Diploma in Onajigawin Indigenous Services New! (Formerly Native Child & Family Services)

The Diploma in Onajigawin Indigenous Services at Confederation College (formerly Native Child & Family Services) is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers supporting Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities. Rooted deeply in Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy, the program emphasizes cultural safety, humility, and decolonized practices, equipping graduates to become effective helpers and advocates within Indigenous and non-Indigenous human service settings. This program is unique in its comprehensive curriculum that covers critical areas such as cultural safety and continuity, Indigenous wellness and addictions prevention, intergenerational health and well-being, child and family welfare, social justice, advocacy, governance, and policy. Graduates can register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as Registered Social Service Workers (RSSW). This enables professional recognition and employment in diverse roles such as child welfare agencies, women’s shelters, urban Indigenous organizations, and on-reserve services. Confederation College’s Onajigawin Indigenous Services program represents a transformative educational journey that honors Indigenous ways of knowing while preparing students to be catalysts of social change, advocates for justice, and compassionate helpers dedicated to strengthening families and communities.

Course Details

CategoryDetails
TimeBoth full-time and part-time options
CampusThunder Bay
Duration2
Deadline-Date
Fee Per Year14196
Application Fee125
Currencycad
Intake Linkhttps://www.confederationcollege.ca/international-students/how-to-apply
Deadline Linkhttps://www.confederationcollege.ca/international-students/how-to-apply
IntakesAugust
Program language requirementThe minimum English proficiency requirements for our post-secondary programs are as follows:  Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma Programs (Except Health Care and Aviation Programs): Academic IELTS: 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)  TOEFL iBT: 80 (no band less than 20) PTE-A: 54 (no communicative skill lower than 50)  Duolingo: 105 (no band lower than 95) CAEL: 60 (no band lower than 60) Aviation, Health Care, Accelerated, and All Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:  Academic IELTS: 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)* TOEFL iBT: 88 (no band less than 22) PTE-A: 60 (no communicative skill lower than 54)  Duolingo: 120 (no band lower than 105)* CAEL: 70 (no band lower than 70)

Who can Choose this program?

High School Diploma or Equivalent: In most cases, you’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent. This includes having a high school equivalency certificate or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

