Create positive, meaningful change with an Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences certificate
Indigenous Peoples – including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples – are the original inhabitants of the land that is now known as Canada. These communities have distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical backgrounds and are recognized as unique and diverse nations with a rich heritage and ongoing contributions to Canadian society.
Indigenous Peoples persistently encounter challenges in crucial areas like healthcare, social services, employment, and education. So, how can professionals help bring about meaningful change? The Chang School is proud to offer the Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences, a unique, award-winning program that will help you be a part of the positive way forward.
This certificate can open up a wide variety of job opportunities in community workplaces and professional disciplines that engage with Indigenous communities, agencies, and people, and public- and private-sector fields like social work, health sciences, education, policy, law, geography, human resources, and community leadership.
You can complete our courses online, building knowledge and growing your career in crucial areas such as Indigenous health and well-being, governance, literature, community relations, and land use in Canada. Our comprehensive program is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and is designed to provide an enriching and diverse learning experience where you can gain new insights around Indigenous worldviews, and ways of knowing, being, and doing.
This Indigenous certificate program emphasizes the importance of practical, real-world experience; you will manage projects that contribute to positive change and help you engage with community agencies and organizations, preparing you for the challenges and complexities of working with Indigenous communities. You will also have the opportunity to connect with professionals, experts, and fellow learners who share a passion for Indigenous issues; these networking opportunities can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and mentorship, further boosting your career.
The world needs more people to embrace making meaningful change. Join them today.
Who should take this Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences certificate?
- You work in or want to advance your career in fields and professional disciplines that engage with Indigenous communities and agencies, including social work, health sciences, education, policy, law, geography, human resources, or community leadership
- You want to work in an occupation that addresses, or should address, Indigenous concerns in public, private, and not-for-profit sector organizations
What will you learn while taking the Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences certificate?
You’ll learn how to:
- Build and apply your critical awareness of yourself in relation to Indigenous Peoples, experiences, and worldviews
- Assess and understand the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian government
- Synthesize and communicate how Indigenous Peoples have been impacted by laws, policies, and practices in the health, social services, human resources, and other sectors
- Execute projects within community agencies and organizations
- Develop a foundational understanding of Indigenous approaches to professional development
Certificate Requirements
- 2 required courses**
- 2 electives
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.67+
**If you are an undergraduate student who has completed SWP 435, you may apply for a course substitution towards CINT 922. However, if you complete INT 922/CINT 922, you may not apply for a course substitution towards SWP 435.
Admission Criteria
Recommended:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- With 6 Grade 12 U or M credits (including English)
- With a minimum average of 70 percent
OR
- Mature student status
Note: If you do not meet the stated admission criteria, you may seek advice and assistance from Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education. You can also consult Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Indigenous to register in this certificate?
No, this program welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners to participate, fostering a rich and diverse learning environment.
The certificate is designed to provide an inclusive learning experience for individuals from diverse backgrounds who seek to broaden their understanding of Indigenous Peoples, their experiences, their worldviews, and their relationship with the Canadian government. By enrolling in this certificate, you can gain valuable insights and enhance your awareness of Indigenous perspectives and issues, equipping you with the tools to build stronger relationships and work collaboratively with Indigenous communities.
I am Indigenous. What new information will I learn in this certificate?
This multidisciplinary certificate covers various areas, including art, literature, social work, midwifery, governance, and more.
As an Indigenous learner, this certificate program can offer you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your cultural background and heritage and gain a broader understanding of the experiences and worldviews of other Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This certificate can provide new insights into Indigenous health and well-being, governance, literature, community relations, and land use, and how these relate to your community and personal experiences. The program can also enhance your understanding of Indigenous Peoples' relationship with the Canadian government and equip you with the skills necessary to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue with non-Indigenous peoples.
Participating in this certificate program can also expand your network and help you connect with other Indigenous learners and professionals, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. The program is designed to be inclusive of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge and can provide you with a supportive and enriching learning experience.
Is the Academic Coordinator for the certificate an Indigenous academic?
Yes, the Academic Coordinator for the Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences is Shane Young, a Mi'kmaw and Newfoundland Settler, a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Indigenous Studies program at Trent University and an assistant professor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University. Shane brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.
As the academic coordinator, Shane's primary role is to help you determine if this certificate fits your learning needs and guide you toward the necessary resources to support your success. He’s available to answer any questions about the program and can be reached at shane.young@torontomu.ca.
Can I receive assistance with my writing skills to get them up to a university level?
Like most university-level programs, this certificate assumes that you have the written and verbal communication skills necessary to complete term papers and other assignments. If you need assistance in this area, contact Toronto Metropolitan University's Writing and Language Support. If you are an Indigenous learner, you can also contact Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services.
I have a disability. Will I be accommodated in this certificate?
Yes. However, accommodations are often highly individualized. If you need to arrange specific accommodations, contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Academic Accommodation Support. If you are an Indigenous learner and need help in contacting the Access Centre, you may also contact Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii – Indigenous Student Services.
Questions?
Contact Client Services ce@torontomu.ca
