Through the renewal of Indigenous knowledge, the Indigenous Governance Certificate provides a strong leadership foundation for those seeking to work, or are already working, in an Indigenous governance context. Students who have completed their YTC Indigenous Administration Diploma (or equivalent) may be eligible to earn their Indigenous Bachelor of Administration and Governance upon completion of this program. See our Indigenous Bachelor of Administration page for details.

This one-year (30-credit) certificate program is ideal both for students interested in starting their leadership training, and as professional development for those already into their careers. Learners will strengthen their engagement with Indigenous ceremonial life, absorb teachings from Elders and the land, and immerse themselves in Indigenous political philosophy while working on their personal regeneration and envisioning ways to engage communities through governance. The program will blend skill creation in the areas of writing, research, finance, and the use of technology with the critical thinking skills necessary for decolonizing Indigenous leadership and governance practices. The program also invites participants to look critically at ongoing colonial relations with settler peoples and governments in order to find transformative pathways for change and restoration of Indigenous nationhood. This is achieved by enhancing foundational leadership skills with Indigenous wisdom connected to a ceremonial way of life as a way of re-envisioning Indigenous governance.