Cambrian College has many students who come from indigenous Northern Ontario communities.
Some students from the more remote communities, such as those along the James Bay coast, may be unfamiliar with living in a city, even a medium-sized Northern Ontario city like Greater Sudbury.
After hearing from indigenous communities, Cambrian College has developed its one-year General Arts and Science-Indigenous Specialization certificate program.
The program, being offered starting this September, is an introduction to college studies.
It combines Indigenous programming such as Cree or Ojibwe courses with other core academic courses in English and math. A career exploration course allows them to look into what further post-secondary studies they'd like to pursue.
“We wanted to be able to provide an atmosphere where they feel like they can succeed,” said Bradie Granger, chair of the general studies program at Cambrian College.
“We're making sure all of the service areas are introduced to the students, as well as being able to utilize all of the services they require, especially (the Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services).
“Through the career exploration course, they'll be able to figure out which direction they'd like to move in next.”
Graduates of the program earn transfer credits that can be put toward further education at Cambrian or other post-secondary institutions, said a press release from the college.
For those who choose to enter the workforce instead, they will be prepared to take on new challenges and opportunities with the skills they acquired.
Granger said she's currently touring indigenous communities along the James Bay coast in both Quebec and Ontario, and there's been a good response from community members to the new certificate program.
“They're asking questions, and they're definitely interested,” she said.
While developed for indigenous students, you don't have to be indigenous to participate in this course, although you need to be willing to participate in the cultural components.
Learn more about the new program here.
