Do you want a career working with Indigenous children, youth and families? Are you looking to ease into the college learning experience? Douglas College's Indigenous Pathway can help you do both.
What is the Indigenous Pathway?
The Indigenous Pathway is designed to be an introduction to post-secondary education. You’ll get to take your time adjusting to College-level studying by taking four part-time courses over the span of two semesters. Once you complete these courses you can use them as electives and continue your education in a variety of programs at Douglas College, meaning you’ll be able to discover what you’re passionate about before having to pick a program.
Please note that the Indigenous Pathway is a curated group of courses and does not provide a credential.
Certificate in Academic Foundations – Indigenous Studies
If you are looking for a credential that centres on Indigenous culture, research and knowledge, we recommend the Certificate in Academic Foundations – Indigenous Studies. You’ll engage with the histories of Indigenous peoples and territories while developing your active learning and critical-thinking skills in a setting that honours traditional knowledge. This certificate is a great starting point for your education and is designed for maximum transferability to programs at Douglas College or other institutions.
To learn more, visit the Certificate in Academic Foundations – Indigenous Studies program page. If you’re ready to apply, visit the Apply to Douglas page.
Strengthening Family Spirit:
Learning From Our Elders
“E'yemstexw te shxwlalis ye ts'elhxwelmexw t'ot elexw teli ye selyo'lexwetset.”
Sto:lo nation speaker, speaking in Halkomelem.
To listen, click below:
Continue your studies at Douglas
By taking the Indigenous Pathway, you’ll have a guaranteed program spot into the Diploma in Child and Youth Care.
Knowledgeable instructors
Courses are taught by First Nations, Métis and non-Indigenous allied faculty with Elders' support. The Indigenous Pathway is developed with the guidance of our partners at Vancouver Native Health, Elders and our Advisory Circle members.
Course details
For more information on the courses that are part of the Indigenous Pathway, please see:
- CYCC 1142: Introduction to Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Practice
- CYCC 2332: Strengthening the Family Spirit - Working from Aboriginal Perspectives with Elders' Teachings
- CFCS 1112: Working in Communities
- CYCC 2212: Aboriginal Children, Youth and Families: Transforming Legislation and Policies
- CFCS 1242: Practicum
- This specialized practicum can only be taken by students who continue their education into the Child and Youth Care Bachelor program.
Honouring her ancestors
"I chose the Child and Youth Care Diploma after graduating high school to help me learn how to better support my urban Indigenous community. The highlight of the program for me was the entire first year in the Indigenous Pathway, where learning was decolonized and enriched with Elders and honouring the wisdom from other students. Since graduating from the program my life has become something I'm sure my ancestors dreamed for me. The work that I currently do stems from my passion to better my community and is so important to my heart."
Ravina Morgan
Indigenous Social Innovation Coordinator for Skookum Surrey
Gain Competitive Skills
Sonia chose the Aboriginal Stream to help her understand the unique needs of her "families."