Course Overview:

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Indigenous perspectives and practices within British Columbia’s social service framework, with a strong emphasis on cultural safety, reconciliation, and the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Students will engage in detailed case studies, community based discussions, and reflective exercises to understand the historical context of colonization, residential schools, and contemporary challenges facing Indigenous communities. The curriculum focuses on developing collaborative skills to work respectfully with Indigenous clients and organizations, integrating traditional knowledge with modern service delivery methods. Through guest speakers from Indigenous agencies and hands-on projects, learners will gain practical insights and build a professional approach to supporting Indigenous well-being in diverse settings.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
  • Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
      • CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
      • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
      • Another accredited equivalent score.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
    • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
    • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
      • Reading: 235
      • Writing: 235
      • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Apply cultural safety principles in Indigenous client interactions.
  • Analyze the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
  • Develop support strategies with Indigenous organizations.
  • Evaluate policies for alignment with UNDRIP principles.
  • Facilitate a culturally safe client session in simulations.
  • Use cultural safety principles when engaging with Indigenous clients, demonstrating respect for community protocols, histories, and diverse worldviews.
  • Identify and explain key impacts of colonization—including residential schools, land displacement, and systemic inequities—on the well-being of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
  • Explain decolonization as theory and practice rooted in Indigenous sovereignty.
  • Collaborate in developing supportive, community-led strategies in partnership with Indigenous organizations, ensuring approaches are culturally grounded and decolonizing.
  • Review and discuss agency or government policies to determine how well they align with UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and Indigenous rights frameworks.
  • Demonstrate culturally safe communication and support techniques during simulated client sessions, integrating cultural humility, relational accountability, and decolonizing practices.

Course Content & Topics:

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)