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.
Program Description
The Certificate in Indigenous Land Stewardship at NEC is designed for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of Indigenous epistemology in being a steward of the land. This program equips students with holistic understandings of Indigenous World views and Western methodology to meet Indigenous issues with action. The students will gain confidence in their leadership skills and have enhanced understanding of the power of interconnecting Indigenous ecological knowledge and practice with being a steward of the land. The program contains lectures, discussion groups, class activities, field trips, guest speakers and field study experiences. Students within the Indigenous Land Stewardship program are encouraged to bring their Indigeneity and/or Allyship to explore the interdisciplinary opportunities of healing the land.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 32 weeks
- Delivery Method: On-campus, and Asynchronous On-line
NOTE: Asynchronous distance delivery means that students and instructors do not meet in ‘real time’. There is no live video lecture portion of the program. Students in a program or course that is delivered asynchronously may move through assignments at their own pace, supported by online resources such as recorded lectures, reading material, assignments, and discussion groups. However, coursework and assignments follow the same weekly schedule as the regular program. - Intakes:
– Fall
– Winter - Schedule for on -campus: M – F 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Career Opportunities
The Indigenous Land Stewardship (ILS) Program offers students career preparation in land and resource management as well as a gateway to higher education. This one-year certificate program consists of ten courses rooted in Indigenous knowledge of land, community, and ecology.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1) Apply Indigenous principles of stewardship to land and resource management
2) Practice skills from multiple knowledge systems (Indigenous and Western scientific) for respectful cross-cultural engagement
3) Contribute to the design, planning and development of projects on Indigenous and other lands that address environmental challenges
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
Holistic Wrap Around Supports
Prevention of Genocide - Critical and Cultural Thought Processes
Course Offerings
| Term 1: | |
| ILS-100 | Introduction to Land Stewardship |
| ENG-113 | Introduction to College Writing |
| ILS-120 | Indigenous Environmental Knowledge |
| ILS-130 | Ecosystems |
| Term 2: | |
| ILS-140 | Climate Crisis Strategies |
| ILS-150 | Indigenous Governance, Law and the Environment |
| ILS-160 | Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Land Stewardship |
| ILS-170 | Leadership and Program Management |
| Term 3: | |
| ILS-180 | Field Studies – Contemporary Indigenous Mapping |
| ILS-190 | Field Studies – Contemporary Indigenous Mapping |
Admission Requirements
tuition and fees
Highschool Admission – (Under 18 Years of Age)
- Proof of high school graduation
- A Minimum C grade in English 12
- A minimum C grade in English 12 OR
- Accuplacer Assessment scores of: reading 240 Writing 240
Post-Admission Requirement (If Applicable)
- CRC (Criminal Record Check Vulnerable Sector depending on practicum placement)
All applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada and have completed at least three years of full-time secondary education in English in a country where English is the principal language of instruction.
| Tuition | $5,800 |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Administration Fee | $150 |
| Text Books | $620 |
| Tier 1 – Basic Academic Laptop | $450 + tax |
| Other | $387 |
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