Program at a glance
Credential
Advanced Certificate
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Open to International
No
Length
10 months
Supporting your ancestral roots
The Indigenous Family Support (IFS) 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.
In demand
Indigenous family support practitioners are trained to support the development of healthy Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Program graduates are in demand and function interdependently as members of a support team under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals in health, education and/or human service settings. This program will also give you the opportunity to reflect on your ancestry and develop self-awareness.
We’ll help you succeed
Graduates of the program find employment in roles such as:
- Employees of Native Friendship Centres
- Indigenous Teaching Assistants in public and tribal schools
- Youth Service Workers
- Child and Family Service Workers
- Transition House Workers
- Employment Training Counsellors
Transfer possibilities
You may choose to continue your education at Camosun College towards a diploma in:
- Indigenous Studies
- Community, Family and Child Studies
- Educational Assistant and Community Support
- Early Learning and Care
What about employment opportunities?
Graduates are prepared to function interdependently as members of a community support team. The team could include family members, elders, friends, and professionals. Graduates work under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals and paraprofessionals in health, education and human services.
Many graduates of the former Indigenous Family Support program have continued their education towards degrees in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies and Education.
Are you of Indigenous ancestry?
*Camosun College views any student who is a descendant of the Indigenous peoples of North America to be an Indigenous student. This includes status and non-status Indians, Métis, Inuit and Native Americans who reside in Canada.
An investment in your community
This program encourages students to reflect and develop self-awareness and pride as an Indigenous person by promoting experiential learning of Indigenous history and culture.
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
There are many financial resources to tap into while you are at college to help with your education and living costs. Apply for scholarships & awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections.
Do you love working with people?
This program encourages students to reflect and develop self-awareness and pride as an Indigenous person by promoting experiential learning of Indigenous history and culture.
What to expect
This ten-month program starts each year in September on campus three days a week and in Brentwood Bay at the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board two days a week. The program includes academic courses, experiential learning and a practicum placement. You will participate in 15 hours of class time a week in addition to 15-20 hours a week in homework.
Term 1
In your first term, you’ll engage in self-reflection and exploration of your ancestral roots. You’ll take courses in community, English, family and child studies, and indigenous family support. The Indigenous Family Support courses will encourage you to incorporate your own culture into the coursework.
Term 2 & Practicum
In your second term, you’ll broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of your role as a family support worker. You’ll take courses in community, Indigenous studies, health and psychology. The practicum component, in the third term, will have you in community placements for 25 hours a week.
Curriculum & courses
Program suspended
This program has been suspended. Camosun offers programs designed especially for Indigenous learners plus a wide variety of courses with Indigenous content. Please contact us for more information through the Centre of Indigenous Education & Community Connections.
Faculty
If you have questions about this program please contact indigenous@camosun.ca, 250-370-3299
Faculty/staff profile
Sandee Mitchell, Anishinaabe (Kebaowek and Nbisiing First Nation)
Program Leader IFS & ICP and Elders Voices and Events Coordinator
Faculty/staff profile
Marcey Louie, Nuu-chah-nulth (Ahousaht)
Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Cate Pelling
Instructor, Psychology
Contact information
Indigenous Education & Community Connections
We want to hear from you!
Campus location
Camosun College Lansdowne
3100 Foul Bay Road - E 272
Victoria BC V8P 5J2
Location link