DIPLOMA
INDIGENOUS 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
The Indigenous Social Work Diploma is a dynamic, culturally informed program focusing on Indigenous Knowledge as a form of decolonization and empowerment. Students are immersed in cultural teachings and discovery while learning the main pillars of social work practice. The program offers courses on topics ranging from Indigenous natural helping systems, the impacts of colonization, current social policy and a selection of core social work courses. Using a trauma-focused lens, students are introduced to trauma-informed practices with a focus on intergenerational trauma. Yellowhead Tribal Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available daily through the program, and students are mentored by experienced Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers and academics during coursework and practicum hours.
The Indigenous Social Work Diploma is fully accredited by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). It has a 2-year transfer to the University of Calgary BSW program, Red Crow Community College, Maskwacis Cultural College, University nuhelot'ine thaiyots'i nistameyimakanak Blue Quills, Old Sun Community College, and our own Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) program.
This program is for students who are interested in integrating First Nation Wisdom Based Teachings with current social work practices that meet requirements of the program who are high school graduates or mature students.
The Indigenous Social Work Diploma (ISWD) is accredited through the Alberta College of Social Workers
Graduates of the Yellowhead Tribal College ISWD are eligible for full registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers
NEXT INTAKE: FALL 2027
MODES OF DELIVERY
Yellowhead Tribal College's Indigenous Social Work Diploma is a full-time program.
Students who reside 100 km or closer to the College are required to attend class in person. Students who reside 100 km or more from the College may attend classes online. Other considerations for online options may be available.
For more information, please contact the Social Work Department.
Classes are delivered Monday through Wednesday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Practicum may require students to attend classes on Thursdays or Fridays.
TRAUMA-INFORMED EDUCATION
The Indigenous Social Work Diploma 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 STABILITY 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).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must complete and submit an Indigenous Social Work Diploma package.
Complete the College application.
Provide Official High School Transcripts
Provide Official Post-Secondary Transcripts, if applicable
Confirmation of English 30-1 or equivalent course and final mark of at least 65%. Applicants without English 30-1 are invited to apply but must complete the equivalent of English 30-1 prior to the program start date.
Verification of 100 hours of volunteer or work experience in a human service setting within the previous five years
Current Resume
Personal Statement
Two letters of reference.
Complete Information Waiver, Career, Investigation Report, and Payment Agreement.
Pay the $75.00 non-refundable application fee.
Applicants identified to move on to the next steps in the application process will be invited to do an academic readiness assessment, and then those shortlisted will be invited for a virtual 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
Graduates of the Indigenous Social Work Diploma are eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Graduates can apply to Bachelor of Social work or an Indigenous Bachelor of Social work in Alberta to such places as the University of Calgary, MacEwan University, Yellowhead Tribal College, Maskwacis Cultural College, University nuhelot'ine thaiyots'i nistameyimakanak Blue Quills, Red Crow Community College, and Old Sun Community College.
EDUCATION PATHWAY
Students can continue on from the diploma to obtain a Bachelor of Social Work or an Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work. They can become a registered Social Worker in Alberta through the Alberta College of Social Workers.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We work with Alberta College of Social Workers and National Indigenous Accreditation Board for accreditation and approval of the programs. Students benefit from being able to become registered social workers. Community Learning experiences are within the community as students do learning in field placements at various agencies.
PROGRAM PLAN
YEAR 1
| FALL | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 100 | Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| CREE 100 | Introduction to Cree Language and Culture | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Literary Writing Skills | 3 |
| INDE 101* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| SFAS 101* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
*year long course which continues into the winter term
| WINTER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| CREE 200 | Conversational Cree: Part 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 124 | Literary Analysis | 3 |
| SOWK 102 | Natural Helping Systems in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 103 | Mental Health and Addictions | 3 |
| SOWK 105 | Counselling: A Generalist Approach | 3 |
| INDE 101* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| SFAS 101* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
*year long course
| SPRING | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 104 | Practicum I | 6 |
| SOWK 107 | Community Learning Seminar I | 3 |
YEAR 2
| FALL | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| ▼ CHOOSE ONE SOCIOLOGY COURSE ▼ | ||
| SOCI 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Canadian Society | 3 |
| SOWK 200 | Introduction to Social Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 201 | Breaking the Cycle of Trauma (Through a Family Lens) | 3 |
| SOWK 202 | Practice with Groups and Families | 3 |
| SOWK 203 | Community Development and Healing | 3 |
| INDE 201* | Indigenous Epistemology | non-credit |
| SFAS 201* | Strategies for Academic Success | non-credit |
*year long course which continues into the winter term
| WINTER | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 205 | Leadership In Social Work Organizations | 3 | SOWK 206 | Conflict Management in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| PSYC 223 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| FAMI 350 | Family Life Cycle | 3 | DRAM 149 | Dramatic Process I | 3 |
| SPRING | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 204 | Community Learning II | 3 | SOWK 207 | Community Learning Seminar II | 3 |