IBSW

Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work

Natosapi offers a four-year Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program that integrates Siksikaitsitapi Knowledge with contemporary social work practices. Students gain deep understanding through summer Culture Camps and two Community Learning Placement Practicums, enhancing their cultural understanding and community connection for supporting individuals, families, children, and youth.
This on-campus program is designed by OSCC to be a leading Indigenous Social Work program, committed to:

  • A relational, trauma-informed, and stength-based approach (nonjudgmental, non-coercive, non-authoritarian).
  • Focusing on healing, wellness, inclusivity, and community belonging.
    Encouraging creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
  • Being community-based, rooted in Siksikaitsitapi values, and equipping practitioners with best practice skills.

The IBSW program is nationally accredited by the National Indigenous Accreditation Board of Canada, and its degree is recognized across Canada (by CASWE) and in the United States (by CSWE).

Contact Us

Career Paths

Graduates can pursue diverse roles, including:

  • Community advocate/liaison
  • Child welfare specialist
  • Caseworker
  • Mental health counsellor
  • Government agency worker
  • Addictions counsellor
  • Academic researcher
  • Roles in correctional services, schools, hospitals, community services, and non-profit/private agencies. Social work instructors (with an MSW).

Course Overview

The program includes a blend of Indigenous Social Work (ISWK) courses, Siksika Knowledge (SK) courses, and electives. Key themes include:

  • Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Personal, Family, Community, Global Wellness, and Interruptions to Wellness)
  • Canadian Social Work and Social Welfare
  • Siksika Ethical Principles and Cultural Protocols (including Culture Camps)
  • Research, Evaluation, and Skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Courses on Residential Schools, Traditional Lands, Clan Systems, Child Rearing Practices, Women’s Studies, and the impacts of colonialism.
  • Two extensive Community Learning Practice Practicums.

Program Requirements

Applicants need to submit:

  • High School Diploma
  • English 30-1
  • High School and/or Post-Secondary Transcripts
  • Criminal record checks
  • 3 reference letters
  • Letter of intent
  • Current resume

Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) - Suggested Program Sequence

Year 1 - 2023
Summer Term
Theme: Personal Wellness		 Year 2 - 2024
Summer Term
Theme: Family Wellness		 Year 3 - 2025
Summer Term
Theme: Community Wellness		 Year 4 - 2026
Summer Term
Theme: Global Wellness
SK 260 - Introduction to Siksika Ethical Principles and Cultural Protocols
(Cultural Camp) 		SK 360 - Application of Siksika Ethical Principles and Cultural Protocols
(Cultural Camp) 		ISWK 3000 - Application of Siksika Ethical Principles and Cultural Protocols
(Culture Camp) 		ISWK 4000 - Celebration of Siksika Knowledge
(Culture Camp)
SK 332 - Clan Systems - Siksika Genealogy (Elective) SK 328 - Siksika Women’s Studies and Rites of Passage (Elective) SK 270 - Aistotohsaattsiists - Traditional Siksika Dress and Clothing (Elective)
Year 1 - 2024
Fall Term		 Year 2 - 2024
Fall Term		 Year 3 - 2025
Fall Term		 Year 4 - 2026
Fall Term
ISWK 1401 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing I: Personal Gifts & Responsibilities ISWK 2401 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing III: Family Wellness ISWK 3401 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing V: Community Wellness ISWK 4401 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing VII: Global Wellness
ISWK 1701 - Introduction to Canadian Social Work ISWK 2601 - Research, Evaluation & Assessment for Siksika Social Work Practice INST 2501 - The Roots of Imperialism ISWK 3701 - Structural and Anti-Oppressive Approaches
INST 1605 - Global History of Indigenous People
(INST Elective) 		ISWK 2701 - Introduction to Canadian Social Welfare ISWK 3602 - Groups, Organizations & Communities ISWK 4701 - Social Policy
SK 200 - Siksikaitsitapi - Introduction to Siksika People SK 252 - Residential Schools at Siksika - A Review of the Residential Schools
(Elective) 		SK 344 - Kitaowahsinnooni Siksika Traditional Lands, Historic Sites & Land Claims (Elective) SK 220 - Niitsawatsimaanii - Intro to Siksika Child Rearing Practices
(Elective)
SL 200 - Siksikaitsii’powahsin - Introduction to Siksika Language ISWK 3301 - Prep - Community Learning Integrative Seminars
(5 sessions total)
Year 1 - 2024
Winter Term		 Year 2 - 2025
Winter Term		 Year 3 - 2026
Winter Term		 Year 4 - 2027
Winter Term
ISWK 1301 - Community Application of Siksika Social Work Practice ISWK 2301 - Community Application of Siksika Social Work Practice ISWK 3402 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing VI: Interruptions to Community Wellness ISWK 4402 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing VIII: Interruptions to Global Wellness
ISWK 1402 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing II: Interruptions to Personal Wellness ISWK 2402 - Indigenous Ways of Knowing IV: Interruptions to Family Wellness ISWK 3300 - Community Learning Practice I ISWK 4300 - Community Learning Practice II
INST 1603 - Changing Human Thought & Behavior (Elective) ISWK 2602 - Skills for Working with Individuals and Families ISWK 3301 - Community Learning Integrative Seminar I ISWK 4301 - Community Learning Integrative Seminar II
SL 204 - Conversational Siksika INST 2502 - Colonial Impacts on Families & Children
Year 1 - 2024
Spring Term		 Year 2 - 2025
Spring Term		 Year 3 - 2026
Spring Term		 Year 4 - 2027
Spring Term
Break Indigenous Social Work 3603 - Selected Issues: Niitoiyis/Real Home
[Indigenous Homelessness] 		ISWK 3300 - Community Learning Practice I ISWK 4300 - Community Learning Practice II
SK 300 - Introduction to Siksika Spirituality ISWK 3301 - Community Learning Integrative Seminar I ISWK 4301 - Community Learning Integration Seminar II

Tuition, Fees & Application

Please contact the OSCC Registrar for information on tuition and fees.
The next program intake is in 2027. For details on important dates and how to apply, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Program Contact

For more details, contact Lorelee Waterchief at lorelee.waterchief@oldsuncollege.ca