Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities

21 Credit Part-time Certificate Program

Program Overview - Building Healthy Communities

The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities program has been developed in collaboration with the Inter Tribal Health Authority (ITHA) to provide students with a basic knowledge in community health education, health promotion, injury prevention, and community development within Aboriginal communities.

Graduates from the Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities program will have the skills to assess community and client health education needs and will be well prepared to work within the community on improving health and wellbeing through health promotion.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program may secure employment in health related roles serving Aboriginal communities, which include: Aboriginal Health Liaison Worker; Community Health Representative; Community Engagement Facilitator; Aboriginal Health Coordinator.

Program Content:

This program consists of the following courses:

First Nations Wellness I: Models and Strategies (HSD 201) (3 credits)

An examination of strategies based on the belief that solutions to challenges faced by First Nations workers are found within the workers, their communities, and their culture. Topics include examining forces of change, impact of change, and a holist model of wellbeing within the context of traditional and contemporary practice.

First Nations Wellness II: Models and Strategies (HSD 202) (3 credits)

A deficiency orientation characterizes much of the First Nations research that has been published over the years. For the practitioner seeking constructive guidance, such an orientation is not helpful. The practitioner usually seeks to understand strengths, assets, and personal, social and material resources, blocks that provide a firm foundation for future collaborative work. This approach is essential for work in the fields of whole health, education, and child and family services. This course will address the need for building block development and constructive strategies for their deployment.

Indigenous Learning and Recognition Portfolio (ILRP 100) (3 credits)

Provides an opportunity for students to assess their prior learning experiences through the development of a personalized portfolio. This intensive reflective process is designed to help students begin to record their past experiential learning, thus validating knowledge and skills that come from family, community and cultural backgrounds. ILRP 100 was formerly called EDUC 103; credit will not be granted for both courses.

Fundamentals of Administration (CHP 100) (3 credits)

This course will provide students with a range of foundational understandings regarding administration and community development in health related roles in Aboriginal communities.

Communication and Leadership (CHP 110) (3 credits)

Students will grain a range of foundational understandings regarding leadership and communication in health related roles in Aboriginal communities.

Emerging Health Issues & Promotion (CHP 120) (3 credits)

Students will explore the Aboriginal world view of health and wellness and will examine the contemporary and emerging trends in health issues for Aboriginal communities through interaction with their instructor(s), peers, local elders and community representatives. Students will also examine the role of health promotion in context with the emerging trends in health issues for Aboriginal communities

Community Health Promotion: Practicum (CHP 140) (3 credits)

An introduction to practical, hands-on skills required for community health promotions and an opportunity to apply theory and principles learned in the classroom. Students will be placed in a health care environment within Aboriginal communities. Students, under the direction of preceptors, will be expected to perform assigned activities in the role for health promotions applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout their coursework. In addition to 60 practicum hours, students will be expected to complete independent study and reading as assigned.

Admission Requirements:

General admission requirements apply. See www.viu.ca/apply
Computer Skills: Successful completion of an introduction to computers OR demonstrated familiarity with computer (if you use computers regularly include a letter with your application, detailing the systems and programs you use and know

Notes on Admissions:

Proof of successful completion of the following must be received well in advance of the practicum experience:

First Aid (OFA – Level 1 or Standard First Aid – Red Cross)
FoodSafe
Immunizations (Hepatitis B, MMR, Flu vaccines, Negative TB screen)
Criminal Record Check: Practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
Note: Driver’s License may be required for some locations

Course Delivery:

A unique opportunity!

The Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities program will be delivered in a blended format, combining short stay seminars with online learning.

This style of learning offers students the benefit of meeting their instructors in person, while still enjoying the flexibility that online learning offers.

Practica will be hosted at locations offering health services for local Aboriginal communities.

Graduation Requirements:

Students must successfully complete all courses and the practica in the program.
Students are required to attend all scheduled weekend institutes and complete their practicum hours. If you do not meet the attendance requirements, you will not qualify to receive the program certificate.

Start date:

Please note the Community Health Promotion for Aboriginal Communities certificate program will not be offered for the 2018/2019 academic year. The next intake cycle is under review.

All current PD&T course and program offerings can be found on the Program Availability List.

Revised March 6 2018