School of Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention

2 years – Ontario College Diploma

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Overview

Gain the skills and knowledge you need for employment in a variety of addiction settings through practical, hands-on learning. The curriculum is based on the holistic teachings of the Medicine Wheel, with a focus on the root causes of addiction within Indigenous communities. You will learn both cultural and mainstream approaches to addictions counselling. Training ranges from pharmacology to traditional methods including Sacred Circles, Teaching/Learning Circles, and the use of the four sacred medicines – tobacco, cedar, sage and sweet grass.

There is a placement component in this program.

Your Future Career

  • Traditional medicine
  • Alcohol and drug treatment units
  • Family resource centres
  • Young offender residential centres

What You Learn

  • Traditional healing, learning and teaching
  • Cultural specific helping
  • Challenges facing Indigenous communities
  • Interviewing, reporting, and documenting
  • Addictions counselling skills
  • Relapse preventions
  • Multiculturalism
  • Psychology and sociology

Flexible Exit Options: Exit with a College Certificate after one year or exit with an Ontario College Diploma after two years.

OSSD or equivalent, ENG4C or ENG4U

If English is not your first language you must provide proof of English competency. You must have a minimum overall band score of 5.5 on the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or equivalent accepted English language proficiency test to be admitted to a postsecondary program at the college. Notwithstanding the above, the English proficiency standards required to obtain Study Permits and Temporary Resident Visas from Canadian Embassies vary around the world. The higher English language proficiency standard will apply.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for those who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). The language requirement is more stringent than listed above, as such an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking is required.

For more information on the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program please see:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/direct-stream.html#toc02

Academic Upgrading

Semester 1

IWA112 Traditional Healing, Learning, and Teaching
IWA113 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counselling and Teaching
IWA114 Contemporary Challenges Facing Native Communities
IWA117 Introduction to Cultural Specific Helping
GED100 Environmental Citizenship
CMM125 College Communication

Semester 2

GENED General Education Elective - Online (IWA Sem 2)
CMM230 Workplace Communications
IWA200 Substance Abuse in Families and Native Communities
IWA204 Introduction to Community Development
IWA203 Methods-Using Traditional Healing to Break the Cycle of Abuse
IWA212 Indigenous Languages in the Modern Context

Semester 3

IWA211 Placement Preparation
IWA213 Ensidamwaad mskiki-Understanding Medicine
IWA207 Methods II - Recovery Strategies
IWA208 The Accountable IWAP Worker
IWA209 Evaluating Information

Semester 4

IWA210 Methods III - Relapse Prevention
IWA214 Understanding Concurrent Disorders in Indigenous Populations
IWA216 The Legacy of Trauma and Indigenous People.
IWA215 Field Placement (8 Weeks * 37.5 hrs/wk)

2019-2020 – 2 years – Ontario College Diploma

College Drive Campus – Domestic
Year Tuition Ancillary Fees Material Fee Trip Fee Total
1 $2720.24 $1046.72 - 1186.72 $100 - $4006.96
2 $2720.24 $911.72 - 1051.72 - - $3771.96

2019-2020 – 2 years – Ontario College Diploma

College Drive Campus – International
Year Tuition Ancillary Fees Material Fee Trip Fee Total
1 $12422.97 $1696.72 - 1773.72 $100 - $14296.96
2 $12422.97 $1561.72 - 1638.72 - - $14061.69

Indigenous Certification Board of Canada (ICBC)

Graduates of the IWAP program are eligible to become accredited through the ICBC. ICBC’S certification is rooted in the belief that Aboriginal communities have unique and legitimate healing needs that demand equally unique spiritual and philosophical approaches and solutions.

Learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning and achievement. In addition, learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation of one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved.

View Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

View course outlines

Business Management – 8 months to complete
Human Resources Management – 8 months to complete
Mental Health and Addictions (Intensive) – 10 months (condensed) to complete
Project Management – Information Technology – 8 months to complete
Recreation and Leisure Services (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete
Recreation Therapy (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete
Social Service Worker (Fast Track) – 10 months to complete
Strength and Sport Conditioning (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete
Youth at Risk – 8 months to complete

Explore Credit Transfer and Pathway Opportunities with Canadore