Program Highlights
Learn how to support and assist Aboriginal individuals and families in this hands-on certificate, covering foundational training required by all community based workers. This program encourages a direct person-to-person and family based approach and includes a practicum for experience in an entry-level position at a community organization.
Tuition and Fees
2022-23: $5,941
plus applicable textbooks and/or materials
Program Details
The 375-hour Aboriginal Community Support Worker Certificate prepares learners to support and assist Aboriginal Individuals and families, both on- and off-reserve, to enhance their quality of life. In addition to covering the core training required by all community workers, this program enables learners to develop knowledge and direct employment-related skills required to work with the unique needs of Aboriginal people and communities.
This program emphasizes a person/family-centred and holistic approach to community support work and includes a 70-hour practicum at approved organizations. Graduates are prepared to work in entry-level positions under direction and supervision, and practice professionally as part of a support team in community-based organizations that work with Aboriginal persons.
Shannon Peltier was inspired to train to provide support to Indigenous youth and families by her Nohkom (grandmother). She found that opportunity through the Aboriginal Community Support Worker (ACSW) Certificate program at Okanagan College. She now works as an Indigenous Education Advocate working with students.
Admission Requirements
- B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
- English 12 with minimum 60% or equivalent.
- A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.
Program Outline
ACSW 111 Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
ACSW 112 Social Determinants within Aboriginal Communities
ACSW 113 Introduction to Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Systems
ACSW 114 Introduction to Aboriginal Law
ACSW 115 Professional Practice in Human Service Work
ACSW 116 Holistic Supports and Services
ACSW 117 Health, Safety and Wellness
ACSW 118 Interpersonal Skills for Human Service Professionals
ACSW 119 Human Development/Lifespan
ACSW 120 Reconciliation: Relationships and Aboriginal Communities
ACSW 121 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counselling
ACSW 122 Group Facilitation
ACSW 123 Motivational Interviewing
ACSW 124 Workshops
ACSW 125 Practicum
Learners must pass the practicum and attain a minimum grade of 70% in each course in the program to receive the certificate.
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