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 Land Stewardship

Certificate

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. 
  • Fall Intake 2025 :
    – On-campus
    – Online Asynchronous
  • Winter intake 2026:
    – On-campus
    – Online Asynchronous 
  • 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

Prevention of Genocide - Critical and Cultural Thought Processes

Holistic Wrap Around Supports

Course Offerings

ILS 100Introduction to Land Stewardship
ILS 110Academic English
ILS 120Indigenous Environmental Knowledge
ILS 130Ecosystems
ILS 140Climate Crisis Strategies
ILS 150Indigenous Governance, Law and the Environment
ILS 160Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Land Stewardship
ILS 170Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Land Stewardship
ILS 180Field Studies  – Contemporary Indigenous Mapping
ILS 190Field Studies  – Community-Based Planning

Admission Requirements

Highschool Admission

  • Grade 12 Diploma or Equivalent
  • English 12 “C” grade or higher
  • Letter of Intent
Mature Admission
 
  • 18 years or older
  • Completed written assessment with “C” grade or higher
  • Accuplacer reading 240 Writing 240

tuition and fees

Tuition: $5,800 
Application Fee: $150 
Administration Fee:  $150 
Text Books:  $620 
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