Indigenous Studies, Diploma

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Work experience

None

Delivery

On campus

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Indigenous Education

Length

2-2.5 years

Developing leadership through an Indigenous worldview

As a student in the two-year Indigenous Studies (IST) diploma program, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your role as a leader in your community.

Find your voice

You'll engage in cultural, academic, and applied learning experiences in applied, land-based, and classroom contexts. You'll learn to walk with dignity, taking care of and being responsible to your fellow students, and mentoring one another.

You'll develop strong academic writing skills, presentation skills, and oral tradition skills that enable you to communicate successfully with the world around you.

“It’s one of the best programs I’ve come across. This is a program where you can explore who you are and your location in this journey. It’s where you’ll find your own unique voice.”
- Alisha Parks, Mohawk, Irish and Danish ancestry, Indigenous Studies program

Learn to walk in two worlds while bringing your Indigenous perspective to a multi-disciplinary education

The teachings you'll receive will strengthen your connections between cultural knowledge and Indigenous environmental practices. You'll develop a sense of individual and collective responsibility towards the land.

You'll learn about connecting and giving back to community by taking on various contributory roles, including project leadership. Elders provide a positive influence by modelling and instilling values such as work ethic, timeliness, and a commitment to success in your studies.

By utilizing technology, you'll be able to share cultural and academic knowledge with your classmates, faculty, community, and others in the college.

Our instructors collaborate with community to ensure that what's taught in the classroom will prepare you for work in your community, or to continue with your post-secondary education in areas such as anthropology, education, Indigenous studies, law, political science, social work, and other academic disciplines.

Are you of Indigenous ancestry?

At least 70% of the seats in the Indigenous Studies program are reserved for Indigenous students.

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.

Indigenous Studies student Alisha Parks unveils an original painting.

Meet Alisha

Alisha started her journey at Camosun by taking upgrading courses, which gave her a smooth transition into the Indigenous Studies program. Learn about her recent capstone project ‘Heartberry methodology: decolonizing how Camosun supports disability’.

What you'll learn

This two-year, full-time program starts this September at the Lansdowne campus. It includes academic courses, land-based and experiential learning and special project work completed in community. You are encouraged to explore relevant topics and conduct critical analyses from Indigenous perspectives. Circle Seminars will help you strengthen relationships with peers.

"This program inspired a deeper understanding of myself and I developed many trusting relationships that I will carry into the future."
- Melanie Fred, Indigenous Studies

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to a number of disciplines, theories and methodologies which will provide a foundation for further learning. All courses will have an Indigenous perspective. You’ll take first year introductory courses in English, Anthropology, and Indigenous Studies. The Indigenous Studies courses will encourage you to incorporate your own culture into the coursework.

Year 2

In your second year, you will continue to develop your leadership skills in preparation for working in communities and organizations. You will also broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of what you have learned by taking more Indigenous Studies.

"I was intimidated by the thought of post-secondary education. The Indigenous Studies program has given me the knowledge to walk respectfully in two worlds and the strength to be proud of who I am."
- Tonya Isaac, Indigenous Studies

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

From struggling student to empowered mentor

From a frustrated high school student to a mentor and therapist, Trevor Good's journey through Indigenous Academic Upgrading, Indigenous Studies, and beyond is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of Indigenous knowledge in education and healing. His story is one of growth, mentorship, and giving back to the communities that shaped him.

Trevor's story

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Indigenous Studies, Diploma

$8,996 (domestic)
$37,560 (international)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

Admission requirements

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...