Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Tammy Cayer-Dokis
Program Coordinator / Professor
tammy.cayerdokis@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Community Services
cips@cambriancollege.ca
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 culturally relevant support and teachings will ensure you are job-ready.
The Indigenous specialization will set you apart in the social services field, providing you with enhanced knowledge and the wisdom to help create a culturally safe environment for clients and the 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 moreAdditional 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
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| WES 1010 | Professional Com/ Giigadowin I | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| WES 1111 | SWPractice/Oshkaabewis I | 4 |
| WES 2051 | Ethics | 3 |
| WES 1002 | Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Services I | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| WES 1211 | SWPractice/Oshkaabewis II | 4 |
| IND 1000 | Indigenous Perspectives | 3 |
| WES 1241 | Professional Com/Giigadowin II | 3 |
| WES 1295 | Field Work I | 2 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| WES 1003 | Anishnabek/Indigenous Family & Community Dynamics | 3 |
| WES 1004 | Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Services II | 3 |
| WES 1063 | Anishnabek/Indigenous Social Work Practice III | 4 |
| WES 2053 | Community Development | 3 |
| WES 2320 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| WES 2491 | Field Work II | 20 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 79 | |
- 1
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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program and more!
Nogdawindamin Child and Family Services – This placement offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience to assist the communities in their responsibility to strengthen families and communities for the safety and well-being of children by providing community-based services grounded in aneskwabek values.
Native Friendship Centre – Students gained practical, and relevant work experience during this placement with the Native Friendship Centre which is committed to preserving language and culture, enhancing the quality of life, and empowering families and communities by providing support, services, and partnerships for the Aboriginal community in an urban setting.
KINA Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services – This placement offered students practical, relevant work experience with an organization that serves the member First Nation communities through prevention and protection activities that are designed to culturally maintain and nourish the dignity and integrity of the Anishinabek family system by offering various supportive choices. Moreover, providing services through a culturally serviced delivery model to families to move towards healthy family lifestyles for their Anishinabek children, families, and communities.
Fieldwork and placement details – If you meet the requirements, you will have the opportunity to complete community placements. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to the placement, such as Synergy consultation, transportation, meals, and accommodations.
Agencies will require you to have additional medical and non-medical documents before the start of any community-based placement. The minimum required documentation includes:
- Criminal records check – vulnerable sector screening
- Health documentation
- First Aid/CPR
- Field certifications – Bill 18 requirements
- Required documents will vary with agency requirements
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.
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
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
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
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 a 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!
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