Indigenous Human Services Certificate

The Indigenous Human Service Certificate and Diploma prepares students with a career in non-profit agencies, Indigenous communities, and government. Graduates of the certificate program will be able to provide support and assistance to agencies and communities coping with economic disadvantage, mental health issues, developmental, gender and diversity issues, as well as challenges such addictions, family change and involvement with the justice system. Once graduates complete the Diploma portion of the program they will be able to extend these supports and services to individuals and families.

Students who wish to continue their education have the opportunity to ladder into the Social Work Degree Program at NVIT. The Diploma will be available at the Merritt campus or off campus in Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Human Services Certificate and Diploma Program aims to provide graduates with:

• a basic understanding of trauma-informed practice


• human service theory and practice within a colonization and decolonization context


• excellent interpersonal communication skills


• a professional manner


• empathy and caring attitude


• an understanding of problems and issues of individuals and families in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous social environment


• social work principles and ethics


• problem solving abilities


• an ability to work effectively in groups


• a knowledge of social policy from a decolonization perspective


• a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning that focuses on thetheory and practice of delivering basic social service from a decolonization perspective


• skills for self-care

Applicants are encouraged to meet academic requirements before program entry. All assignments required for the Certificate program will be requested in typed format, therefore, keyboarding skills/computer literacy skills prior to entry are strongly recommended.

The Indigenous Human Service Program admits 25 students who begin study in September. Applicants will need to meet the general, education and personal readiness requirements.

All qualified applicants have their program plan reviewed by a faculty advisor and/or an academic planner who are able to provide advice regarding the selection of appropriate full and part-time options.

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Head or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

1. Age: applicants must be 19 years old by the start of the program or permission from program


2. Two letters of reference


3. For other general admission requirements see the following link http://www.nvit.ca/about/policies/secivadmissionfees/c33generaladmissionrequirements.htm

This certificate prepares you to provide support and assist individuals with a broad range of differing abilities.  Becoming qualified for a career as an educational assistant or community support in school districts, group homes, employment agencies and community organizations, or transfer to NVIT’s Human Services diploma program.

1. Grade 12 or equivalent, mature student status


2. C+ minimum in English 12 or English 060 or equivalent assessment.

The Indigenous Human Services Certificate is delivered over three terms in 10 months and consists of four courses in the first two terms and two in the summer term.

Classroom concepts may be evaluated through written exams, assignments, class participation, presentations.  Practicum will be evaluated by the Instructor and the Practicum Placement Supervisor.



Student’s knowledge and competencies  are evaluated by written exams, assignments, and/or classroom participation.  Performance is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience situations. All courses are evaluated per the NVIT Grading System. (See page 10 of this guide.)

Learners will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the required courses within the program. A minimum 2.00 GPA for course work in the certificate program is required to graduate.

Course Listing for this program

Current Course Offerings