Journalism in Indigenous Communities Matters
Do you want to be part of the new wave of Indigenous journalists and media storytellers making a difference in Indigenous communities and newsrooms across Turtle Island?
The Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities (CJIIC) is a 4.5-credit, 10-month program designed for Indigenous students who have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including six 4U or M courses, with at least one 4U course in English. Mature applicants are also considered under specific regulations. Admission is restricted to Indigenous applicants, who must verify their Indigenous identity as part of the application process. While the program is aimed at residents of Ontario, inquiries from outside Ontario are welcomed but placements cannot be guaranteed.
Hybrid Course Delivery
The CJIIC combines online and in-person learning from September to May. Online synchronous courses allow students to study from their home communities, while in-person intensives provide hands-on media training. The program includes three in-person intensives lasting 7-8 days: the first in September at Kenjgewin Teg on Manitoulin Island, the second in the winter term (location TBD), and the final in May at Carleton University in Ottawa. Travel, food, and accommodation for the intensives are covered.
Braided Learning and Support
Indigenous students receive dedicated support through the program’s braided learning approach. A Student Success Facilitator offers assistance with academic progression, student services, and technical tools such as Word and PowerPoint. A Cultural Advisor ensures that Indigenous values and cultural factors are integrated into the curriculum, supporting students’ health and well-being.
Land Acknowledgement and Free Tuition
In recognition of the university’s location on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation, free tuition is offered annually to one student from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, as well as one student from the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne to encourage local First Nation participation.
Internships
The CJIIC includes a two-week internship in a media organization, offering students the chance to apply their classroom learning in a real newsroom. The internship is supported by a coordinator who helps students find a placement, with all food, travel, and accommodation costs covered.
Graduation Incentives
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a $3,000 award to support their next steps in the journalism field. The CJIIC also serves as a pathway to advanced standing in Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism or Bachelor of Arts programs, provided students meet the required CGPA and other program prerequisites.
Transfer Opportunities
Graduates from the CJIIC are eligible for advanced standing in Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism program, typically with an overall CGPA of 8.00 (B) or higher. Alternatively, graduates can pursue advanced standing in Carleton’s Bachelor of Arts or General Studies degree programs.