Native Education

NEC acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the host Nations xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ/selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Indigenous justice studies

Certificate

Program Description

The Indigenous Justice Studies (IJS) prioritizes Indigenous laws and Indigenous Peoples while exploring topics related to crime and deviance, the criminal justice system, and the role of colonial law. Courses critically examine the various responsibilities of a system that strives to ensure safety and protection while learning about the oppression experienced by Indigenous Peoples and the role of Indigenous cultural approaches to healing from the impacts of genocide. What sets our program apart is the emphasis on applying this knowledge in real-world settings and culturally authentic teachings. We also emphasize Indigenous adult educational teaching methodology, experimental learning, and practical application of academic knowledge. The IJS practicum placement allows students to gain experience working with agencies and organizations related to criminal and social justice.

Program Highlights

  • Duration: 43 weeks 
  • Delivery Method: On-campus
  • Intakes:
    – Fall Intake 2025 
    – Winter intake 2026
  • Schedule: This program is full-time, Monday to Friday 09:00 am12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 

Career Opportunities

Graduates have entered careers in community justice agencies, policing, courts, customs, social work, and adult and youth corrections (including parole, probation, and supervision). Students may further their education to graduate school or law school and into the practice of law.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1) Learners will be able to critically examine the Canadian Criminal Justice system and the role of the law from an Indigenous perspective.

2) Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to incorporate their Indigenous knowledge systems and values into their work with agencies and organizations related to criminal and social justice.

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

We are committed to providing a welcoming and culturally safe environment where students can thrive on their educational journey.

Authentic Indigenous Academic Programs and Curriculum

Prevention of Genocide - Critical and Cultural Thought Processes

Holistic Wrap Around Supports

Course Offerings

Term 1 
CRIM 100Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
CRIM 150Introduction to Criminology
ENG 110Introduction to College Writing
CMNS 125Interpersonal Communications
SOC 110Introduction to Sociology
Term 2 
FNST 110First Nations Studies
CRIM 160The Canadian Legal System
CRIM 170Introduction to Corrections
CRIM 180Sociological Approaches to Crime
CRIM 145Employment Preparation
Term 3 
CRIM 120Introduction to Policing
CRIM 155IJS Practicum

Admission Requirements

  • Criminal Record Check Vulnerable Sector(CRC)

Highschool Admission

  • Grade 12 Diploma or Equivalent
Mature Admission 
 
  • Minimum “C” grade in English 12 or “C” grade in Literacy Assessment
  • Accuplacer reading 240 Wriiting 240

tuition and fees

Tuition: $6,700 
Application Fee: $75 
Text Books: $1,606 
Course Materials: $25 
Other: $455 

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.  https://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/

Longhouse Values

These original laws are embedded in every aspect of our House. They invite cultural identity and selfdetermination of Indigenous Peoples, which empowers learners to advance their unique personal and educational goals.

  • Diversity
  • Respect
  • Understanding
  • Gratitude
  • Accountability