Indigenous Community Wellness

ŚW̱¸ I’YNOṈET W̱ILNEW̱

"To get better for the good of their own healing and to perform well."

The Indigenous Community Wellness program prepares students to support Indigenous people within agencies and community organizations that serve Indigenous communities. Students learn to build meaningful relationships and walk alongside service users in wellness, supporting their access to and engagement with programs and services, and becoming ambassadors of wellness within their communities and workplaces.

Admission Requirement

C in English 12
(or equivalent)

Credential

Certificate

Length

10 months full-time
2 years part-time

Total Credits

36

Start Date

September 2026

Program Overview

The Indigenous Community Wellness program is guided by diverse cultural and community-specific frameworks that prepare graduates to be culturally aware and positive role models. Trauma-informed and healing-centered practices are woven throughout the program, supporting both personal and collective wellness. Students develop approaches that draw on both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, along with a range of services, to advocate for and promote wellness. The program supports students in advancing the work of decolonization while honoring the integrity and values of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Students also deepen their understanding of their own cultural identity through traditional teachings and land-based learning with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Build Relationships

Students will have opportunities to connect and build relationships with Old Ones and Knowledge Keepers in local Indigenous communities, as well as with staff working in agencies that serve Indigenous people. Through these relationships and learning experiences, students develop practical approaches to advocacy that support community wellness and self-determined goals, and help individuals and communities access and engage with programs and services. The Indigenous Community Wellness program centers wholistic and diverse Indigenous approaches to individual and community wellness and healing, alongside relevant Western methods. Students learn to communicate and facilitate groups in ways that are respectful, effective, and grounded in culturally relevant protocols.

What You'll Learn

Through the Indigenous Community Wellness program, students develop the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to support wellness in their communities and workplaces. By the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Facilitate groups in ways that are respectful, effective, and grounded in culturally relevant protocols.
  • Bring together Indigenous ways of knowing and being with trauma-informed and healing-centred approaches in their community service and professional practice.
  • Draw on their understanding of the impacts of colonization on individuals, families, and communities to guide their work in supportive and respectful ways.
  • Demonstrate personal wellness, self-awareness, generosity, reciprocity, and kindness while maintaining ethical and professional boundaries.
  • Communicate respectfully and effectively with individuals, families, and communities.
  • Build respectful relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in local Indigenous communities, as well as with staff working in agencies that serve Indigenous people.
  • Use advocacy approaches that support community wellness and self-determined goals, and help individuals and communities access and engage with programs and services.
Curriculum & CoursesAcademic Term One
ICW 111 - Cultural Teachings 1 - Learning (3 credits)
ICW 112 - Sharing Voice: Communications (3 credits)
ICW 113 - Decolonizing the Journey (3 credits)
ICW 114 - Good Relations (3 credits)
SENĆ 110 - Introduction to SENĆOŦEN (3 credits)

Academic Term Two
ICW 115 - Cultural Teachings 2 - Applying (3 credits)
ICW 116 - Community Care Strategies (3 credits)
ICW 117 - Sharing Hands: Community (3 credits)
ICW 118 - Leadership (3 credits)
IST 142 - Land, Water, & Stewardship (3 credits)

Academic Term Three
ICW 119 - Cultural Teachings 3 - Practicing (3 credits)
ICW 120 - Sharing Hands: Capstone (3 credits)
Funding SupportStudents who are eligible for First Nation funding are encouraged to begin planning early. Many students in the Indigenous Community Wellness program receive support through their First Nation. 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 Community Wellness program is a supported process.

To get started:

1. Ensure you meet the admission requirement of C in English 12 (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 a W̱SÁNEĆ College Community Program Coordinator or an Indigenous Academic Advisor 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 start 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