The impact of Canadian laws, policies, and practices on Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada is a critically important part of our history and current culture. The lives of Indigenous Peoples continue to be affected by challenges in areas such as healthcare, social services, employment, and education. How do we bring about meaningful change? Build real-world experience through this unique, award-winning program that will help you be part of the way forward..
Career Pathways
This certificate can help you pursue job opportunities or advance your career in the following areas:
- Community workplaces and professional disciplines that engage with Indigenous communities, agencies, and people
- Public or private sector roles in fields including social work, health sciences, education, policy, law, geography, human resources, community leadership, and more
Who Should Take This Certificate?
If you want to gain knowledge about key issues such as Indigenous health and well-being, governance, literature, community relations, and land use in Canada, as well as the skills to work in or advance your career in these areas, this certificate is designed for you. It is intended for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
It is also ideal if 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
- Want to work in occupations that address, or should address, Indigenous concerns in public, private, and not-for-profit sector organizations
Don’t have post-secondary education? You can pursue this university-level certificate with a secondary school diploma. View the Admission Criteria tab for more details.
What Will You Learn?
Gain new knowledge and insights by exploring Indigenous lived experiences and perspectives. 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) 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 above stated admission criteria, you may seek advice and assistance from Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education or from Toronto Metropolitan Aboriginal Student Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Indigenous to register in this certificate?
No. The certificate is designed for learners from all backgrounds to expand their awareness of themselves in relation to Indigenous Peoples, experiences, and worldviews, as well as their understanding of the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian government. Participants in this certificate include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and professionals.
I am Indigenous. What new information will I learn in this certificate?
This multidisciplinary certificate covers a variety of areas including art, literature, social work, midwifery, governance, and more.
What electives should I take?
You are free to choose any elective(s) you desire to complete the certificate.
Recommendations for elective choice, based on your needs and goals, are below:
- You are an Indigenous-identified learner who wants to focus on integrating Indigenous Knowledges, ceremonies, and elders specifically for Indigenous students/community members: CVSW 932, CSWP 933, CFNY 510, CENG 203, CINT 910, CPPA 124, CSWP 925
- You are a post-secondary learner (undergraduate and graduate) who wants to focus on increased capacity for professional development and graduate study for graduates and professionals: CSWP 933, CFNY 510, CENG 203, CENG 511, CINT 910, CPPA 124, CSWP 925
- You are a non-Indigenous human service practitioner who wants to focus on developing competencies pertinent to allyship: CCLD 450, CCYC 905, CMWF 108, CINT 910
- You are a pathways learner with foundational knowledge who wants to focus on entering into post-secondary education programs: CINT 910, CVSW 932
For personalized recommendations, you are encouraged to consult with the Academic Coordinator, Shane Young (shane.young@torontomu.ca), about the courses that best complement your competencies.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Complete the courses in this certificate at a pace that suits your schedule – you can take more than one course each term. However you decide to pursue the courses, once you have registered in the certificate, you must complete it within three years from the time you were first admitted into the certificate program.
How much time will I have to spend on course work each week?
It is common to spend between six and eight hours per week for each course.
Is the Academic Coordinator for the certificate an Indigenous academic? What does this role involve?
Yes, the Academic Coordinator for the Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences is Shane Young. Shane Young is a PhD Candidate in the Indigenous Studies program at Trent University and an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University. Shane is of Mi'kmaw and Newfoundland settler ancestry and is a member of the Qalipu First Nation on the southwestern coast of Newfoundland. The role of the Academic Coordinator is to assist you in determining if this certificate will meet your learning needs and linking you to the resources needed to support your success. You can contact Shane at shane.young@torontomu.ca.
I have not been enrolled in an academic program in several years. Will I be able to handle the workload?
Many of our learners have not been in an academic program in the past five years, or even longer. Our instructors recognize that different students need varying levels of assistance to make the transition back to university-level study. If you have not been in university before or are returning after a long absence, consider taking preparation courses that can help you get ready to take the courses in this certificate. Contact the Academic Coordinator for further information.
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 Toronto Metropolitan Aboriginal Student Services (RASS).
I have a disability. Will I be accommodated in this certificate?
Yes. However, accommodations are often highly individualized. You are encouraged to contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Academic Accommodation Support as soon as possible to arrange the specific accommodations you may require. If you are an Indigenous learner, you may also contact RASS to assist you with contacting the Access Centre.