New diploma program answers call to educate and empower Indigenous learners

Informed by community need and inspired by Calls for Action stemming from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration is offering a new diploma program in Indigenous Community Development and Governance.

The school consulted with Indigenous alumni and leaders to advise on guiding principles and delivery methods to develop a program that respects traditional forms of governance.

“This diploma gives future students a starting point to continued learning through any of our Indigenous and non-Indigenous degree programs,” says Catherine Althaus, director of the School of Public Administration.

“We must prepare to engage government-to-government,” says Satsan (Herb George), a Wet’suwet’en hereditary chief of the Frog Clan and speaker for the Wet’suwet’en Nation who served on the program’s advisory council and taught at the school for several years. “We need to prepare for our transition from the status quo of the Indian Act so Indigenous governments can move forward under the Inherent Rights of Self-Governance.” Satsan is currently a member of the leadership team at the Centre for First Nations Governance.

The two-year, part-time program includes courses on governance; strategic planning; land, resources and economic development; human resources and intergovernmental relations, among others. It is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous learners who already work, or hope to work, with Indigenous communities and organizations. This is the only program of its kind in BC using a blended teaching model of online courses with five-day on-campus sessions each term.

Information about the program is available on the school’s website. Admission allows for special access and conditional student arrangements. Deadline for applications is May 31, 2016. As this is the inaugural year, late applications will be considered. Classes begin Sept. 6, 2016.

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