Indigenous Studies   

This course provides students with introductory knowledge about diverse populations, faiths and cultures. In the context of law enforcement, students will be provided tips on dealing with various victimized persons and the mentally ill. Basic concepts such as culture, ethnicity, race, and discrimination are explored with a view to preventing racial profiling. Students are exposed to societal factors that contribute to crime or stereotypes among various populations. Students will reinforce concepts surrounding community policing in the context of diversity. Laws which influence the protection or discrimination of various communities are also explored. Students will be provided introductory knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. Topics include history, socio-economic issues, beliefs, treaties, residential schools and the criminal justice system. Textbook Required.

Cultural safety moves towards creating space for the beliefs, behaviours, practices, and experiences that impact Indigenous people. This approach promotes an understanding of the ways that historical and social contexts combine with power imbalances and the way that this shapes the well-being and healthcare experiences of Indigenous people. The goals of a cultural safety approach are to eradicate racism and discrimination to create healthcare environments where people feel safe.

Learners will receive a digital badge upon successful course completion.

This course provides an overview of the historic stages of the relationship between Indigenous peoples in Canada from contact to present day. It will explore the different world views at contact, the years of cooperation and negotiation through the fur trade and treaty making era and the impact of government colonial policy on Indigenous nations. The course will also explore the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal rights which provide an important context for understanding contemporary issues between Indigenous and Canadian societies including land claims, treaties and self-government. No textbook required.

This course will require students to experience and explore Indigenous cosmology(s), knowledge(s) and word view(s) as it relates to the land. The influence of land on Indigenous worldview(s) will provide a way of understanding contemporary perspectives of identity and self-determination. In addition, students will be encouraged to examine and locate their own identity and world view in relation to these concepts.

No textbook required.

*NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their certificate or diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

Will increase knowledge and awareness of important issues in the Aboriginal cultures of Canada. The legal status of Aboriginal People will be explored along with Aboriginal rights and self-determination. Other critical issues relating to land claims, justice and social services will be studied. Prerequisite: Word processing skills and ability to use internet. Textbook required.

This course will examine contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous peoples around the globe. The course will begin by exploring patterns and themes of Indigenous histories, including the varying impact of European colonialism and settlement. Central to this study is an analysis of land claims settlement issues, the quest for self-government, housing, education, culture, health and various environmental and social issues that Indigenous peoples are facing. The course will move to focus on the contemporary revitalization, repatriation and preservation methods employed by Indigenous peoples and governments around the world. This method of inquiry will afford the opportunity to compare the challenges and aspirations faced by diverse Indigenous communities. No textbook required.

In recent years, discussions on accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization (EDII) have taken shape in every industry, in private households, and among social communities. But what do these terms mean, why are they important in healthcare, and what can we do about it.

Learners will receive a digital badge upon successful course completion.

In this course, students will explore ways to take care of Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth) from an Indigenous perspective. The concepts of relationality and reciprocity will be weaved in throughout the course. Students will learn about what it means to be connected to the earth, which includes the water ways, and everything on it. That connection will foster a better understanding of how the earth provides air, food, water, shelter, medicines and the reciprocal relationship needed in order to sustain it. Students will have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders as well as Woman Water Walkers. No Textbook Required. 

This course introduces the historical, sociological and political perspectives on the origins of the Ontario Metis people.  The course analyzes, in broad terms, the emergence of the Metis peoples and their relationship with the provincial government.  We will also explore trends and issues affecting the Ontario Metis in contemporary society. No Textbook Required.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the historical factors that contributed to the creation of Residential Schools, including the history of colonization and the relationship between the government and Indigenous communities. Students will reflect upon and further develop their understanding of the ongoing impact of Residential Schools. No Textbook Required.