The Indigenous studies journey at Cambrian College
Courses within the Indigenous Studies micro-credential Certificate support a student's learning journey regarding Canadian Indigenous history and also celebrate the various Indigenous cultures within Canada. Some courses such as Truth and Reconciliation focus on the history and effects of colonialism within Canada such as the detrimental effects of the Residential School system and even its effects in sports and how sports can be a positive outlet for Sports and Reconciliation. Other courses focus on facets of the vast Indigenous cultures within Canada including Powwow Culture, Indigenous Arts and Film and learning about Indigenous Peoples Today who are making an impact in their communities and beyond. While doing this student have to opportunity to learn about the importance of our Anishnaabemowin (Ojibwe language, Talking Care of Shkagamik-Kwe (Mother Earth) and explore Indigenous Global Perspectives.
A micro-credential is a Cambrian College Board of Governor’s level certification awarded at Convocation. The Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate of Completion is currently being offered to students (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) who are taking a two-year diploma program or a three-year advanced diploma program, or to those wishing to take it as a stand-alone certificate. In order to be eligible for this certificate, students must complete any four courses within the Indigenous Studies area (noting some programs have a 3 credit Indigenous studies course which would count as part of the four). It is highly recommended that Introduction to Indigenous Studies be the first course you take. This goes even for Indigenous students with existing knowledge, as there is always more to learn from different perspectives.
What do we mean by Indigenous Studies
First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are increasingly finding their place and their voice in post-secondary education. At the same time, non-Indigenous Canadians are becoming more aware of the traditional lands and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples. The Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate offers both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous student an excellent general-knowledge base which will focus on the history, land, languages, art, cultural traditions, worldview, spirituality, as well as present-day political and social conditions of Indigenous Peoples. A thorough understanding of the values and ways of being of Indigenous peoples will allow students to better appreciate their achievements and challenges and also the important contributions they have made and continue to make in national and global contexts. Finally, the Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate will serve as an excellent introduction for students interested in pursuing Indigenous Studies later on at the university level.
Why Take and Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate
Long before Europeans came to Turtle Island (North America), Indigenous Peoples with distinct languages, customs and cultures lived on this land. We now refer to them as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. First Nations include over 50 distinct nations including Ojibwe, Cree, Algonquin, Mohawk, and others. What were their initial relations with the newcomers? What are the relations today between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples? In the history books of Canada Indigenous peoples were mostly invisible until very recently. Whatever visibility they were given was often based on stories drawn from folklore or myth, accentuated with a heavy Eurocentric bias. With the Indigenous Studies Micro -Credential Certificate, we want Canadians and newcomers today to understand our past and present realities as well our gifts and contributions in hopes to bridge the gap, to raise awareness to establish a respectful basis for mutual understanding and cooperation.
Who should take the Indigenous Studies Micro-Credential Certificate?
Everyone! The Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate will be of interest to any student who studies here at the college, whether they are Indigenous or of any other ethnic origin. In modern society, and in Canada as a whole, Indigenous people need to be considered areas such health, education, environment social services, business, trades, and so on. To work responsibly and efficaciously in Canada, a better understanding of the past and present contributions of Indigenous Peoples is essential. The Indigenous Studies Micro-credential Certificate aims to provide the student with an awareness of the important role Indigenous Peoples play in the ongoing evolution of society and work alongside Indigenous peoples respectfully.
Adapted from John Abbott College (June 2025). Indigenous Studies
Current post-secondary students
Students currently enrolled in a post-secondary program at Cambrian College may take this micro-credential concurrently with their diploma or advanced diploma program.
Whenever there is a General Education course within their program, students seeking the micro-credential should elect to take one of the four Indigenous Studies courses. Since each program requires three General Education courses, students must enroll in one additional course (with applicable tuition and other fees), whether as an overload or through an off-stream term. Students will apply to graduate from the micro-credential upon completion.
Please contact your program coordinator or Department Chair for further information.
Continuing education students
Individuals can complete this micro-credential as a standalone certificate on a part-time basis. Our General Education Electives page will provide a list of available courses each semester to help you plan your path to completion.
Program of study
In order to obtain the Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete any four of the following courses. Some programs have a 3 credit Indigenous studies course, which would count as one of the required 4 courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IND 1003 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies 1 | 3 |
| IND 1009 | Intro to Powwow Culture | 3 |
| IND 1010 | Taking Care of Shkagamik-Kwe | 3 |
| IND 1012 | Truth and Reconciliation | 3 |
| IND 1015 | Indigenous Arts and Film | 3 |
| IND 1017 | Indigenous Peoples Today | 3 |
| IND 1019 | Indigenous Global Perspectives | 3 |
| IND 1050 | Sports and Reconciliation | 3 |
| IND 1102 | Anishnaabemowin | 3 |
| IND 1030 Indigenous Transition Program 2 | 3 | |
- 1
This course is equivalent to IND 1000 - Indigenous Perspectives in the Social Service Worker program (SSPG) and Social Services Worker - Indigenous Specialization program (SSIS)
- 2
This course is only for Indigenous students entering the 1st semester of a Post Secondary program.
Please see our General Education Electives page for the list of available courses for each semester. Note: Not all General Education courses are offered each term.
Course delivery
Most courses will be taught in person as Indigenous studies is based on hands-on learning while respecting peoples’ gifts which contribute to the relationship building in the circle. Some courses may be delivered asynchronously online. Most courses will have weekly modules or assignments to complete. We recommend that students budget a minimum of 5 hours per week per 3-credit course
Important Note: Cambrian College reserves the right to cancel the offering of courses in certain terms.
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.
