovative program have their choice of three streams - Diaspora Studies, Indigenous Studies, or Racism and Multicultural Studies.

Diaspora Studies explores both the multiple social processes,global and local, which result in the formation of diasporic communities, and the issues facing specific diasporic communities. Our intensive focus on immigration, and refugee issues is central to this Stream.

Indigenous Studies addresses the histories, values, cultural expression, and concerns of Indigenous peoples, with a strong focus on self-empowerment, as well as their relationships with other racialized communities and with Canada as a whole. Visit the Indigenous Studies Web site for additional details.

Racism and Multiculturalism focuses on racism in Canada, the state processes and discourses that perpetuate racism, and the struggles of racialized communities to resist oppressive and marginalizing practices.  The limits of official multiculturalism and the efforts of racialized and diasporic communities to create a genuinely multicultural society will also be explored.

All students take core courses that conceptually link these streams, to enable a deeper understanding of the issues facing racialized, diasporic, and Aboriginal communities. Watch a video to learn more.

Why MIST at York?

• Our program is leading-edge - a first in Canada.
• Study in an interdisciplinary learning environment renowned for teaching and research excellence.
• Address a range of critical issues from land claims and the struggles of residential school survivors to immigration, refugee legislation and racial profiling.
• Strategize for meaningful economic, social and policy change, while gaining critical analytical and communication skills favoured by today's employers.

You can pursue the MIST program full-time or part-time through our BA, BA Honours, or BA Specialized Honours options. You can also combine your studies in MIST with other disciplines such as History and Economics by earning a BA Honours Double Major/Minor or a BA Honours Minor. As a graduate, you will be well prepared for leadership roles in areas such as law, immigration, social work, health care, education, government and non-governmental organizations.