Onajigawin Indigenous Services Program at Confederation College

Program Intakes

0670 - Onajigawin Indigenous Services

Fall

2 years

Apply Now

Curriculum

Semester 1

CS 050 College Writing

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.
NC 126 Intergenerational Examination of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

In this course, students will define and discuss concepts of assimilation and the displacement of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Making connections to racist legislation that has informed historical and intergenerational trauma. Continued with exploring 'being displaced' rather than ‘being disordered using the Tribal Theory Framework. Finally, students will gain an Indigenous perspective around holistic health and wellbeing along with the importance of cultural continuity.
NC 127 The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Helping

In this course, students will recognize that Indigenous Knowledge contributes to the non-Indigenous understandings in the world. Traditional knowledge is part of the inheritance of humankind and thus we have inherent rights, roles, and responsibilities. Students will learn about cultural practices and cultural diversity, the interconnectedness of all things, while understanding the importance of respect, responsible relationships, and relevance, as well as, considering the Seven Generations Principles. Students and future Helpers will learn about the importance of following protocols to build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples, families, and communities and learn about the different ways of interacting.
NC 128 Cultural Safety and Humility Helpers

In this course, students will develop an understanding and promote positive relationships between the helper and their clients. Students will examine their sense of self, what informs their knowledge, discuss the complex nature of oppression, examine the ideology of racism, and how to apply cultural humility within their work as a helper, while providing culturally-safe care.
NC 240 Field Placement Seminar I

This course is designed to help prepare students for their initial placement experiences in the helping field. Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of being a helper, the various agencies and organizations in which they are employed, and the placement opportunities available that will help facilitate progression towards their goals and aspirations as a helper in various sectors. Students will be introduced to placement search techniques, field placement learning objectives, roles of agency supervisors and college advisors. In order to succeed in this course, students will complete the necessary requirements, forms, and paperwork required for field placement.
Elective
Elective

Semester 2

NC 205 Field Placement I

This course is the first field experience which enables the student to begin to integrate acquired theory into the work place. Students are observing and working towards taking on responsibilities in working directly with individuals, families, and communities and is learning how to access community resources. Students maybe be involved in direct services, case management, program development and implementation, workshops, presentations, advocacy or any other significant activity that is part of the agency mandate. The student is guided and evaluated in this learning experience by an agency supervisor and the faculty liaison.
NC 211 Interpersonal Skills

This course introduces students to the necessary interpersonal skills required to work in the field of human services. It will examine the nature of interpersonal communication and how is influenced by perception. It will also explore how emotions can be communicated in appropriate ways. It's focus on verbal and nonverbal communication, listening skills, managing conflict, self-awareness and intercultural communications will provide a solid base for students to begin their work in agencies and with clients. Students will be expected to practice and demonstrate these strategies during their field placement. This course will also provide opportunities for dialogue and reflection of issues and experiences working with clients, agencies and communities during the concurrent field placement.
NC 231 Colonizing and Decolonizing Issues of Violence in Indigenous Communities

In this course, students will be examining colonialism as an Indigenous Determinant of Health beyond the social and its direct connection to how violence is constructed and understood. Students will explore personal and collective commitment to decolonization approaches within the helping profession to support ending violence in settler colonial context and to bring about healing within Indigenous peoples, families, and communities.
NC 232 Cultural Specific Helping with Indigenous Peoples

In this course, students will continue to explore cultural specific skills and approaches that are specific to traditional helping with Indigenous peoples. Traditional Indigenous helping practices and culturally appropriate service approaches are explored. Students will also explore promising healing practices, elements, and other values and guiding principles for restoring balance and harmony in families and communities.
Elective

Semester 3

NC 229 Child and Family Services Wellbeing and Reform

In this course, students will recognize that the current child welfare system that has operated over decades requires significant reform and transformation shifting from protection to prevention when addressing child and family well-being in community. The course will explore the devolution of provincial child welfare jurisdiction to Indigenous authorities. Students will also recognize that Indigenous peoples have sovereignty, inherent rights, and jurisdiction to determine their own culturally distinct, integrative and holistic community healing approaches to social wellness. The course will highlight the importance of cultural revitalization, self-determination, and Indigenous knowledge systems in promoting the wellbeing and resilience of Indigenous children and communities.
NC 304 A Sacred Family Circle

