Vision Statement
We envision a future where Indigenous ways of knowing and being shape inclusive, empowered, and transformative adult education—uplifting communities, honouring ancestors, and creating lasting change for the next seven generations.
Mission Statement
Our Indigenous Adult Education Program empowers learners through authentic Indigenous knowledges and culturally grounded pedagogies. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being designed for accessibility and impact, we support both Indigenous educators and allies in transforming adult education for generations past, present, and future.
Program Overview
Ongoing developments in Indigenous post-secondary education/training at Canadian universities and community colleges, the vibrant expansion of Indigenous educational institutes, as well as, Federal, Provincial and First Nation government initiatives speak to a changing reality in education and training. Associated with this is a continued devolution of responsibilities to First Nations and the progress towards Indigenous self-government.
At the same time, Indigenous adults are participating in upgrading, post-secondary education and training in unprecedented numbers. Indigenous people are rediscovering and integrating traditional beliefs, spirituality and associated ceremony into their lives.
This emerging reality highlights a growing need for qualified, culturally grounded and spiritually strong faculty, trainers, administrators, counsellors and support personnel that can effectively meet the learning needs of Indigenous adult learners in a variety of contexts.
Program Highlights
This program is open to all students and features:
- Advanced standing for existing university degrees and college diplomas.
- Cultural protocols embedded in the learning experience.
- Wherever possible Indigenous instructors with lived and professional experiences within the Indigenous community.
- A degree that is recognized by Indigenous communities as well as the broader community.
- Offered as an asynchronous online program with three synchronous classes per course
Career Outcomes
- Education workers within post-secondary, public, or private college contexts
- Community educators
- Training and development managers in business and industry
- Curriculum writers
PROGRAM PATHWAYS
The core program consists of five required courses:
ABED 4F84: Introduction to Indigenous Adult Education
ABED 4F85: Curriculum Theory and Design In Indigenous Education
ABED 4F86: Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning
ABED 4F87: Indigenous Leadership Issues: Healing, Learning and Leadership
ABED 4F88: Indigenous Teacher Development: Understanding Our Journeys
To meet candidates’ needs, three application pathways are available.
Program A:
For those who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Adult Education as a subsequent degree, completion of the five core courses is required.
Program B:
For those who do not hold an undergraduate degree but have completed undergraduate credits or hold a college diploma or are applying as a mature student and are pursuing a degree in Indigenous Adult Education.
Certificate: Indigenous Adult Education:
For those without an undergraduate degree or a college diploma interested in pursuing a Certificate in Indigenous Adult Education, completion of the five courses is required.
Program A:
- ABED 4F84 – Introduction to Indigenous Adult Education
- ABED 4F85 – Indigenous Curriculum Theory and Design
- ABED 4F86 – Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning
- ABED 4F87 – Indigenous Leadership Issues
- ABED 4F88 – Indigenous Teacher Development
Program B:
- ABED 4F84 – Introduction to Indigenous Adult Education
- ABED 4F85 – Indigenous Curriculum Theory and Design
- ABED 4F86 – Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning
- ABED 4F87 – Indigenous Leadership Issues
- ABED 4F88 – Indigenous Teacher Development
- one Humanities context credit
- one Sciences context credit
- one Social Sciences context credit
- two credits numbered 1(alpha)00 or above
- five credits numbered 2(alpha)00 or above
Certificate:
- ABED 4F84 – Introduction to Indigenous Adult Education
- ABED 4F85 – Indigenous Curriculum Theory and Design
- ABED 4F86 – Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning
- ABED 4F87 – Indigenous Leadership Issues
- ABED 4F88 – Indigenous Teacher Development
How to Apply?
Step 1: Send in your application *Please see the application form found on the side tab of this webpage under “Apply now – Application for Admission”
Step 2: Arrange to have your transcripts sent to Brock
Step 3: Receive your offer of admission and accept your offer
Step 4: Select your course in the Registration Guide
Step 5: Register using mybrocku.ca
Step 6: Your statement of account
Step 7: Start thinking about other courses to complete your degree
Step 8: Welcome to the Program!
hear from our Indigenous Adult Education students
“Reflecting on the past 12 weeks, I gained new knowledge and understanding about how my positionality impacts my views and perceptions. I also like the variety of methods for learning. The videos, readings and especially the poetry!”
– ABED 4F84 – Introduction to Indigenous Adult Education student
“I found the content particularly interesting and the way it was taught was refreshing and reflective of Indigenous beliefs.”
– ABED 4F86 – Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning student
“I was very impressed with the Indigenous content, I really learned a lot about Indigenous pedagogy. I am finding myself becoming more confident in using education vocabulary.”
-ABED 4F88 – Indigenous Teacher Development student