Native Education

Indigenous Justice Studies Certificate

The Indigenous Justice Studies (IJS) program explores topics related to crime and deviance, the criminal justice system, and the rule of law. Courses critically examine the various responsibilities of key components of a justice system that strives to ensure the safety and protection of society. Students will look at the challenges Indigenous people face in the criminal justice system and how Indigenous cultural approaches to corrections, policing, and courts are helping to address the legacy of colonization. A great emphasis is placed upon the cultural values and beliefs of the Indigenous community and utilizes Indigenous adult educational teaching methodology, experimental learning, and practical application of academic knowledge. The IJS practicum placement allows students to gain experience working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies and organizations related to criminal and social justice.

Intake dates: 

  • January 2025 
  • September 2024

    The Indigenous Justice Studies Program is full-time, Monday to Friday, 9 to 12 and 1 to 2:30, with a 1-hour lunch break.

  • The program is 11 months with 3 semesters and 12 courses.
  • The first and second semesters consist of  5 courses 
  • The third semester consist on 2 courses, the first course is a condensed course over a period of three weeks. the second course is the practicum with a minimum of 175 hours.
  • Description of each course is listed below.

Admission Requirements

High School Applicants
Mature Applicants
Tuition and Fees
  • B.C. secondary school (Grade 12) or equivalent (B.C. Adult Dogwood Graduation Diploma or General Education Diploma).
  • Minimum "C+" grade in English 12 or testing an equivalent level.
  • Letter of Intent 
    • B.C. secondary school (Grade 12) or equivalent (B.C. Adult Dogwood Graduation Diploma or General Education Diploma).
    • Minimum "C" grade in English 12 or “C” grade in Literacy Assessment
    • Letter of Intent 

    If you do not meet high school graduation requirements or need to boost your high school grades before applying to a program, NEC can help you.

Program Tuition: $6,700.00 
Registration: $75.00 
Graduation: $30.00 
Student Association: $30.00 
Student Record and Student Card Fee: $15.00 
Transportation – Upass $506.00 
*Books & Supplies (w/tax) $1,620.00 
*Laptop (w/tax - optional) $1,050.00 
TOTAL: $8,976.00 
TOTAL:(with laptop & backpack) $10,026.00 

Career Path

Graduates of the Indigenous Justice Studies program have entered the workforce in non-profit Indigenous services agencies, Indigenous Justice agencies, or Federal and Provincial agencies. A few of these career opportunities are listed below:

 

  • Correctional Officers            
  • Security Officers
  • First Nations Policing
  • RCMP
  • Family Court Worker
  • Lawyer
  • Parole Officer
  • Indigenous Liaison Officer      
  • Indigenous Programs Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Forensics
  • Criminal Intelligence
  • Criminal Justice System

Start your career and be part of Indigenous Justice today!

Get financial Aid

scholarships are available to Indigenous Peoples,  Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Gain real experience

 Working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous agencies and organizations that relate to criminal and social justice. 

Transferable credits to university

Indigenous Justice graduates may further their post-secondary studies through block credit transfer agreements with our academic partners.

SFU
NVIT
KPU
Douglas College
UFV

Fore more information about course transfer please visit the BC transfer guide below

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Indigenous Justice Studies Certificate, the learner will have an understanding and appreciation:

Developing an understanding and appreciation for Criminal Justice System relating to policing, courts, & correctional services

Work with agencies and organizations related to criminal and social justice.

Enter careers in community justice agencies, policing, courts, customs, social work, and adult and youth corrections (including parole, probation, and supervision).

Course Descriptions

 

Name of Course/Subject # of Hours

Semester I

CRIM 100 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 63 hours

CRIM 150 Introduction to Criminology 63 hours

ENGL 110 Introduction to College Writing 63 hours

CMNS 125 Interpersonal Communications 63 hours

SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology 63 hours

Semester II

FNST 110 First Nations Studies 63 hours

CRIM 160 The Canadian Legal System 63 hours

CRIM 170 Introduction to Corrections 63 hours

CRIM 180 Sociological Approaches to Crime 63 hours

CRIM 145 Employment Preparation 63 hours

Semester III

CRIM 120 Introduction to Policing 63 hours

CRIM 155 IJS Practicum 175 hours

Kristian Bryant

Ha’miyaa!

When I first moving to Vancouver in 2007 I heard about NEC.

What attracted me to the college was the Indigenous perspective on learning, and what I like most is the sense of community. It’s such a beautiful place to learn and reconnect with culture.

NEC is important to me because it creates leaders who embody the intergenerational strength that has been passed down from our ancestors.

IJS - Student 2022
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