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The Diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance (ICDG) program is designed for those working or wanting to work with Indigenous communities, governments or organizations. This 10-course program usually takes 2-5 years to complete.

Delivered online, you’ll live and work in your home community while completing flexible, relevant professional development.

All ICDG programs

• Diploma (10 courses)
• Professional specialization certificate (4 courses)
• Minor (6 courses)

UVic’s DICDG comes at a pivotal time in contemporary Canada. Now is the time to build trust and make room for Indigenous communities at all levels and branches of government. This program provides the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for Indigenous people and work for Indigenous communities and governments.

M. Byers, K’omoks First Nation

Admission requirements

Applicants should have the equivalent of 1 year post-secondary education, plus 2 years of experience working with or for Indigenous organizations or governments, or other relevant public or non-profit sector work experience.

If you don't have formal post-secondary qualifications, you could be accepted as a conditional student based on your experience.

We assume applicants are familiar with Canada’s historical and ongoing relationship with Indigenous Peoples. If you are unsure of your foundational knowledge but would like to apply to an ICDG program, please contact the program office at paservice1@uvic.ca.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

How to apply

New applicants to UVic

1. ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ to UVic undergraduate studies and upload your resume and cover letter. Make sure to express your interest in the diploma program.
2. Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions.

Returning UVic students

Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. When you apply, please upload your updated resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, share why you’re interested in the diploma program. Learn about reregistration.

Cover letter guidance

Your 500-word cover letter should outline your specific interest in the diploma program. Explain how this program aligns with your personal and/or career goals. Address all cover letters to the director of the School of Public Administration, ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ.

Please include your positionality (i.e. who you are in relation to Canada, in your community, in relation to Indigenous people) and summarize your experience working with or for Indigenous communities or organizations.

Please note how your personal and professional background informs your motivation to complete an ICDG program. What do you hope to learn? What do you bring to our learning community?

Application deadlines

Fall term

• May 31 for application to Office of the Registrar
• July 15 for documents and transcripts

Spring term

• September 30 for application to Office of the Registrar
• November 15 for documents and transcripts

Late applications may be accepted.

Tuition

All courses are 1.5 units. Part-time students pay fees per term, per credit unit. See fee details.

Funding

UVic offers in-course scholarships that may be GPA or application-based. Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some may require a separate application form.

Course requirements

Two core courses:

• ICDG301 (or ADMN 330) - Indigenous Governance in Canada (1.5 units)
• ICDG402 - Intergovernmental Relations: Working with Others (1.5)

Complete 8 of the following:

• ICDG302 - Communications in Indigenous Governments and Organizations (1.5 units)
• ICDG303 - Lands, Resources, and Economic Development (1.5)
• ICDG304 - Strategic Planning and Implementation (1.5)
• ICDG305 - Indigenous Research and Project Management (1.5)
• ICDG306 - Human Resource Management in Indigenous Organizations (1.5)
• ICDG307 - Managing Change for Effective Social and Community Development (1.5)
• ICDG308 - Financial Management in Indigenous Governments and Organizations (1.5)
• ICDG400 - Leadership in Indigenous Communities and Governments (1.5)
• ICDG401 - Capstone Project for Indigenous Governments and Organizations (1.5)

Electives may include up to 2 300- or 400-level UVic courses on public administration (ADMN) or Indigenous topics from other departments, with permission of the school.

Careers

ICDG graduates work in the many community roles, such as:

• manager, fisheries and environment
• Indigenous human resources
• lands manager
• education coordinator
• manager, employment training and education
• arts program coordinator

Read this profile of diploma graduate Ashley Charleson.

Testimonials

“My experience with the DICDG has been life-changing. I can now move ahead with creating real change in any Indigenous organization. The skills, confidence and personal growth I’ve gained helped me become a more proud Indigenous woman. My actions will inspire others to create their own changes and follow big dreams.” - M. Pedersen, Métis

“The DICDG has helped me form a deeper understanding of my community, work, family and myself. Getting to know and learn from my professors and fellow students has been the highlight for me. I have formed lifelong relationships with wonderful people.” - J. Harrington

“The DICDG program has opened many educational doors for me and given me a broader and more in-depth overview of Indigenous governance, from the beginning of colonial contact to current times, along with thinking into the future of Indigenous governance. If you are an Indigenous student, looking to pursue your education in Indigenous governance, then this program, may be the opportunity for you!” - S. T’Seleie, K'asho Got'ine Dene