Impact the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities.
This program delivers a client-centred approach that is culturally-relevant and prepares both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to work in the human services field. Become an effective counsellor through case studies and real counselling sessions, communications seminars, theoretical concepts, guest speakers, and fieldwork that is culturally aware and respective of the realities faced by Indigenous peoples.
You’ll learn to demonstrate consistent ethical, legal, and professional responsibility while adhering to social work values and principles. The Indigenous specialization sets you apart in the social services field with enhanced knowledge and the wisdom to help create a culturally safe environment for clients.
Program highlights
- Learn interprofessional skills from Anishnabeg holistic perspective
- 2 placements with community organizations
- Recognized by Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers
- Qualified as a Registered Social Service Worker in Ontario after graduation
- Graduates have skills and knowledge to work effectively within Indigenous communities
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just 1 year when you graduate
Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
IND 1003 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
WES 1010 | Professional Com/ Giigadowin I | 3 |
WES 1111 | SWPractice/Oshkaabewis I | 4 |
WES 1002 | Anishnabeg/Indigenous Social Services I | 3 |
One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 22 | |
Semester 2 | ||
ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
WES 1003 | Anishnabeg/Indigenous Family and Community Dynamics | 3 |
WES 1211 | SWPractice/Oshkaabewis II | 4 |
WES 1241 | Professional Com/Giigadowin II | 3 |
WES 1295 | Field Work I | 2 |
One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 18 | |
Semester 3 | ||
WES 1004 | Anishnabeg/Indigenous Social Services II | 3 |
WES 1063 | Anishnabeg/Indigenous Social Work Practice III | 4 |
WES 1251 | Ethics | 3 |
WES 2053 | Community Development | 3 |
WES 2320 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
Credits | 19 | |
Semester 4 | ||
WES 2491 | Field Work II | 20 |
Credits | 20 | |
Total Credits | 79 |
- 1
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Admission requirements
or graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Additional admission requirements
To participate in field placements, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR C, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health & Safety, Workplace Violence & Prevention, and a WSIB Student Agreement
- Additional medical clearance may be required for some placement sites which support vulnerable populations, including: MMR, TB Step 1 and 2, Varicella, Tetanus/ Diphtheria (Td), Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.
See the Field Placement manual for more information.
Program delivery
2024-2025
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2026
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
Graduates may seek employment for casework and counselling positions within:
- First Nations
- Indigenous sector and communities
- Long term care and older adult services
- Residential services and Treatment Centre's
- Children, youth family, and Elders services
- Women’s and LGBTQ2S+ services
- Justice and victims services
- Health, mental health, and addiction services
- Immigration and refugee services
- Employment and education programs
- Government
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.