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Public Administration

Indigenous community development & governance

The Professional Specialization Certificate in Indigenous Community Development and Governance (ICDG) program is designed for those working or wanting to work with Indigenous communities, governments or organizations.

Delivered online, you’ll live and work in your home community while completing flexible, relevant professional development. Read some testimonials from students in our ICDG programs.

After completing this certificate program, you may ladder into the Diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance program.

All ICDG programs

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

Admission requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, plus 2 years of experience related to working with Indigenous organizations or governments.

If you don't have a bachelor’s degree, you could be admitted if you have an academic and professional background that is considered equivalent 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 as applications may be prioritized until the regular deadline.

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 certificate 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 certificate program. Learn about reregistration.

Cover letter guidance

Your 500-word cover letter should outline your specific interest in the certificate 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

One core course:

Complete 3 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)
  • ICDG402 - Intergovernmental Relations: Working with Others (1.5)

Careers

ICDG graduates work in the following roles:

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

Read this profile of ICDG diploma graduate Ashley Charleson.