This course provides the cultural and historical foundation needed to work effectively with Indigenous children, parents, and families as a Helper. Students will discuss the importance of 'a sacred family circle' as a process which involves an open discussion of family strengths, while respecting cultural and spiritual differences, with the goal to develop solutions that meet the needs of the child and family. Students will also learn about, engage in, and acknowledge the history and teachings of Indigenous peoples as they begin their parenting journey by using the Medicine Wheel as a unifying force of life and the foundation for many teachings about preconception to parenting. Furthermore, students will discuss the traditional kinship system and how it emphasized familial relationships for the sake of child rearing and imparting traditional values of respect, reciprocity, and balance.
NC 329 Social Aspects of Aging

In this course, students will be rethinking determinants of Indigenous peoples' health in Canada. Students will examine contemporary ideological and political structures that influence health trajectories of Indigenous children, youth and future generations. Moving through Indigenous Theory students will learn about mino-pimatisiwin, living a good life, as a comprehensive health philosophy shared by several Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. Students will also discuss traditions and beliefs related to death, dying, loss and grief through a holistic lens.
NC 402 Field Placement Seminar II

This course is designed to further prepare students after their initial placement experiences in the helping field. Students will further develop their roles and responsibilities as a soon to be Helper, the various agencies and organizations in which they are employed, and the placement opportunities available that will help facilitate progression towards their goals and aspirations as a helper in various sectors. Students will be engage in field placement search techniques, field placement learning objectives, revisit the roles of agency supervisors and college advisors. In order to succeed in this course, students will complete the necessary requirements, forms, and paperwork required for field placement.
NC 414 Prepared Helper

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop basic interviewing, assessment, counseling, and case management skills that are required when working in a helping relationship. An anti-oppressive and strength-based theoretical framework will be used to explore values, ethics and strategies that are necessary to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships with families, youth and children. Students will be encouraged to apply holistic and Indigenous helping principles in the development of these foundational skills.
SS 116 Social Welfare

In this course, students will examine historical development and current political and ideological influences on the social welfare system in Canada. This course also examines contemporary challenges being experienced by Canadians living within the social welfare system and role of the professions of Social Work and Social Service Work in assisting with addressing those challenges.

Semester 4

NC 403 Field Placement II

This course is this second field experience which enables the student to further integrate acquired theory into the work place. Students are expected to work towards taking on increased responsibilities in working directly with individuals, families, and communities and is learning how to access community resources. Students maybe be involved in direct services, case management, program development and implementation, workshops, presentations, advocacy or any other significant activity that is part of the agency mandate. The student is guided and evaluated in this learning experience by an agency supervisor and the faculty liaison.
NC 404 Cultural Continuity

Anti- oppressive social work involves not only direct service with clients and groups but the passion and capacity to understand how to address systemic issues, structural inequalities, and social change. This course examines the use and practices of Indigenous principles within this course of action. Students will focus specifically on ways in which to interact, network and augment activities that promote the agenda of many community development processes already in place. Students will learn about the basic skills of community organizing and development. They will explore the history and types of advocacy carried out by Indigenous peoples in their work within Canadian society for equity, justice and self-determination. They will practice effective group organizing through the identifications of a local social issue of concern, networking with local partners and organizing a community development initiative.
NC 408 Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention

In this course, students will examine community development processes to support Indigenous communities experiencing challenges relating to psychoactive substances. Students will be able to describe the nature, extent and context of these substances in relation to the development and implementation of culturally appropriate treatment programs across various Indigenous communities.