Additional Information

CategoryDetails
Scope of the programA comprehensive educational program to promote cultural knowledge, community participation, and professional competency in assisting Indigenous families and children is provided by the Confederation College Diploma in Onajigawin Indigenous Services, formerly known as Native Child & Family Services. With an emphasis on resolving the particular difficulties experienced by Indigenous families and promoting cultural revival, this curriculum aims to provide students with the information and abilities they need to function well within Indigenous communities. The program's breadth transcends national borders, equipping graduates to use their knowledge in various settings, such as Pakistan and other nations with Indigenous populations. The program strongly emphasizes historical cognizance, cultural sensitivity, and workable approaches to service delivery that honor and preserve Indigenous customs and values. Graduates can contribute to the empowerment and well-being of Indigenous communities worldwide by working as family support workers, community outreach specialists, cultural consultants, and coordinators of Indigenous services. The program's breadth transcends national borders, equipping graduates to use their knowledge in various settings, such as Pakistan and other nations with Indigenous populations. The program strongly emphasizes historical cognizance, cultural sensitivity, and workable approaches to service delivery that honor and preserve Indigenous customs and values. Graduates can contribute to the empowerment and well-being of Indigenous communities worldwide by working as family support workers, community outreach specialists, cultural consultants, and coordinators of Indigenous services.
Program entry requirementHow to Apply. Step 1: Check Program Availability. Step 2: Determine Your Application Process. Application Process for International Students For additional information, if you are an international student, please visit our page about the application procedure for international students. Additionally, you will require one of the assessment companies listed on this page to evaluate your transcripts and certificates to ensure they meet Canadian educational standards. Step 3: Apply Visit the www.ontariocolleges.ca application page and apply for your chosen program(s). Soon after the initial February 1st deadline, our first set of "Offers of Admission" is mailed out, so be sure to keep an eye on your mailbox! Many of our programs are still taking applications, so if you apply after February 1st, check our Program Availability page. Step 4: Determine the Status of the Program Visit our Program Status page for the most recent information on our programs' current state, including which ones are still taking applications.
Required GPA65%
GRE RequiredN/A
GMAT RequiredN/A
Application Process1. Register for an Online Application: To start your application, create an account on the university’s application portal. This will give you access to the online application form. 2. Start the Application Process: Once registered, start filling out the online application form. The process is simple. 3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form with proper and complete information about your academic background, personal details, and program preferences. This will help them to better understand your qualifications. 4. Upload Required Documents: Use the portal to submit the necessary documents online, which may include: • Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from any institutions you have attended. • Standardized Test Scores: If applicable, upload your English language test score reports. • CV or Resume: Provide an up-to-date CV or resume that highlights your educational and professional experience. • Statement of Purpose: Write a statement detailing your goals for the program, research interests, and reasons for applying. • Letters of Recommendation: Arrange for two recommenders to submit letters of recommendation through the portal, based on their knowledge of your academic capabilities.
Available Scholarships
Program accreditationN/A
Living expensesStudent residences: 250 – 625 CAD/month. University-arranged homestays: 400 – 800 CAD/month. Rent & share an apartment: 300 – 700 CAD/month, prices for rent depend on location and facilities. If you choose to rent a studio/one-room apartment, you can pay over 1,000 CAD/month.
Visa Process Details"1. Completed application form (IMM 1294). 2. Acceptance letter from the university. 3. Proof of funds showing you can cover your living expenses and tuition fees. 4. Bank statements. 5. Educational documents or evidence of sponsorship (if applicable). 6. Medical examination report from a doctor authorized by immigration. 7. Police clearance certificates from your country of birth and from any other countries where you have lived for six months or more in the past five years. 8. Passport-sized photographs. 9. Payment for the study permit application fee (currently 150 CAD). 10. Custodian Declaration (IMM 5646) (if applicable), required if you are a minor, must be signed by your custodian in Canada. "
Part timeworkEntirely: During planned school breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays, international students studying in Canada are frequently permitted to work entirely. Under 20 Hours (With Possible Exceptions): International students may only be able to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during ordinary semesters. But, according to your program or any particular work visa you may be eligible for, there might be an exception.
Post-study work opportunityCanada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program: After completing their studies, qualifying international graduates are permitted to work in Canada for a maximum of three years under the terms of this government-mandated scheme. To be eligible, your course of study must be from an approved educational institution, and you must apply for the PGWP as soon as you graduate. Even though NPU might not be on the list of approved universities, you should consider returning to Canada to finish your undergraduate degree or enrolling in a post-graduate program at one of the universities eligible for the PGWP

What is the duration of the Onajigawin Indigenous Services diploma program at Confederation College?

The Onajigawin Indigenous Services diploma program at Confederation College has a duration of two years.

What are the minimum English proficiency requirements for the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program?

The minimum English proficiency requirements for the program include an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5), a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (no band less than 20), PTE-A score of 54 (no communicative skill lower than 50), and other equivalents depending on the specific requirements for various program types.

How much is the application fee for the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program?

The application fee for the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program at Confederation College is 125 CAD.

What are the living expenses for students at Confederation College?

Living expenses for students at Confederation College vary; student residences typically cost between 250 and 625 CAD per month, while university-arranged homestays range from 400 to 800 CAD per month. Renting and sharing an apartment may cost between 300 and 700 CAD per month, with studio or one-room apartments starting at over 1,000 CAD per month.

Can international students work while studying in Canada?

International students studying in Canada are generally permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during regular semesters, with possible exceptions depending on their program or specific work visa. They can work entirely during planned school breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.

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