The Indigenous Leadership and Community Development Program will create globally aware leaders whose competencies are grounded in a responsibility to all living things. The program outcomes are linked to four principles which emerge from an Indigenous paradigm: responsibility, relationship, reciprocity and realization, infused throughout with the notion of reflection. These principles inform the central premises of many of the courses. Click here to learn more...
In 2002, Ontario's Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) announced that it would be seeking proposals from Ontario colleges to offer applied degrees. The concept of an applied degree may be something new to many Ontarians; while applied degrees have been available in other provinces (such as Alberta), historically they have not been offered in Ontario. Nevertheless, applied degrees are not a great departure from the original mandate of community colleges, which is to provide accessible, practical and timely education. The unique ability of applied degree programs to encompass both the college tradition of applied learning and the academic focus of a degree level program makes applied degree programs attractive to both students and employers.
The Indigenous Leadership and Community Development Program is one of 35 new applied degree programs in Ontario that have met the rigorous standards established by the MTCU. Negahneewin College Of Academic And Community Development, the college within and throughout Confederation College (located in Thunder Bay), is leading a team of individuals from across Confederation and the community in the development of the program. It is the only applied degree being offered by a northern college, and the only Indigenous-specific applied degree in Ontario.
This program combines Indigenous and western approaches to leadership and community development, focusing on relationship building processes, dialogue and creating common ground through which graduates become agents of change. The four-year program will include an extensive co-op placement component integrated with expanded academic studies in leadership. The range of potential employment includes leadership opportunities in community-based organizations i.e. executive directors and other positions in the areas of policy analysis, program administration and political or social advocacy. Graduates will be able to pursue further undergraduate or graduate education in such fields as management, Indigenous governance, public administration and political studies.
This college has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a five-year term starting 31/03/2003. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.