Fees

Cost Details for Year 1

International Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $14,835.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $681.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $16,656.00

Program Fees

Record Check, Seminars, Courses, First Aid, Medicals: $185.00
Books & Supplies: $250.00

Total Program Fees: $435.00

Ancillary Fees

Municipal Levy: $75.00
Student Fees: $300.00
Recovery Fee: $750.00

Total Ancillary Fees: $1,125.00

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $280.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $4,108.00

Program Fees

Record Check, Seminars, Courses, First Aid, Medicals: $185.00
Books & Supplies: $250.00

Total Program Fees: $435.00

Cost Details for Year 2

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $822.00
Health Fee: $280.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $4,098.00

International Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $14,835.00
College Service Fee: $822.00
Health Fee: $681.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $16,646.00

Ancillary Fees

Municipal Levy: $75.00
Student Fees: $300.00
Recovery Fee: $750.00

Total Ancillary Fees: $1,125.00

0671 - Onajigawin Indigenous Services - Accelerated

Fall

1 year

Apply Now

Curriculum

Semester 1

NC 126 Intergenerational Examination of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

In this course, students will define and discuss concepts of assimilation and the displacement of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Making connections to racist legislation that has informed historical and intergenerational trauma. Continued with exploring 'being displaced' rather than ‘being disordered using the Tribal Theory Framework. Finally, students will gain an Indigenous perspective around holistic health and wellbeing along with the importance of cultural continuity.
NC 128 Cultural Safety and Humility Helpers

In this course, students will develop an understanding and promote positive relationships between the helper and their clients. Students will examine their sense of self, what informs their knowledge, discuss the complex nature of oppression, examine the ideology of racism, and how to apply cultural humility within their work as a helper, while providing culturally-safe care.
NC 304 A Sacred Family Circle

This course provides the cultural and historical foundation needed to work effectively with Indigenous children, parents, and families as a Helper. Students will discuss the importance of 'a sacred family circle' as a process which involves an open discussion of family strengths, while respecting cultural and spiritual differences, with the goal to develop solutions that meet the needs of the child and family. Students will also learn about, engage in, and acknowledge the history and teachings of Indigenous peoples as they begin their parenting journey by using the Medicine Wheel as a unifying force of life and the foundation for many teachings about preconception to parenting. Furthermore, students will discuss the traditional kinship system and how it emphasized familial relationships for the sake of child rearing and imparting traditional values of respect, reciprocity, and balance.
NC 402 Field Placement Seminar II

This course is designed to further prepare students after their initial placement experiences in the helping field. Students will further develop their roles and responsibilities as a soon to be Helper, the various agencies and organizations in which they are employed, and the placement opportunities available that will help facilitate progression towards their goals and aspirations as a helper in various sectors. Students will be engage in field placement search techniques, field placement learning objectives, revisit the roles of agency supervisors and college advisors. In order to succeed in this course, students will complete the necessary requirements, forms, and paperwork required for field placement.
NC 414 Prepared Helper

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop basic interviewing, assessment, counseling, and case management skills that are required when working in a helping relationship. An anti-oppressive and strength-based theoretical framework will be used to explore values, ethics and strategies that are necessary to establish meaningful therapeutic relationships with families, youth and children. Students will be encouraged to apply holistic and Indigenous helping principles in the development of these foundational skills.
SS 116 Social Welfare

In this course, students will examine historical development and current political and ideological influences on the social welfare system in Canada. This course also examines contemporary challenges being experienced by Canadians living within the social welfare system and role of the professions of Social Work and Social Service Work in assisting with addressing those challenges.
NC 229 Child and Family Services Wellbeing and Reform

In this course, students will recognize that the current child welfare system that has operated over decades requires significant reform and transformation shifting from protection to prevention when addressing child and family well-being in community. The course will explore the devolution of provincial child welfare jurisdiction to Indigenous authorities. Students will also recognize that Indigenous peoples have sovereignty, inherent rights, and jurisdiction to determine their own culturally distinct, integrative and holistic community healing approaches to social wellness. The course will highlight the importance of cultural revitalization, self-determination, and Indigenous knowledge systems in promoting the wellbeing and resilience of Indigenous children and communities.
NC 329 Social Aspects of Aging

In this course, students will be rethinking determinants of Indigenous peoples' health in Canada. Students will examine contemporary ideological and political structures that influence health trajectories of Indigenous children, youth and future generations. Moving through Indigenous Theory students will learn about mino-pimatisiwin, living a good life, as a comprehensive health philosophy shared by several Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. Students will also discuss traditions and beliefs related to death, dying, loss and grief through a holistic lens.

