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Indigenous Wellness & Addictions Prevention

Program at a glance

Program code: 
010212
Accreditation: 
Ontario College Diploma
Length of study: 
2 years*
Study options: 
Full-time
Campus location: 
College Drive

This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for employment in a variety of Aboriginal settings. This program focuses on personal and spiritual growth within the healing process. You will learn to address your own needs and those of individuals or groups. Traditional teachings will guide you through the physical, mental, social, cultural and spiritual elements of addiction as you learn vital assessment, intervention and recovery techniques. Traditional methods of healing include Sacred Circles, Teaching Circles, and the use of the four sacred medicines - tobacco, cedar, sage and sweet grass.

*Flexible exit options - exit with a College Certificate after one year or exit with a Ontario College Diploma after two years. There is a placement component in this program.

Admission Requirements: 

Program Prerequisites

OSSD or equivalent Grade 12 Compulsory English (ENG4C or ENG4U)

Curriculum: 

Semester One:

IWA112 Traditional Healing, Learning, and Teaching

IWA113 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counselling and Teaching

IWA114 Contemporary Challenges Facing Native Communities

IWA115 Traditional Ceremonies

IWA116 Traditional Teaching Lodges

IWA201 Interviewing, Reporting, and Documenting

Semester Two:

CMM115 Communication Fundamentals

IWA200 Introduction to Substance Abuse in Families and Native Communities

IWA202 Helping the Helper: Using Individual and Community Resources

IWA203 Using Traditional Healing to Break the Cycle of Abuse

WA205 Residential Schools: A Legacy of Abuse I

IWA206 Field Placement for Indigenous Wellness

Semester Three:

CMM125 College Communication

DAC180 Substance Abuse I

HSP105 Interviewing I

HSP150 Multiculturalism in Canada

PSY100 Foundations of Psychology

SOC100 Foundations of Sociology

SSW100 History and Philosophy of Social Work

HSP194 Workplace Skills

Semester Four:

CMM230 Writing and Speaking to Persuade

HSP104 Human Service and the Law

HSP106 Acts, Policies, and Procedures for Native People

HSP160 Interviewing II

SSW195 Mental Health Across the Lifespan

PSY240 Foundations of Psychology II

SOC220 Sociology of Social Problems

SSW138 Native and Family Parenting

Career opportunities: 
  • Traditional medicine
  • Alcohol and drug treatment units
  • Family resource centres
  • Young offender residential centres
What You Will Learn: 
  • Traditional healing, learning, and teaching
  • Challenges facing Native communities
  • Traditional ceremonies
  • Traditional teaching lodges
  • Interviewing, reporting, and documenting
  • Residential schools: a legacy of abuse
  • Substance abuse specific training
  • Multiculturalism
  • Psychology and sociology
Courses title override: 
What You Will Learn