Indigenous College Prep

SHOI SE ȻS ENÁ SCUȻEL SĆȺ

"To prepare yourself for the upcoming schoolwork."

A welcoming, community-based certificate that supports Indigenous students as they prepare for college and university studies. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, the program brings together academic learning, cultural understanding, and personal growth to help students move forward with confidence.

Admission Requirement

C in English 11
(or equivalent)

Credential

Certificate

Length

8 months full-time
2 years part-time

Total Credits

22.5

Start Date

September 2026

Program Overview

Students are supported to develop the skills and readiness needed for post-secondary education while honouring who they are, where they come from, and the responsibilities they carry to family and community.

Learning in Community

Indigenous College Prep is delivered fully at W̱SÁNEĆ College, part of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board and located in the village of W̱JOȽEȽP on W̱SÁNEĆ territory. Learning takes place in a familiar community setting where relationships are central, and students learn alongside peers in a supportive environment. This approach allows students to strengthen academic skills while remaining connected to community, culture, and place as they prepare for future post-secondary pathways.

Supportive Learning Environment

Students are supported by a caring team that may include instructors, academic advisors, community program coordinators, instructional assistants, learning skills and career readiness specialists, and Elders. Learning is guided through circle and Elders’ teachings, offering space for reflection, discussion, and growth alongside academic studies. This network of support helps students move through the program in a balanced way, building confidence and resilience as learners.

What You'll Learn

In the Indigenous College Prep program, learning is both academic and personal. Students strengthen their reading, writing, math, and learning strategies while also exploring who they are and where they come from.

Students will be supported to:

  • Build a strong foundation in English, math, and learning skills.
  • Explore Indigenous identity through culture, land, history, and lived experience.
  • Reflect on personal strengths, gifts, and goals.
  • Learn about wellness, balance, and responsibility to self, family, and community.
  • Discuss issues and opportunities affecting Indigenous communities today.
  • Prepare for the expectations and challenges of post-secondary education.

Learning is guided by Indigenous perspectives and values, and students are encouraged to take pride in their identity while preparing for future education and career pathways.

Curriculum & CoursesAcademic Term One
EDCP 091 - Education & Career Exploration (0 credits)
ENGL 091 - Indigenous Provincial English Composition & Literature 1* (3 credits)
IST 093 - Circle & Elders Teaching 1 (1.5 credits)
IST 095 - Ways of Wellness - Learning (3 credits)
LRNS 103 - Learning Skills for Human Sciences (1.5 credits)

Academic Term Two
ENGL 093 - Indigenous Provincial English Composition & Literature 2* (3 credits)
SENĆ 110 - Introduction to SENĆOŦEN (3 credits) 
IST 094 - Circle & Elders Teaching 2 (1.5 credits)
IST 096 - Ways of Wellness - Community (3 credits)
MATH 190 - Indigenous Math Preparation (3 credits)

*If students take ENGL 091 in academic term one, then they need to take ENGL 093 as their second English course in academic term two.
Funding SupportStudents who are eligible for First Nations funding are encouraged to begin planning early. Many students in the Indigenous College Prep program receive support through their First Nation, and some may also be eligible for University College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) funding.

If you need to upgrade courses to meet program prerequisites, it is recommended that you do so as early as possible. Students seeking First Nation sponsorship are encouraged to apply to their Nation in January or February to help ensure funding is in place for a September start.

Support is available throughout this process. Indigenous Academic Advisors and W̱SÁNEĆ College Community Program Coordinators are available to help answer questions, discuss funding options, and support you as you prepare your application.
How to ApplyApplying to the Indigenous College Prep program is a supported process.

To get started:

1. Ensure you meet the admission requirement of C in English 11 (or equivalent).
2. Complete any required upgrading if needed.
3. Apply for post-secondary funding, if applicable.
4. Submit your application to the program.

Students are encouraged to connect with an Indigenous Advisor or a W̱SÁNEĆ College Community Program Coordinator early in the process. They can help you understand the steps, timelines, and supports available, and walk alongside you as you prepare to begin the program.

W̱SÁNEĆ College leads and delivers this accredited program, grounded in W̱SÁNEĆ values, in partnership with Camosun College. 
Through this partnership, students can access supports and services from both institutions and receive recognized credit from each.

Ready to begin your journey?
We're here to support you every step of the way.

W̱SÁNEĆ College
P.O. Box. 368
7449 W Saanich Rd
Brentwood Bay, BC
V8M 1R3