Semester 2

NC 231 Colonizing and Decolonizing Issues of Violence in Indigenous Communities

In this course, students will be examining colonialism as an Indigenous Determinant of Health beyond the social and its direct connection to how violence is constructed and understood. Students will explore personal and collective commitment to decolonization approaches within the helping profession to support ending violence in settler colonial context and to bring about healing within Indigenous peoples, families, and communities.
NC 403 Field Placement II

This course is this second field experience which enables the student to further integrate acquired theory into the work place. Students are expected to work towards taking on increased responsibilities in working directly with individuals, families, and communities and is learning how to access community resources. Students maybe be involved in direct services, case management, program development and implementation, workshops, presentations, advocacy or any other significant activity that is part of the agency mandate. The student is guided and evaluated in this learning experience by an agency supervisor and the faculty liaison.
NC 404 Cultural Continuity

Anti- oppressive social work involves not only direct service with clients and groups but the passion and capacity to understand how to address systemic issues, structural inequalities, and social change. This course examines the use and practices of Indigenous principles within this course of action. Students will focus specifically on ways in which to interact, network and augment activities that promote the agenda of many community development processes already in place. Students will learn about the basic skills of community organizing and development. They will explore the history and types of advocacy carried out by Indigenous peoples in their work within Canadian society for equity, justice and self-determination. They will practice effective group organizing through the identifications of a local social issue of concern, networking with local partners and organizing a community development initiative.

Fees

Cost Details for Year 1

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $280.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $4,108.00

International Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $14,835.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $681.00
Health Record Fee: $40.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $16,656.00

Ancillary Fees

Municipal Levy: $75.00
Student Fees: $300.00
Recovery Fee: $750.00

Total Ancillary Fees: $1,125.00

Program Overview

Naadaamaagewin: Lending a Helping Hand

Confederation College’s Onajigawin Indigenous Services program is a two-year transformative journey aimed at empowering individuals committed to championing Indigenous justice and self-determination. This program profoundly emphasizes Indigenous law and advocacy, fostering a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical frameworks. Through an immersive curriculum, students amplify voices within Indigenous communities to raise awareness and enhance their capacity for self-governance.

Shaping the Future of Indigenous Services: Lead, Innovate, Transform

Are you committed to honoring cultural diversity? Do you strive to support Indigenous children, families, and communities? Are you ready to act with integrity, honesty, genuineness, and objectivity? Do you want to equip yourself with tools focusing on prevention and well-being to support those you walk with as a future helper? If your answer is yes, then the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program at Confederation College is the perfect fit for you!

Why Choose Onajigawin Indigenous Services?

Our program is deeply rooted in Indigenous Knowledge and Pedagogy, offering a decolonized approach to curriculum and assessment. We are dedicated to providing an education that respects and integrates Indigenous ways of knowing, ensuring our graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact in human services.

Overcoming Barriers, Making Connections

Indigenous communities in northwestern Ontario often face unique cultural, geographical, and systemic barriers to service. The Onajigawin Indigenous Services program equips you with the skills to effectively overcome these challenges. You will learn how to connect individuals and families with essential services in Thunder Bay, the surrounding region, and beyond.

A Pathway to Professional Recognition

Our program prepares you for a fulfilling career in the field of human services, enabling you to become a Helper who can register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) as a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW). Our curriculum is designed to ensure you meet the professional standards required for registration, with a strong emphasis on cultural safety and humility.

Comprehensive Curriculum for Wholistic Service

Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone looking to serve families, individuals, and communities:

Cultural Safety and Continuity: Understand the importance of preserving cultural identity while providing services.
Culture and Language: Learn the critical role of language and culture in community well-being.
Intergenerational Health and Well-Being: Explore strategies to support health across generations.
Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention: Gain insights into promoting wellness and preventing addiction within Indigenous communities.
Child and Family Well-Being and Reform: Study approaches to enhance the well-being of children and families.
Social Aspects of Aging: Address the unique needs of aging populations within Indigenous contexts.
Holistic Family Conferencing: Discover holistic methods for resolving family issues.
Social Justice and Advocacy: Develop skills to advocate for social justice and policy reform.
Governance and Policy: Learn about Indigenous governance structures and policy-making processes.

