Algonquin College launches two Indigenous Studies programs

Posted on Monday, March 31st, 2025

On Monday, March 31, Indigenous community leaders and Algonquin College faculty introduced two new Indigenous Studies programs to be available to learners this fall.

The one-year Indigenous Studies Foundation Inuit, Métis, and First Nations certificate and two-year Indigenous Studies Diploma launch in September 2025. These new programs offer pathways into other academic programs at Algonquin College, bridge opportunities to degree programs at Ontario universities and build transferable skills that support an array of businesses and organizations implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“These programs for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners offer opportunities for those wishing to find employment in public, private, non-profit and government sectors that engages with Indigenous communities or within Indigenous community organizations and businesses,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO.

As the only diploma program of its kind in Ontario, the two program offerings present a breadth and depth of knowledge that meets the current workplace demand to educate learners so they can join the workforce and contribute collaboratively and effectively on today’s reconciliation issues.

“Our Indigenous professors and curriculum development team have worked closely with Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities to create programs that incorporate transferable personal and professional skills that are in-demand in a wide range of sectors,” said Heather Ryall, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design.

“According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing cohort of Canadian youth, projected to represent 45 per cent of the Indigenous population by 2030,” said professor and Program Coordinator Marina Westbrook.

“A recent RBC survey of 2,000 Indigenous young people found that the Indigenous youth population in Canada is growing at a pace four times faster than the rest of the country’s youth, while Indigenous people create new businesses at an astounding nine times the Canadian average,” continued Westbrook. “These statistics speak to the importance of developing student leaders who have knowledge of traditional community practices, contemporary leadership skills and the innovative ability to contribute towards economic development that can support partnerships with and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, industry and governmental agencies.”

Information about the program is available on the College website and applications are currently being accepted.

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