See the world through an Indigenous lens, and turn that insight into action. 

In this three-course designation, you’ll combine self-paced online learning with a hands-on community engagement project to hone the dialogue, empathy, and partnership skills today’s employers value most. Guided by Knowledge Keepers, faculty, and guest speakers, you’ll practice Indigenous approaches to communication, reciprocity, and conflict resolution, then apply them in real-world settings to help advance reconciliation and social impact.

What you’ll gain

  • Cultural Fluency: Confidently navigate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives in classrooms, workplaces, and community projects.
  • Relationship-Building Toolkit: Master active listening, circle dialogue, and consensus-based decision-making to foster lasting partnerships.
  • Conflict-Wise Leadership: Learn mediation strategies that transform misunderstanding into collaborative problem-solving.
  • Career Edge: Stand out in fields such as community development, public service, and corporate social responsibility with demonstrable cultural competence.
  • Expanded Network: Connect with peers, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders committed to strengthening Indigenous–non-Indigenous relations.

Format

The specialization includes three courses plus 10 hours of participation in cultural continuity workshops, socials, activities, ceremonies.

What you’ll earn

You’ll earn the Indigenous Community Relations Specialization when you successfully complete the course requirements. The specialization will be added to your academic record listed with your program credential earned.

How you will learn - Authentic Teaching and Learning

Indigenous faculty using Indigenous ways of teaching and learning provide you with the ability to go beyond learning about Indigenous peoples, to a deeper understanding by sharing their experiences and knowledge to help you in understanding the principles of true reconciliation in practice - Learn, Understand, Act, Reflect.

Requirements

Must complete one of the two following core courses:

  • INDG 3005  First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives
  • INDG 1007  Community Relations

In addition, must complete two from the following list of complementary courses:

  • INDG 3005  First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives
  • INDG 1007  Community Relations
  • INDG 1006  Indigenous Women: Identity, Rights and Resilience
  • INDG 1013  Indigenous Resistance
  • INDG 1027  Reservation Dogs: A Dialogue on Indigenous Health and Wellness
  • INDG 1031  Indigenous Learning Camp
  • INDG 3003  Exploring Indigenous Ways of Knowing
  • INDG 3004  Contemporary Knowledge
  • INDG 6000  Indigenous Peoples in Canada
  • INDG 7001/2/3/4  Indigenous Studies
  • INDG 103X  Culture and Identities
  • INDG 103X  Belief, Balance and Community Well-being
  • INDG 103X  Colonialism, Race and Identity
To learn more, contact Kristen Longdo, Indigenous Strategic Learning Guide:

Contact Us