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Programs

General Arts and Science – Indigenous Specialization

GAINSchool of Interdisciplinary Studies

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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

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Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters / 1 Year

Program Contacts

Jessica O'Reilly

Program Coordinator / Professor

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705-566-8101 ext.6395
International Admissions
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School of Interdisciplinary Studies
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School of Interdisciplinary Studies
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Program Overview

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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
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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 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
IND 1102

or IND 1101
Anishnaabemowin

or Nehiyawemowin
3
ENG 1212Foundations of College English3
Pick one of the following:3
MTH 1136
Essentials of Mathematics
BUS 1008
Personal Finance
IND 1018Indigenous Learning Strategies3
LST 1115Digital Skills for Success3
IND 1005Culture, Tradition and Heritage3
IND 1103Wellness and the Good Life3
 Credits21
Semester 2
IND 1202

or IND 1201
Anishnaabemowin II

or Nehiyawemowin II
3
ENG 1002College Communications3
IND 1203Wellness and the Good Life II3
IND TBD: Indigenous Activism3
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 13
 Credits21
 Total Credits42
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated 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.

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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 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.

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Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

There are a number of benefits to obtaining a General Arts and Science – Indigenous Specialization Certificate at Cambrian College. 

  • Gain cultural awareness and appreciation, build confidence, and develop success strategies
  • Develop and showcase highly sought-after employability skills
  • Experience a robust curriculum that is holistic and culturally informed, preparing graduates to navigate contemporary employment opportunities while maintaining and fostering vital cultural connections and traditional wellness practices
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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!

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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!

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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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