General Arts and Science - One-Year - Aboriginal Studies
Explore culture, examine Indigenous content studies and define your career path.
- Program designed in collaboration with Indigenous communities
- Students provided with a comfortable space on campus to relax, study, and meet up with other students at the Mamidosewin Centre, the college's Indigenous student centre
- Presenters and speakers from a variety of Indigenous backgrounds and communities are invited to join us in the classroom to enhance your learning experience
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Graduates from the General Arts and Science - Aboriginal Studies Ontario College Certificate program develop a better understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples and the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples....(read more)
Overview
Explore culture, examine Indigenous content studies and define your career path.
Graduates from the General Arts and Science - Aboriginal Studies Ontario College Certificate program develop a better understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples and the issues faced by First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Within this one-year program, explore culture and heritage and examine Indigenous content studies in:
- contemporary issues
- languages
- community development strategies
- career planning
- government
- law
- culture and heritage
You also learn general skills in communications and computer applications.
The first-year program helps you to expand your knowledge and choose your career path. You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science with a concentration in Aboriginal Studies. You can enter the workforce and show that you have developed essential employment skills and a general understanding in a wide variety of topics. Completion of this Certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level.
Upon completion of the one-year Certificate, you have the option to continue your education in Year II of the General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma program.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Want to make a difference in their community.
- Enjoy working with others.
- Have good communication skills.
- Want a better understanding of Indigenous issues and culture.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DAT5758
Course Name:
Computer Foundations
Course Description:
Using technology to communicate effectively is essential in the educational environment and workplace. Students develop new computer skills ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL5000G
Course Name:
Communication Skills
Course Description:
Effective workplace communication skills are required by all graduates. Emphasis is placed on workplace correspondence, job search strategie... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC0113
Course Name:
Contemporary Indigenous Careers
Course Description:
Students make informed decisions regarding their personal career planning processes. They examine education and employment options, especial... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC0116
Course Name:
Indigenous Community Development
Course Description:
The process, philosophy and practices of community development are examined with respect to community-based research, group processes and no... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SSC1788
Course Name:
Culture and Heritage
Course Description:
Students explore culture and heritage in light of their own experiences, both professional and personal. Oral traditions, spirituality, Nati... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SSC1791
Course Name:
Indigenous Languages I
Course Description:
Learning to use significant words and phrases contributes to students' awareness of culture and heritage. Students are introduced to Indigen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DAT0086
Course Name:
Intermediate Computer Foundations
Course Description:
Students build on their knowledge and strengthen their skills and competencies in the use of Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheet, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813R
Course Name:
Communications I - Academic Focus
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC1786
Course Name:
Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Society
Course Description:
The contemporary situation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is presented. Students survey a number of topics, including Indigenous rights, se... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC1792
Course Name:
Indigenous Languages II
Course Description:
Students focus on word recognition and gain familiarity and understanding of Indigenous languages. Students increase their use of words, phr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SSC1829
Course Name:
Indigenous Law and Government
Course Description:
The historical, socio-political, legal and constitutional statuses of Aboriginal peoples in Canada are explored. Students examine traditiona... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SSC1838
Course Name:
Introduction to Genealogy
Course Description:
Issues in Indigenous identity are explored through genealogy. Focus is placed on the discovery of students' ancestral roots by providing kno... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
This program is designed to assist students to further their education and/or select a career. Students entering the workforce can provide potential employers with well developed learning abilities, a general knowledge gained in a wide variety of subjects, and a sense of personal and social responsibility.
General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate with concentration in Aboriginal Studies demonstrates to employers, colleges and universities that graduates have the ability to learn at a postsecondary level, have enhanced skills in oral and written communication, an ability to conduct research in a systematic manner, and an approach which is flexible and open to meeting new challenges. These are important qualifications in a world where change is rapid and adaptability is an asset.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
- Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
- Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
- Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
- Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $700 per year and can be purchased at the campus store.
- Some textbooks include a software package which is mandatory, as it includes evaluation components for the program.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE - ONE-YEAR - ABORIGINAL
Program Code 1438A01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1st will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1st will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
INDIGENOUS SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES:
In addition to the career, academic and personal advising provided by program faculty, the following services and resources are available:
- The Mamidosewin Centre - an on-campus facility offering a warm, supportive and welcoming environment for Aboriginal students. Services include the opportunity for traditional healing, meeting Elders, social gatherings and educational workshops.
- Odawa Native Friendship Centre - based in the community, this Centre provides a variety of services including childcare, employment referral and counselling, male and female healing circles and youth programming offering services in educational support, recreational and social and cultural activities. Tel: 613-722-3811.
- Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health - offers a wide range of traditional and western health programs to the National Capital community. Wabano promotes holistic health for physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing through culturally sensitive health programs and services, such as physicians, walk-in clinics, dental services, crisis counselling, housing support service, cultural services, Elder referrals, family services, diabetes education and anonymous HIV testing. Tel: 613-748-5999.
- Tewegan Transition House - a 12-bed community-based transitional home for young Aboriginal women, ages 16 to 29. Tewegan provides a safe, culture-based environment with visiting Elders/Grandmothers on a regular basis. Services include confidential and supportive counselling, information, advocacy and referrals to assist young women in their transition to the Ottawa community. Onsite programs and services include Medicine Wheel Teachings, life skills, budgeting, personal development, career enhancement, home management skills, advocacy, traditional empowerment and nutritional information. Tel: 613-233-0672.
FIELD TRIPS
The program provides opportunities for field trips that allow students to take advantage of some of the resources in the National Capital Region, such as visits to the National Archives of Canada, the Museum of Civilization, and the National Gallery. During the orientation portion of the program in the second week of classes, students are required to attend an overnight camping experience. The purpose of this experiential learning opportunity is to begin to build relationships among the students, to re-connect to the land, and to take part in culturally appropriate teachings, activities and ceremonies. Students will be housed in cabins with bunk beds, and so will only be required to bring bedding, a towel, extra clothing and personal items. Food and transportation are provided.