Bachelor in Ininimowin

Revitalize culture and build your career by gaining proficiency in Cree, a primary Indigenous language. This program will start you on a journey toward fluency, a grounding in culture and opening doors to meaningful work that supports reconciliation and strengthens communities.

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Location: The Pas, Thompson

Intakes: January 2026

Format: Hybrid Distance and In Person

Length: 3 years

Credential: Bachelor's Degree, University Certificate (1 year), University Diploma (2 years)

Program Overview

The Bachelor in Ininimowin (BII) is designed to build your capacity in Indigenous languages, allowing you to learn local histories, cultures, and worldviews directly through the language. The program creates a supportive pathway for you to begin your journey toward fluency—no previous language experience is required.

You will develop highly sought-after skills in language acquisition, communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This program is a vital step in connecting with Indigenous culture, implementing reconciliation in higher education, creating new learning opportunities, and empowering a new generation of specialized professionals and educators.

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University College of the North Chancellor, Edwin Jebb.

Program Structure

The program is divided into three levels:

Credential
Credit Hours
Year 1: University Certificate in Ininimowin
30
Year 2: University Diploma Ininimowin
60
Year 3: Bachelor in Ininimowin
90

Students can exit after Year 1 with a certificate or after Year 2 with a diploma. They can also continue to complete the full three-year degree.

Note: Because this initial offering begins in the Winter Term (term 30) and because of the pre-requisite requirements and course schedule, students enrolling in Year 1 (the certificate program) can expect to complete the program in 18 months.

Career Opportunities

There is an urgent and growing demand for Indigenous language speakers in Manitoba and across Canada. A 2021 provincial study reported that Manitoba needs nearly 1,200 Indigenous language teachers. Graduates of this program will be prepared to fill critical roles and become specialized recruits in a variety of sectors, including:

Education: K-12 language teachers, curriculum developers, language and culture facilitators.
Public Service: Translators, policy advisors, community liaisons in government and civic organizations.
Health & Wellness: Interpreters, patient advocates, and cultural support workers in healthcare settings.
Justice: Court interpreters, victim services advocates, and liaison officers.
Child & Family Services: Social workers and support staff who can communicate with families in their first language.

Admissions

Requirements

Regular Student

Grade 12 graduate with a regular or mature high school diploma,
with Language Arts (English) 40S, one credit, and
Pre-calculus Mathematics 40S, Applied Mathematics 40S or Essential Mathematics 40S,
Or equivalencies of above.

More Info

For more info on Bachelor of Arts Admission Requirements (see page 30 of the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar)

Mature Student

Mature student is or will be 19 during the first year of registration,
And is a high school graduate without the requirements for regular status,
Or has completed at least three 40S courses,
Or has GED standing,
Or has attended another university under mature status and achieved a minimum C standing,
Or completed a full semester with a minimum C standing from an accredited post-secondary institution,
Or has demonstrated readiness to succeed at the university entry level.

Laddering Opportunities

The Bachelor of Indigenous Languages program is designed with flexible pathways to help you achieve your goals.

Exit with a Certificate: After successfully completing Year 1, you can choose to exit with a University Certificate in Ininimowin.

Exit with a Diploma: After successfully completing Year 2, you can exit with a University Diploma in Ininimowin.

Continue to a Degree: The 3-year Bachelor's degree provides an excellent foundation for entering professional programs at UCN and beyond, including Education, Social Work, Law, and Healthcare. It also prepares you for further studies in graduate programs.

You can return to your studies later to complete the next credential in the laddered program.