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Programs

Social Services Worker – Indigenous Specialization

SSISSchool of Community Services

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters

Program Contacts

Tammy Cayer-Dokis

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6616
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Impact the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities

This interactive program delivers a client-centered approach that is culturally relevant. The Anishnabek/Indigenous perspective is embedded in the program and will prepare you to become effective social services workers within all levels of practice in the human services field. Through theory-based and hands-on practice sessions, you’ll learn to demonstrate consistent ethical, legal, and professional responsibility while adhering to social work values and principles. Case studies, presentations, practice sessions, guest speakers, supervised social service fieldwork, and access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural relevant support and teachings will ensure you’re job ready.

The Indigenous specialization will set you apart in the social services field with enhanced knowledge and the wisdom to help create a culturally safe environment for clients and community.

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Learn interprofessional skills in Social Service Work from an Anishnabek/Indigenous holistic perspective 
  • Gain experience in the field with two extensive field placements within community organizations 
  • Be eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers 
  • Be qualified as a Registered Social Service Worker in Ontario after graduation 
  • Graduates have skills and knowledge to work effectively in all communities with an extended knowledge of Anishnabek/Indigenous communities  
  • Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate 

Admissions

Admission requirements

or graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admission requirements

To participate in field placements, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health & Safety, Workplace Violence & Prevention, and a WSIB Student Agreement

  • Additional medical clearance may be required for some placement sites which support vulnerable populations, including: MMR, TB Step 1 and 2, Varicella, Tetanus/ Diphtheria (Td), Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.
  •  

Synergy will provide a list of requirements and there is a cost associated with this, also it will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete this process. See the Field Placement manual for more information.

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
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002College Communications3
IND 1003Introduction to Indigenous Studies3
PSY 1003Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions3
WES 1010Professional Com/ Giigadowin I3
WES 1111SWPractice/Oshkaabewis I4
WES 1002Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Services I3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits22
Semester 2
ENG 1242Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I3
WES 1003Anishnabek/Indigenous Family & Community Dynamics3
WES 1211SWPractice/Oshkaabewis II4
WES 1241Professional Com/Giigadowin II3
WES 1295Field Work I2
One General Education course. 13
 Credits18
Semester 3
WES 1004Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Services II3
WES 1063Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Work Practice III4
WES 1251Ethics3
WES 2053Community Development3
WES 2320Group Dynamics3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits19
Semester 4
WES 2491Field Work II20
 Credits20
 Total Credits79
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates may seek employment for casework and counselling positions within:

  • First Nations
  • Indigenous sector and communities
  • Long term care and older adult services
  • Residential services and Treatment Centre’s 
  • Children, youth, family, and Elders services
  • Women’s and LGBTQ2S+ services
  • Justice and victims services
  • Health, mental health, and addiction services
  • Immigration and refugee services
  • Employment and education programs
  • Government
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

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.

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!

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