Program overview
Admission Requirements
Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program overview

The Indigenous Studies Foundations - Inuit, Métis, and First Nations program is a one-year Ontario College Certificate designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. This program provides an opportunity to explore the worldviews of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations peoples, focusing on sustainable futures. Students will develop transferable personal and professional skills that are in demand across various Indigenous-focused areas. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the contributions of Indigenous communities to Canada, fostering cultural appreciation, and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Graduates will be equipped to engage with Indigenous communities and organizations, enhancing their academic and career journeys.

Program structure

The Indigenous Studies Foundations program is structured as follows:

  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Credential: Ontario College Certificate
  • Delivery: Available in various formats including classroom, online, and hybrid modes.
  • Options: Opportunities for further education in a 2-year Indigenous Studies diploma, with credits transferable from this program.

This program is designed to help students develop skills in areas such as:

  • Relationship to the land
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Personal and community well-being
  • Legal traditions and self-determination
  • Language revitalization
  • Arts and culture
  • Cultural sensitivity

Students will engage collaboratively with peers and Indigenous community members, exploring historical and contemporary contexts to promote truth, reconciliation, and resurgence.

Featured Experiences

The Indigenous Studies Foundations program offers a variety of unique experiences, including:

  • Collaborative learning with peers and Indigenous community members.
  • Engagement in discussions about historical and contemporary Indigenous contexts.
  • Opportunities to develop skills in community organization and practices.
  • Focus on bridging cultures and understanding Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being.
  • Exploration of environmental stewardship and personal well-being.

These experiences are designed to enhance students' understanding of Indigenous realities and prepare them for meaningful engagement in various sectors.

Career Options

Graduates of the Indigenous Studies Foundations program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

  • Community Development Worker: Facilitates community programs and initiatives that support Indigenous populations.
  • Cultural Liaison: Acts as a bridge between Indigenous communities and organizations, promoting cultural understanding.
  • Policy Analyst: Works with government or non-profit organizations to develop policies that address Indigenous issues.
  • Indigenous Education Coordinator: Develops and implements educational programs that incorporate Indigenous perspectives.
  • Environmental Stewardship Coordinator: Focuses on sustainable practices and environmental protection within Indigenous communities.

These roles allow graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in various sectors, including public, private, non-profit, and government organizations that engage with Indigenous communities.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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