ObjectivesThe Indigenous Family Support program provides students of Indigenous Ancestry* with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, awareness and values needed to work with Indigenous individuals and families in schools and communities. The program promotes awareness of Indigenous history and culture. It provides opportunities for each student to reflect and develop self-awareness and pride as an Indigenous person. Indigenous family support practitioners are prepared to support the development of healthy Aboriginal individuals, families and communities. Program graduates function interdependently as members of a support team under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals in health, education and/or human service settings.
Academic titleIndigenous Family Support Certificate
Course descriptionAcademic Term 1 (Fall)
CFCS 120 Lifespan Development 1
IFS 100 Exploring Indigeneity
IFS 110 Self, Family & Community
IFS 120 Circle and Elder’s Teaching 1
IFS 140 Introduction to Practice
PSYC 154 (T) Interpersonal Relations
Academic Term 2 (Winter)
ENGL 170 (T) Professional Communications 1
FNCS 117 (T) Indigenous Studies in Canada 2
IFS 121 Circle and Elder’s Teaching 2
IFS 141 Self in Practice
PSYC 256 (T) Introduction to Counselling
Practicum (Spring)
IFS 142 Professional Practice
IFS 100 Exploring Indigeneity
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0)
In this course students are supported to engage in self-reflection and self-renewal as they explore their indigeneity. A brief overview of historical realities affecting Indigeneous peoples in Canada provides a foundation for understanding present realities. The importance of community and land in the lives of Aboriginal people is also explored.
IFS 110 Self, Family, & Community
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0)
This course focuses on indigenous families across generations. Students are supported to experience how families are influenced by social, political and economic happenings. Students will be assisted to transfer their knowledge of family at a personal level to their professional role as indigenous family support practitioners.
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or ENGL 092, or equivalent; or permission of the Chair or Program Leader.
IFS 120 Circle and Elder's Teaching 1
(1 credit) F (1.5,0,0,0)
This course consists of weekly circle-based discussions and debriefing sessions for program students, staff and faculty. On regular occasions, indigenous elders will join the circle to share their wisdom and oral traditions.
IFS 121 Circle and Elder's Teaching 2
(1 credit) W (1.5,0,0,0)
This course consists of weekly circle-based discussions and debriefing sessions for program students, staff and faculty. On regular occasions, indigenous elders will join the circle to share their wisdom and oral traditions.
IFS 140 Introduction to Practice
(2 credits) F (2,0,0,0)
This course introduces students to the basic skills, knowledge, attitudes and values necessary to function as a family support practitioner. Students will begin to examine the responsibilities and obligations of the family support role. Students will also be introduced to agencies and services for Aboriginal families.
Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or ENGL 092, or equivalent; or permission of the Chair or Program Leader.
IFS 141 Self in Practice
(5 credits) W (3,0,0,12)
This course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in IFS 140 through a combination of classroom and practical experiences. Students will further develop knowledge and strategies for effective work with families and interdisciplinary teams. Lifelong learning and its relationship to personal and professional development is explored.
This course provides students with opportunities for practice within a select community setting. Students will integrate and consolidate the knowledge, skills and values learned in the program into their beginning role as an indigeneous family support practitioner. Students will also attend weekly seminars at the College.