Indigenous Community Advocacy - Accelerated

Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes:

• Fall Start (September): 0511

The Accelerated Indigenous Community Advocacy Program offers an Ontario College Diploma in just one year.

Also see our full, 2 year Indigenous Community Advocacy website for additional information

Each year, a limited number of seats are available for individuals holding a university degree in Social Sciences or Humanities—such as Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Women's Studies, or Social Work—or for community college graduates with a diploma in community or social services. In addition, students with other degrees and diplomas with relevant experience related to the Indigenous Community Advocacy Program may be considered.

• The accelerated program will be comprised of courses from 1st and 2nd year.
• The program duration of the accelerated program is two (2) semesters from September to May. 
• Students must apply through ontariocolleges.ca
• Students must have a minimum 2.0 or C average.
• A recent transcript is required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Succeed in the Indigenous Community Advocacy: Naadaamaagewin program if you are:
• Empathetic and Compassionate: Understanding and sensitivity to Indigenous issues.
• Resilient and Determined: Able to navigate complex social and political landscapes.
• Ethical and Honest: Committed to ethical advocacy and research.
• Culturally Humble: Respectful of Indigenous traditions and worldviews.
• A Critical Thinker: Able to analyze legal and political relationships.
• An Effective Communicator: Strong in both verbal and written advocacy.
• Collaborative: Skilled in building respectful, professional relationships.
• Passionate for Social Justice: Dedicated to promoting Indigenous self-determination and well-being.

Top Highlights

• Land-Based Learning and Hands-On Experience: Engage in practical learning with Indigenous advocates, enhancing your understanding through real-world applications.
• Legal and Political Insights: Gain a deep understanding of the legal and political relationships between Indigenous nations and the Canadian state.
• Community-Based Projects: Develop and deliver impactful community advocacy projects that foster social change.
• Pathways to Further Education: Opportunities to pursue undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, and Community Economic and Social Development.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Discuss the traditions and perspectives of Indigenous peoples which can contribute to the advancement of self determination and self government.
2. Describe ways that Indigenous communities and the Canadian Government might address issues of self determination based on best practices in governance, land and social policy.
3. Identify and critique the legal and political principles that underlie the Indigenous/Canadian relationship.
4. Conduct research and prepare documents to assist Indigenous communities and individuals in necessary quasi-legal and community based processes.
5. Demonstrate methods of advocacy on behalf of Indigenous people in political, quasi-legal and community settings.
6. Develop and deliver community based public education that addresses contemporary issues.
7. Liaise between Indigenous communities and other parties to develop culturally appropriate alternatives that address social justice, governance and the development of lands and resources consistent with community needs.
8. Explore the impact of colonialism on Indigenous culture and communities, and identify positive ways that Indigenous people are recovering and working towards self determination and self government.

Experiential Learning

• Land-Based Learning: 
  Participate in immersive land-based learning experiences that connect you deeply with Indigenous traditions and environmental stewardship.

• Practical Projects: 
  Develop and implement community-based advocacy projects, gaining hands-on experience in creating meaningful change.

Join Us

Become a part of Confederation College’s Indigenous Community Advocacy: Naadaamaagewin Accelerated program and lend a helping hand (“Naadaamaagewin”) in shaping a just and equitable future for Indigenous communities. Through this program, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to advocate effectively and drive positive change.

Graduates of the Indigenous Community Advocacy: Naadaamaagewin program are sought after for their unique set of skills and knowledge by a wide range of organizations. Possible career paths include:

Justice Sector:

• Court Workers
• Gladue Writers and Coordinators
• Restorative Justice Workers
• Bail Workers
• Community Release and Reintegration Workers

Policy and Advisory Roles:

• Policy Analysts and Advisors
• Intergovernmental Advisors
• Anti-Racism Coordinators
• Community Legal Workers

Community and Social Services:

• Family Support Workers
• Indigenous Peer Advocates
• Housing Coordinators
• Indigenous Engagement Coordinators
• Indigenous Patient Navigators
• Indigenous Resource Workers
• Indigenous Victim Family Liaisons
• Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigators

Graduates can expect to find employment in sectors such as justice, criminal and family law, policy analysis, government relations, community work (both on-reserve and in urban centres), anti-racism and DEI work, housing policy, victim advocacy, child welfare and protection, healthcare, and addictions and mental health.