Indigenous Family Support

(formerly First Nations Family Support Worker)

Note: Students of Indigenous ancestry who meet individual course pre-requisites, may take IFS program courses if space is available.

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. (T)

Prerequisite(s): "C+" in English 12, or EFP 12, or TPC 12; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 and ENGL 096; or "C" in ENGL 140; or ELD 092 and ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment; or permission of the Chair or Program Leader.

IFS 118 IHSCAP Circle & Elders Teaching 1

(1 credits) W (1.5,0,0,0)

This course consists of weekly circle-based discussions and debriefing sessions for program students, staff and faculty in Semester 1 of the IHSCAP Program. On regular occasions, Indigenous elders will join the circle to share their wisdom and oral traditions.

Prerequisite(s): Must be of Aboriginal ancestry *.

*Camosun recognizes all Aboriginal students who are descendants of Indigenous peoples of what is now called North America including status and non-status Indians, Métis, Inuit, and Native Americans.

IFS 119 IHSCAP Circle & Elders Teaching 2

(1 credits) PS (1.5,0,0,0)

This course consists of weekly circle-based discussions and debriefing sessions for program students, staff and faculty in Semester 2 of the IHSCAP Program. On regular occasions, Indigenous elders will join the circle to share their wisdom and oral traditions.

Prerequisite(s): Must be of Aboriginal ancestry *.

*Camosun recognizes all Aboriginal students who are descendants of Indigenous peoples of what is now called North America including status and non-status Indians, Métis, Inuit, and Native Americans.

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)

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.

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.

Prerequisite(s): CFCS 120, IFS 100, IFS 110, IFS 120, IFS 140, PSYC 154.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): ENGL 170, FNCS 117, IFS 121, PSYC 256.

IFS 142 Professional Practice

(5 credits) P (3,0,0,24)

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 Indigenous family support practitioner. Students will also attend weekly seminars at the College.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 170, FNCS 117, IFS 121, IFS 141, PSYC 256.