Embrace Indigenous Resurgence

Join us in a transformative educational journey where you will:

Expand Your Ways of Knowing: Broaden your understanding through Indigenous perspectives.
Challenge Your Positionality: Reflect on your own position and biases.
Learn to Decolonize: Embrace and promote decolonized practices in your work.
Embrace Indigeneity: Celebrate and integrate Indigenous identities and cultures.

The Time for Indigenous Resurgence is Now!

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career that makes a real difference. Enroll in the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program and become a leader in human services, advocating for the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous communities.

Top Highlights

Eligibility for Professional Registration: Graduates are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as Registered Social Service Workers (RSSW).
Equivalent to Ontario Social Service Work Programs: The OIS program is equivalent to a Social Service Work Program offered in Ontario at a College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Diverse Career Preparation: Prepare for positions in a variety of human service/helper settings, including child welfare agencies, women’s shelters, urban Indigenous organizations, and on-reserve services.
Hands-On Experience: Field placements provide hands-on experience working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations.
Accelerated Program Option: Also offered as an accelerated program for those with a college diploma or university degree in a related field.
Pathways to Further Education: You might also be interested in our Social Service Worker program.

Learning Outcomes

Prepare and present a plan for engaging in ongoing personal and professional development that promotes personal wellness and competence as an Onajigawin (being prepared for the work as a helper – preparedness).
Implement responsive and relevant services for Indigenous children, youth and families that reflect the historic, legislative and intergenerational experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that promote healing, facilitate family preservation and that support positive change for Indigenous children, youth and families.
Promote and support the health of Indigenous children, youth and families by using holistic assessments and culturally appropriate preventions/interventions and holistic healing practices.
Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services that are sensitive to the diverse perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Establish relationships and work collaboratively with community resources, government departments and agencies to provide support to Indigenous children, youth and families.
Carry out effective case management tasks, as determined by relevant legislation and/or agency mandated guidelines, in a manner that is sensitive to the unique needs of Indigenous children, youth and families.
Advocate for systemic change that builds on the strengths of Indigenous peoples and promotes social justice while challenging historic patterns of colonialism and oppression.

Employment Opportunity

Graduates of the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program are in high demand in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations with a focus on strengthening and empowering Indigenous families and children, and building healthy communities. These positions may include:

Justice Sector:

Court Workers
Gladue Writers and Coordinators
Restorative Justice Workers
Bail Workers
Community Release and Reintegration Workers

Policy and Advisory Roles:

Policy Analysts and Advisors
Intergovernmental Advisors
Anti-Racism Coordinators
Community Legal Workers

Community and Social Services:

Family Support Workers
Indigenous Peer Advocates
Housing Coordinators
Indigenous Engagement Coordinators
Indigenous Patient Navigators
Indigenous Resource Workers
Indigenous Victim Family Liaisons
Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigators

Graduates can expect to find employment in sectors such as justice, criminal and family law, policy analysis, government relations, community work (both on-reserve and in urban centres), anti-racism and DEI work, housing policy, victim advocacy, child welfare and protection, healthcare, and addictions and mental health.

Explore careers, current wages, employment stats, job postings, and associated education & training.

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements for Domestic Students

19 years of age or older
OR
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels plus Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
Successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
Successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED).
Appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Accelerated Program

Each year, a limited number of seats in the “Accelerated” Ontario College Diploma program will be available to qualified applicants.

Degree or diploma from an accredited university or college in a related discipline.

Other Requirements: Prior to the start of field placements, students are required to acquire:

Criminal Record Check: Some placement agencies may also require a Vulnerable Persons Criminal Record Check. Costs associated with criminal record checks are the responsibility of the student.
Standard First Aid/Infant/Child CPR Certificate: Arranging first aid training and payment is the responsibility of the student before going on placement.
Immunization and Current TB Skin Test

Program Requirements for International Students

A high school/senior secondary diploma.
Original transcripts as well as a notarized, translated copy must be provided where applicable.
English Proficiency:
- Academic IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no bands lower than 5.5.

Alternative Pathways

If you do not meet these admission requirements, we encourage you to consider the College Access or General Arts and Science Certificate or Diploma programs, or the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE). Applicants may also want to consider our Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE). Students who successfully complete one of these programs would be eligible to apply to programs in the Indigenous Studies and Community Services areas.