daughter and mother laughing together on couch

Microprogram in Development of Indigenous Family-Childhood Services - Foundations for Practice

Mizimizide nanda kikenindjigani pagidinigewin ondje Wìyagi iji Anishinàbe Odeg Abinòdjìnshi Wìdòkàzowin

Kwe! hé:kon, kwei, kuei, k8e, kwaï, qey, gwe, ᐛᒋᔭ᙮ (waachiyaa), ᑕᓂᓯ (tanisi), ᐊᐃ (ai), bonjour!

A unique program that enables Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners to acquire basic skills and expertise to support the development of child and family laws and services in Indigenous communities and organizations. The program is designed to support communities as they implement actions related to the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (hereinafter, "Act").

Offered by, for and with Indigenous people, this 9-credit (3-course) microprogram in Indigenous family and child service development was developed by the Kinistòtàdimin Circle of the School of Social Work.

The program is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous communities that, following the coming into force in 2020 of federal Bill C-92, are developing or wish to develop their own family and child support systems. The aim is to support the training needs of caregivers and practitioners who will be involved in this transformation process, by providing the necessary knowledge base. Consequently, it is aimed exclusively at people with work experience or a marked interest in working in organizations serving indigenous families, children and communities.

The program is offered primarily to Indigenous people but is also open to non-Indigenous people. It is open to people from outside the University of Ottawa (non-degree students), who are not required to fulfill the full obligations of a university degree, and to students already enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Ottawa.

The program adopts a pedagogy based on holistic Indigenous learning and knowledge rooted in culture and oral tradition: teaching by Elders, teaching and co-teaching by Indigenous teachers and knowledge keepers, sharing circles, presentation of realities experienced by Indigenous families, children and communities, peer-to-peer teaching and testimonials, experiential learning through territory-based class sessions.

Through courses offered in a culturally safe teaching and learning environment, learners will be led to:

  • Analyze the effects of colonialism on social policies and practices, with an emphasis on their impact on Indigenous communities.
  • Study the important dimensions of the Constitution, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recent evolution of the Act and the recognition of Indigenous rights in relation to family and childhood.
  • Understand the processes involved in implementing services for Indigenous families and children within the perspective of laws and systems created by and for Indigenous communities.
  • Explore and analyze healing approaches and methods specific to traditional and modern helping relationships from an Indigenous worldview.
  • Know and understand the cultural identities and traditional values of Indigenous peoples.
Admission requirements
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What to expect

Format: 

Courses will be offered primarily by distance education, although a certain number of sessions may be held in person, on Indigenous lands or on the university campus. Courses will be offered outside regular working hours to encourage participation

Costs : 

 Visit the University Fees site for more details.

For Indigenous candidates, it may be possible for your community to assume the costs of this training; we invite you to inquire with your Band Council or the organizations responsible for post-secondary education services in your community.

If your community is unable to financially support the registration fees for this microprogram, bursaries may be available. You can learn more about the bursary application process for Indigenous learners by contacting the School of Social Work at [email protected].

Application dates: 

You can apply as early as March 1st. Applications will be received until all spaces are filled. Apply soon: cohorts will be small to encourage cohesion and participation, so places are limited!

Course start date: 

September 2024

Summary

This microprogram is offered at the specific request of members of the First Nations from the territory on which the University of Ottawa is located. The objective is to meet the needs of Indigenous communities that are developing or wish to develop their own family and child support systems. It will enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners to improve their skills in the fields of legislation and helping relationships with families and children.

Admission requirements

Enrolment in the Microprogram in Development of Indigenous Family-Childhood Services – Foundations for Practice is open to individuals with French language skills.

Non-degree students (i.e., those not already admitted and enrolled at the University of Ottawa) must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • High school diploma
  • Have work experience (volunteer or paid) in an organization providing services to Indigenous families, children and communities OR demonstrate an interest in working in organizations serving Indigenous families, children and communities.
  • Please contact the School of Social Work: [email protected]to receive the application form. 

Students already admitted and enrolled in an undergraduate program must :

  • Have work experience (volunteer or paid) in an organization that provides services to Indigenous families, children and communities OR demonstrate an interest in working in organizations serving Indigenous families, children and communities.
  • Please contact the School of Social Work: [email protected]to receive the application form. 

Apply to the microprogram or ask questions

If you are interested in taking the Microprogram Development of Indigenous Family-Childhood Services – Foundations for Practice, please contact the School of Social Work: [email protected]

List of courses (all courses are offered in French)

TSO 2551  Services, enfances et familles autochtones (3 crédits)                   

Étude et analyse critique de l’imposition et des effets des lois et systèmes de protection de l’enfance nord-américains sur les communautés et familles autochtones, et des revendications autochtones depuis les années 1970. L’évolution récente de la reconnaissance des droits des Autochtones par rapport à l’enfance. Étude de processus pour favoriser la mise en œuvre de services aux enfants et familles autochtones dans la perspective de lois et systèmes créées par et pour les communautés autochtones.