DEGREES
INDIGENOUS BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Mission statement: To deliver Indigenous Social Work programs that appropriately integrate social work pedagogy with Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and culture, and to prepare students for social work practice in organizations.
PROGRAM DETAILS
As a member of the First Nations Adult and Higher Education Consortium (FNAHEC), Yellowhead Tribal College delivers an Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) degree that applies Indigenous knowledge and pedagogies to social work practice. The degree is accredited by the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (https://www.niab.ca) and recognized by a signed agreement on October 25, 2019, with the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Graduates of this program qualify for employment provincially, nationally, and internationally. Further, the IBSW program strives to graduate people who will practice social work in a manner true to our sacredness and honours the Ways of Life of the communities they serve" (NIAB, 2018).
NEXT INTAKE - FALL 2027
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
There was a vision by the First Nations Adult and Higher Education Consortium Council of Elders to have a program that was enriched by the First Nations cultural practices, teachings, ceremonies, and language. The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) program vision is “communities living in a sacred manner.” The Elders’ envisioned the program to be rooted in Indigenous ethical principles that informed practice and policy.
The IBSW inspires students to focus on the helping practices of Indigenous people and to practice social work with an Indigenous perspective. The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program applies Indigenous knowledge and pedagogies to social work practice. The program is designed for working professionals who will attend courses evenings and weekends. Upon completion of the IBSW, graduates can become Registered Social Workers with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Graduates of this program qualify for employment provincially, nationally, and internationally. The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited through the National Indigenous Accreditation Board with mutual recognition by the Canadian Association of Social Work Educators. Further, the IBSW is “a program that strives to graduate people who will practice social work in a manner true to our sacredness and honours the Ways of Life of the communities they serve” (NIAB, 2018).
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) Degree is accredited through the National Indigenous Accreditation Board.
Graduates of the Yellowhead Tribal College IBSW are eligible for full registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers
Students have the opportunity to re-integrate into the Indigenous culture or to continue their cultural practices
Land-Based Learning
Non-Indigenous students have the opportunity to explore their heritage and cultural practices by applying an Indigenous methodology.
Intergenerational Trauma program using Indigenous and Western healing Knowledge and practices.
The Yellowhead Tribal College IBSW Program values family and community responsibilities while learning to become a competent and effective social worker.
The Yellowhead Tribal College IBSW program supports its students by applying a flexible and supportive program design.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Yellowhead Tribal College's Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work is a full-time program with in-person classes.
TRAUMA-INFORMED EDUCATION
The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program explores the intricate historical, multigenerational, and contemporary factors influencing Indigenous communities. This exploration is facilitated through discussions and assignments addressing colonization, treaties, residential school systems, child welfare systems, discriminatory practices, and intergenerational trauma.
Grounded in the principles of trauma-informed practice, the program equips students with essential competencies to navigate the complexities of addressing trauma within themselves and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to address trauma and intergenerational trauma in our communities.
Students are provided with an understanding of trauma processes such as biological, psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual. In addition, the program provides students with an understanding of Indigenous and Western Social Work practices.
ASSESSING STUDENT SUITABILITY FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
The Assessment of student suitability in social work practice is ongoing as students learn and develop new skills and competencies. Students must learn and adhere to the Indigenous Ethics and Values of the Culture and College and the Social Work Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. To support students in their learning, students must review and complete a social work suitability assessment at the start of their program and again prior to their practicum.
Social Work Program students follow established ethical obligations and professional standards recognized by the Canadian Association of Social Workers, the Alberta College of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (NIAB).
PROGRAM ADMISSION
The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work Degree program is a cohort-based program. Cohorts are currently admitted once every two years. IBSW Admissions is looking for applications from self-determining learners committed to decolonization who have both academic and personal readiness to strengthen the learning of Indigenous ways of knowing and engage in a professional program of study. Applicants will be required to identify a Knowledge Keeper/Elder mentor to support their learning during the program of study.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Graduate of a Social Work diploma
Graduate of a related diploma or degree
Students with a minimum of 60 credits from a recognized College or University will be reviewed for transferability. These students may be required to take additional Social Work and Indigenous knowledge foundational courses. Please contact the Social Work department for more information.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Complete the Yellowhead Tribal College Online Application or PDF Application Form
Official High School Transcripts (photocopied or pictures are not acceptable)
Official Post-Secondary Transcripts from all previous education pursuits
Current resume
Personal statement that is type written
Three (3) letters of reference. The referees must send or email them directly to socialwork@ytced.ca.
Applicants identified to move on to the next step will be invited to an interview
Department Head
Wilda Listener
Department Head and Dean
wilda.listener@ytced.ca
socialwork@ytced.ca
(780) 484-0303 Ext. 527
Program Assistant
Cher Anderson, UCEPP/AU/Social Work Program Assistant
cher.anderson@ytced.ca
(780) 484-0303 Ext. 514
CAREER/ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES
To roles as social workers in agencies, hospitals, and organizations. Students can apply to a MSW program of their choice to further their education.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The expectation of graduates is to practice social work using the Wisdom Based practices, the Traditional Indigenous Teachings, and ethical practice at the centre.
EDUCATION PATHWAYS
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for a Master of Social Work program anywhere in Canada.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The program has partnerships with the First Nation Post Secondary Institutions in Alberta, the Alberta College of Social Workers so graduates can become registered as a social worker. Various Community Learning Placements in Edmonton and outside of Edmonton have been maintained as students are participation in practicum for their social work experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Intake starts September, and the Deadline to apply is April 1
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The IBSW consists of 50% social work (10 courses), 40% general education (8 courses), 10% can be either social work work courses or general education courses. The program has 2 Community Learning practicums, one in each year of the program. Near the end of the program students will do a capstone presentation in the their final term to celebrate the conclusion of their program which will make hours for practicum.
PROGRAM PLAN
YEAR 1
(3rd year of a Social Work degree)
| FALL | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ISWK 300 | Indigenous Ethics and Cultural Protocols | 3 |
| ISWK 311 | Indigenous Language and Philosophy of Social Work I | 3 |
| ISWK 353 | Critical Analysis of Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ISWK 365 | Global Indigenous Worldviews | 3 |
| SFAS 301* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
| INDE 301* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| (*year-long course which continues into the Winter term) |
| WINTER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ISWK 324 | Healing through the Sacred | 3 |
| ISWK 355 | Indigenous Research Methodologies | 3 |
| PSYC 450 | Neurobiology of Relationships | 3 |
| HIST 375 | Roots of Imperialism | 3 |
| SFAS 301* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
| INDE 301* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| (*year-long course) |
| SPRING | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ISWK 304 | Community Learning | 6 |
YEAR 2
(4th year of a Social Work degree)
| FALL | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ISWK 400 | Indigenous Ethics and Cultural Protocols | 3 |
| ISWK 463 | Critical Analysis of International Social Work | 3 |
| SOCI 361 | Applying Indigenous Knowledge: Selected Issues I | 3 |
| LING 411 | Indigenous Language and Philosophy of Social Work II | 3 |
| SFAS 401* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
| INDE 401* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| (*year-long course which continues into the Winter term) |
| WINTER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 461 | Applying Indigenous Knowledge: Selected Issuess II | 3 |
| ISWK 462 | Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge to Restore Global Wellness | 3 |
| ISWK 470 | Social Work Leadership and Change | 3 |
| SFAS 401* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
| INDE 401* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| (*year-long course) |
| SPRING | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ISWK 404 | Community Learning | 6 |