New Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate

The new online leadership programming demonstrates Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s commitment to providing culturally inclusive learning environments and opportunities.

The Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate program shares valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity. The program is designed to be leveraged by individuals preparing for their next career move or entrepreneurial venture, or by industry to broaden specialized, culturally relevant leadership skills within their workforce.

Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is acting on its strategic plan for 2020-2025, Leading the Rise, by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services. The launch of the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is part of this work.

“To prepare learners for success in the communities and economies of today and in the future, the new Indigenous Leadership Skills program builds business leadership skills based on Indigenous ways of knowing. This specialized, unique program examines historical and contemporary models of Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.

"At the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, we see the Indigenous Leadership Skills program as a vital piece in the efforts to engage Indigenous people into careers in the skilled trades. A sense of understanding of our own Indigenous history, culture, stories and resilience is crucial to empowering the individual in their career journey,” says Danny Deleary, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, community engagement coordinator.

Using real life case studies focused on exceptional Indigenous leaders, in an interactive format with fellow learners and instructors, the applied certificate is entirely online to maximize accessibility and flexibility for industry and learners. The program includes eight courses that will take about 240 hours to complete. Six of the courses explore standard leadership skills, while two delve deeper into traditional Indigenous leadership and approaches to business-building. Course materials and teaching methods align with Indigenous values, providing a safe, culturally relevant environment for learning.

“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities. They also provide opportunity for lifelong learning through relevant curriculum that can be successfully completed in a shorter period of time,” says Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education.

Carter adds, “The applied certificate is open to Indigenous workers looking to move into leadership or entrepreneurship roles, or for individuals that are already leading Indigenous workers.” The Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is available via distance and can be completed either full-time or part-time so working professionals can learn at their own pace. Registration for the courses is through the School of Continuing Education.

Learn more about the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate.

June 2021