Program at a glance
Credential
Advanced Certificate
Area of Study
Indigenous Education
Study options
Part-time
Blended delivery
Work experience
None
Open to International
No
Length
2 years part-time options available
At a glance image

Provide leadership to Indigenous communities and organizations
Bring Indigenous ways of being and doing into your work

Leadership enhances community connections
In the Advanced Certificate in Ways of Indigenous Leadership & Learning (WILL) program you will learn to integrate Indigenous cultural norms, approaches and ways of being and doing into your leadership of communities, organizations or agencies. Through blended learning, and a unique "across the waters" approach, which includes land-based, online and experiential learning, you will gain perspectives and skills within an interNational learning community made up of Indigenous learners and teachers in Canada, and with interNational partners across the globe. The approaches, strategies and capacities acquired in WILL prepare working or emerging professionals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to be successful in your positions of leadership. WILL highlights how connections with the natural world can support personal, community and organizational Indigenous self-determination.
The WILL program empowers leaders, through a strength-based approach, to address internal capacity, growth, and development, and help ensure that organizations are accountable to your organizational mandate and goals.
After Graduation
As a graduate, you will be prepared to support and enable Indigenous self-determination and development and lead change across public and private sectors.
An investment in your future
Know how to face opportunities, challenges and demands as you provide leadership to Indigenous communities and organizations.

Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023.
$14,200
*There will be additional costs for international travel
*Tuition fees vary depending on course selection. Figures listed here are approximate.
Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students and scholars
Through a blended online, applied-learning and on-the-land delivery model that follows a seasonal models of birth and rebirth, WILL highlights how connections with the natural world can support personal, community and organizational Indigenous self-determination. Item powers leaders to address internal capacity growth and development, and help ensure that organizations are accountable to their organizational mandate and goals and are realistic in their expectations.
This program emanates from IECC and relies heavily on knowledge obtained from intensive consultation with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students and scholars. The program is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and perspective and will be delivered in ways consistent with Indigenous teaching methods and methodologies.
Filling the need in community and organizations
The Advanced Certificate in Ways of Indigenous Leadership & Learning (WILL) program emerged from the recognition that professionals face particular opportunities, challenges and demands as they provide leadership to Indigenous communities and organizations. Moreover, as increasing numbers of organizations and institutions seek to work towards reconciliation processes, here and across the waters, it becomes more critical to provide training to Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals tasked with leading such processes. WILL is structured to facilitate current and future interNational partnerships.
The WILL program is a globally informed partnership between Ara Institute and Camosun College. The program addresses relational, cultural, and strategic elements of Indigenous leadership.
Curriculum & courses
Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September intake.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
- C+ in English 12
- C in English 12 Camosun Alternative
And all of:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution; and,
- Any accredited Indigenous studies or Indigenous language course from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Or - Special Permission: Applicants seeking approval for admissions will be expected to demonstrate through an interview with the IECC Executive Director or designate:
- A minimum of 2 years formal leadership experience in an Indigenous community, organization or movement; and
- Knowledge of history, policy and social structures and practices that impact Indigenous peoples.
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile

Todd Ormiston, Northern Tutchone/Tlingit
Chair, Indigenous Studies

Learn more
Find a full list of courses and specific admission requirements.
Contact information
Indigenous Education & Community Connections
We want to hear from you!