Social Services Worker – Indigenous Specialization
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Community Services
Programs
General Arts and Science – Indigenous Specialization
GAINSchool of Interdisciplinary Studies
Apply today
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Jessica O'Reilly
Program Coordinator / Professor
jessica.oreilly@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Focus on your culture and heritage while exploring career options.
Blend Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and worldviews to develop your academic growth and workplace skills. You’ll learn from the land, the Ancestors, yourself, and fellow students, always supported by experienced and trustworthy Elders, faculty, and staff.
Courses focus on enhancing math, writing, and learning skills, with opportunities to learn about various Indigenous cultures. Support your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being while earning credits that can be transferred into other programs. Gain confidence in your abilities and explore your future options in a supportive environment that is welcoming to Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Choose to study Ojibway or Cree language courses
- Practice and learn about culture and heritage
- Explore potential career paths while earning transferable credits
- Access to Cambrian College services, including computer labs, internet access, counselling, and free tutoring
- Bridge to college and university programs
- Supported by our Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services staff and programming
Admissions
Admissions requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English – OLC40, (E) Workplace, (C) College, (U) University
General Educational Development (GED) is applicable. Depending on test scores, Accuplacer English Assessment may be required. Please speak to the program coordinator for more information.
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn more
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| IND 1102
or IND 1101
| Anishnaabemowin
or Nehiyawemowin
| 3 |
| ENG 1212 | Foundations of College English | 3 |
| Pick one of the following: | 3 | |
|
MTH 1136
| Essentials of Mathematics | |
|
BUS 1008
| Personal Finance | |
| IND 1018 | Indigenous Learning Strategies | 3 |
| LST 1115 | Digital Skills for Success | 3 |
| IND 1005 | Culture, Tradition and Heritage | 3 |
| IND 1103 | Wellness and the Good Life | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| IND 1202
or IND 1201
| Anishnaabemowin II
or Nehiyawemowin II
| 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| IND 1203 | Wellness and the Good Life II | 3 |
| IND TBD: Indigenous Activism | 3 | |
| Pick one of the following: | 3 | |
|
MTH 1137
| Fundamentals of Mathematics | |
|
IND 1010
| Taking Care of Shkagamik-Kwe | |
|
IND 1062
| Indigenous Perspectives on Care | |
| Pick one of the following: | 3 | |
|
IND 1009
| Intro to Powwow Culture | |
|
IND 1015
| Indigenous Arts and Film | |
|
IND 1017
| Indigenous Peoples Today | |
|
IND 1019
| Indigenous Global Perspectives | |
| One General Education course 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Kickstart your future with the personal touch offered by Cambrian’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Whether you need help finding the right direction, improving your English language skills, or want to earn your high school equivalency certificate, Cambrian has got your back. Flexible, individualized programs give you the freedom to grow and explore your best path to a rewarding career.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
Related Programs
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
Ontario College Certificate
2 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Interdisciplinary Studies