Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills
HERE YOU CAN.
The Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills Program provides the knowledge and skills required to provide guidance and support in a culturally proficient and professional way for Indigenous and northern peoples. All courses reflect Indigenous worldviews, ways of knowing, and culture. Theories of healing and health also include Cognitive Behavioural, Strengths Based, and Solution Focused Counselling.
Program Overview
This program includes eleven compulsory courses, two elective courses, and a skills practice placement. To ensure continuity of counselling knowledge, skills, and techniques, course prerequisites are required for select courses. The program is delivered using a virtual learning model with scheduled classes and a live instructor.
Graduates of the Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills program are prepared to provide counselling services using key Indigenous holistic helping traditions and teachings, alongside appropriate aspects of Western counselling knowledge, skills, and techniques. Learners develop the cultural proficiency and professional skills required to support Indigenous and northern populations.
Graduates are trained to provide counselling services to individuals and families who may be:
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Experiencing the multi-faceted impacts of the residential school era
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Experiencing trauma or emotional crisis
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Seeking to develop a healthy lifestyle
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Attending Indigenous and northern schools
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Living in communities where counselling services are limited or unavailable
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Requiring specialized counselling support in school settings
Why Study Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills at UCN?
- Develop culturally proficient counselling skills tailored to Indigenous and northern community needs.
- Gain practical knowledge to support individuals and families through trauma and healing.
- Prepare for meaningful roles in community, health, education, and social service settings.
Career Outcomes and Community
Career Pathways
Graduates of UCN’s Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills Certificate program may choose to live and work in northern Manitoba, although they are also qualified to seek employment elsewhere in Manitoba or across Canada. There is an ongoing demand for trained counsellors in northern Manitoba due to workforce attrition and a limited number of professionals remaining active in the field.
Possible places of employment include:
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Women’s and children’s crisis or safe houses
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First Nations organizations, including:
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Social work services
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Brighter Futures Initiative staff
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Building Healthy Communities staff
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National Native Alcohol and Drug Addictions Program staff
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Post-secondary education support services
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Home school coordinators
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School guidance counsellors
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Community centres
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Youth centres
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Health centres
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Schools
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Indigenous organizations
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Probation services
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Addiction treatment centres
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Family services, including crisis centres
Alumni & Student Spotlights
Program Schedule
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ABS.1001 Waskawimakanwa Mecimwaci Isihtwawina (1.0)
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ART.1140 Practical Skills: Assessment and Intervention (3.0)
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EDU.1105 Promoting Balance and Wellness for Healthy Lifestyles (3.0)
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CNS.1000 Introduction to Counselling: Assisting Aboriginal People’s Healing Journey (3.0)
- CNS.1020 Professional and Ethical Guidelines for Counselling Practice (3.0)
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CNS.1030 Addiction and Aboriginal Communities (3.0)
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CNS.1040 Residential School Impacts and the Healing Journey (3.0)
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CNS.1050 Working with Families (3.0)
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CNS.1060 Working with Groups (3.0)
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CNS.1070 Counselling in Aboriginal Communities (3.0)
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CNS.1200 Counselling Skills Applied Practice (3.0)
Admissions
Requirements
Although the program is grounded in Indigenous philosophical foundations, enrolment is open to all applicants who meet the entrance requirements.
Admission Requirements
a. Manitoba Grade 12 diploma
b. Or equivalent secondary education
c. Or mature student status with a minimum Grade 10 level equivalency in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics
d. Or current recommendation from an educational employer or verification of previous employment as a counsellor
e. Transfer requests from other institutions or programs will be assessed on an individual basis
f. Submission of recent Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry documentation prior to admission to the UCN Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills program.
Students listed on either registry will not be admitted
g. Submission of a recent Criminal Record Check.
Students with a criminal record may be unable to complete the program due to restrictions in acquiring a practice placement.
After admission and prior to completion of the program, students must disclose any criminal conviction to the Associate Dean, Mihcet Meskanawah Teaching & Learning
h. A personal letter clearly and succinctly outlining the applicant’s background and reasons for wishing to become a counsellor
i. A letter from a community leader (not a relative) stating how long they have known the applicant, in what capacity, and why they believe the applicant is a good candidate for the Indigenous and Northern Counselling Skills Certificate program
Student consumables, a laptop with reliable internet access, and calculator costs are the responsibility of the student. Students are also responsible for securing their own practicum placement; however, UCN may assist in cases where a placement cannot be obtained independently. Any travel costs required for the practicum portion of the program are the responsibility of the student.
Estimated Cost
$6850.00
Price includes textbooks
Important Dates and Deadlines
No upcoming dates or deadlines. Check back soon for an updated schedule or contact us for more information.