Indigenous Education

Keewatinase offers students with Indigenous ancestry unique opportunities to become a teacher in a supportive environment. We offer programs for students interested in teaching primary/junior grades, intermediate/senior grades, or Native Language as a Second Language in primary and senior grades in Ontario. Our programs combine in-class learning with experiential community-based learning opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Keewatinase works closely with each student on their educational journey to become a professional teacher certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Teach JK to Grade-6 (HBEd)

The Honours Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Teacher Education) Primary/Junior Division program provides individuals of Indigenous ancestry with the teaching strategies and knowledge necessary as a future teacher. We use a mixture of in-class and experiential learning to develop the skills and ability to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at the Primary and Junior level. Our HBEd program helps prepare future teachers to meet the educational needs of elementary students while addressing elements of Indigenous heritage, identity, and languages. Graduates of the program are recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) for certification to teach in Ontario schools.

Teach Grades 7-12 (BA/BEd)

The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Learning Major) Intermediate/Senior Division program provides individuals of Indigenous ancestry with teaching strategies and knowledge as a future teacher. We use a mixture of in-class and experiential learning to develop the skills and abilities to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at the Intermediate/Senior grade levels (7-12). Our BA/BEd program helps prepare future teachers to meet the educational needs of intermediate and senior students while addressing elements of Indigenous heritage, identity, and language.

Teach Indigenous Languages (ILTD)

The Indigenous Language Teacher Diploma (ILTD) program provides fluent speakers of Algonquian languages (Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree) with the skills and credentials to teach Native Language as a Second Language in primary/secondary schools in Ontario. Upon successful completion of the ILTD program students will be recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers.

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Aboriginal Education
    Degree:
    Education
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy the English prerequisite requirement.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    Proof of Aboriginal ancestry may be required.

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B


Learn more about applying to any of our programs

As a first year student your course requirements will be determined by your chosen program and, if applicable, your partnering discipline. For more information about your first year requirements, visit our Indigenous Education Course Calendar.

Learn more about our offered programs

For many of our programs you will be required to participate in hands-on student-teacher placements to observe effective teaching practices, apply instructional approaches in a classroom setting and experience mentoring from an associate teacher. You will experience 100 days of in-class placement over two years, providing you with exceptional insight into the discipline and on-the-job training. Visit our Teaching Practicum page for more information. With support from the Indigenous Cultural and Support Services we offer many holistic learning opportunities and services that will advance your knowledge of Indigenous cultures outside of the classroom, including:

  • Elder-in-Residence Program
  • Smudging
  • Seasonal Feasts
  • Medicine Garden
  • Drumming and Beading Circles

There are also financial service opportunities exclusive to Indigenous students including scholarships, awards, bursaries and employment.

Degree:

  • Honours Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Teacher Education) Primary/Junior Division (5 year)
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Learning Major) Intermediate/Senior (5 year)

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