The School of Public Policy and Administration is proposing to develop a new graduate diploma and concentration in the existing MAPPA in Indigenous Policy and Administration

The concept of aditawazi nisoditadiwin in the Algonquin Màmìwininìmowin language refers to the idea of being between two worlds and having an understanding of both. This concept captures the context and challenges faced by leaders and managers of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) governments and organizations in Canada. These professionals are faced with the dual challenge of managing and ensuring the accountability of modern governance systems that enhance community economic development and wellbeing while preserving and promoting cultural identities, values and traditions and rebuilding First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

Carleton University is seeking to develop a Graduate Diploma and a Master’s Concentration in Indigenous Policy and Administration as part of its existing Master’s of Arts in Public Administration to help support First Nations, Métis and Inuit professionals, aspiring professionals, students and scholars, as well as those who would work with them, in meeting these twin-goals.

The concept for the new Graduate Diploma and Master’s Concentration in Indigenous Policy and Administration (IPA) emerged from discussions between the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and Indigenous organizations and stakeholders.  Through these discussions the Ministry learned that there is a strong interest in having a graduate level program in Indigenous policy and administration offered by an Ontario University.  The Ministry then held a competition for developmental funding for an Ontario University to establish a graduate level program, with Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) being the successful applicant.

Proposed Master’s Concentration in Indigenous Policy and Administration and Graduate Diploma

In order to submit its proposal for funding to the Ministry, Carleton University developed a general framework, or concept, of what the Graduate Diploma and Master’s Concentration in Indigenous Policy Administration could look like. The following information outlines Carleton University’s proposed framework, with the understanding that this is an evolving concept that will change and blossom as a result of the input and insights Carleton University will be gathering through discussions with all those who have an interest in this program.  We are at the beginning stages of initiating a collaborative knowledge gathering and engagement process with First Nations, Métis and Inuit stakeholders, Program Advisory Committee members, and others.

The ultimate goal of the proposed Graduate Diploma and the Master’s Concentration in Indigenous Policy and Administration is to use culturally appropriate and sustainable ways to equip First Nations, Métis and Inuit and non-Indigenous professionals, students and others with the skills, knowledge and ability to:

1. Enhance and support the effectiveness of First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations, and
2. Enable the development of more effective relationships with industry and all levels of government in Canada to better meet the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in both urban and remote locations.

Carleton’s proposed framework seeks to do this by providing current and future leaders of First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the major challenges of nation building and governance within a Canadian context.  This may include, managing sustainable development, engaging with extractive industries, understanding the application of Federal and Provincial frameworks, planning and supporting urban First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, and creating innovative methods for improving economic and social development at the community level.

Additional goals for the graduate program include:

1. Promoting capacity building of partner First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations and institutes.
2. Building on the skills and competencies students earn through the Certified Aboriginal Public Administration (CAPA) Program offered by the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association,
3. Enabling First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners to move through a “ladder of success” from CAPA certification to completion of Carleton’s Graduate Diploma and/or completion of Carleton’s Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Indigenous Policy and Administration.

A Collaborative Process: FNMI Engagement

Carleton University understands and believes that the only way to build a credible and successful graduate program in Indigenous Policy and Administration is through partnerships and collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, leaders, organizations and other key stakeholders.  This is the only way to ensure that Carleton’s new Graduate program meets the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit professionals, aspiring professionals, organizations, leaders and communities.

To achieve this, the School of Public Policy and Administration is undertaking a collaborative process to seek input from First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders, organizations, communities and other stakeholders as the first step in the development of the proposed program.  The input, insights and direction that we gather will provide the foundation for the development of the proposed Master’s Concentration and Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration.  In addition to general guidance from First Nations, Métis and Inuit stakeholders we are also seeking input on curriculum development, student recruitment and support, the language and terminology, the program’s name, and the selection of course instructors, among other things.

The School of Public Policy and Administration is also seeking to develop a Program Advisory Circle to guide the development of the new Graduate Diploma and Master’s Concentration in IPA. Advisory Circle members are being recruited based on their commitment to providing ongoing and engaged support for the program over the short- and long-term, their knowledge of the needs of prospective students, FNMI stakeholders and potential employers, and their ability to contribute to the development of an innovative program.  This dedicated group of individuals is expected to lend credibility and invaluable insights to the program so that it can be of the greatest benefit to students, their present and future employers, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Recommendations for potential Advisory Committee members will be sought throughout the engagement process.

If you have any questions, comments, or want to participate in the knowledge gathering process please contact:

Tracy Coates
Program Advisor – Graduate Program in Indigenous Policy and Administration
Room 5121 River Building 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
tracy.coates@carleton.ca

or

ipa@carleton.ca
Tel: 613-520-2600 ext. 2358

 

Links and Downloadable documents:

IPA Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ipasurvey

IPA Flyer – Please feel free to print and distribute!

IPA Discussion Paper