If you are interested in First Nations history, art, anthropology, languages, etc., these programs, which are fully recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, are also intended for you. They can lead you to higher education in various fields of the social sciences.

Designed by and for First Nations, but open to everyone!

Kiuna aims to make post-secondary education more accessible for First Nations people. This centre of college studies is recognized today for its culturally adapted educational services resulting in a unique environment within which the programs, student services, human resources, teaching methods and teaching materials reflect Indigenous culture and traditions.

Kiuna is the appropriation of school by First Nations without extracting Western knowledge. It is a place of revalorization and revitalization of First Nations languages and cultures where one learns not only First Nations perspectives and worldviews, but also the many cultural contributions of First Nations to today’s globalized society. Above all, it celebrates the First Nations ways of being and how they do things.

A new CANDO program?

Previously, the CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) program was offered only in English in certain universities in other Canadian provinces. Current French-speaking community economic development officers (CEDOs) had no educational institution to turn to for training that would allow them to better perform their role through courses that complement their academic or career path. In addition, to help create the next generation of CEDOs, there was no specific program offered in Quebec with a specialization in Indigenous realities.

The Kiuna First Nations social science program with a specialization in economics has been accredited by CANDO. 

Here are the seven courses featuring the eleven competencies of the CANDO certification:

–  Two courses in politics: Introduction to political science and politico-legal issues of Indigenous peoples;

–  Introduction to administration;

–  Management of First Nations organizations;

–  Introduction to the global economy;

–  Economy of Indigenous territories;

–  Indigenous economic development.

This accreditation would allow you to access a position as an economic development officer in an Indigenous community. The general tasks associated with this position, although they may vary from one community to another, are as follows: the management of programs aimed at promoting industrial and commercial investments in a region; situating available industrial, commercial or tourist attractions; stimulating commercial investment and tourism; promoting commercial and industrial products and services; designing market research questionnaires; conducting social or economic studies to assess development potential and future trends;

Who can register?

All those who are interested in the field of economic development or students who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary education and are interested in this subject, or those who have obtained their high school diploma or sufficient schooling with equivalent credits.

The first cohort began in August 2022. For the winter semester, you have until November 1, 2023 to apply for admission. As for the fall semester, you have until March 1, 2023.

For those who do not already hold a community economic development officer (CEDO) position, one hundred percent of the training will be held face-to-face. For those who do hold a CEDO position, different available options can be explored by communicating directly with the KIUNA Institution.

Why seek CANDO accreditation?

Once accredited, you will have access to a set of contact networks across Canada and you will be able to receive training on an ongoing basis and benefit from seminars, workshops and webinars on various topics related to economic development. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual conference which will allow you to network, get inspired and learn about the initiatives carried out by the Indigenous communities of other provinces and much more.

In conclusion, the community economic development officer position is very important for Indigenous communities because it allows for ensuring the sustainability of services intended for entrepreneurs. It also creates enthusiasm for economic development in First Nations. CEDOs help members grow in their businesses and motivate them to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. They can provide real support by contributing their financial and/or administrative knowledge. They offer services in a continuous fashion, which gives increased confidence to businesses as well as those in the making. If this article appealed to you, take the time to think about it and contact the KIUNA Institution team who will be happy to answer all your questions.

Telephone (toll free): 1-866-568-6464

Email: info@kiuna-college.com

https://kiuna-college.com/eng/

https://www.facebook.com/KiunaCollege

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