Natosapi Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work
KamotahpihkaanIBSW – 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.
A four-year Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work integrating Siksikaitsitapi Knowledge.
Two Community Learning Placement Practicums, plus summer Culture Camps.
Recognized across Canada (by CASWE) and in the United States (by CSWE).
This on-campus program is designed by OSCC to be a leading Indigenous Social Work program, committed to:
A relational, trauma-informed, and strength-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).
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
- Social work instructor (with an MSW)
Work SettingsRoles in correctional services, schools, hospitals, community services, and non-profit/private agencies.
Who Am I
This program doesn’t just train social workers — it gives people back to themselves. Hear from students and staff at the IBSW program about what it means to reconnect with your identity, understand your history, and carry that pride into a career of helping others. This is what transformation looks like.
Something You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
You won’t learn this at U of C. You won’t learn it at Mount Royal. The IBSW program at Natosapi Community College weaves Siksika knowledge, ceremony, language, and elder teachings directly into a fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. This is what education looks like when it’s rooted in who we are.
Working With The People
Criminal justice. Child welfare. Mental health. Probation. Our community needs people who understand the unique needs of Indigenous people — and this program produces them. Hear directly from IBSW graduates and students doing real work, in real placements, guided by elders every step of the way.
Kamotahpikaan
Kamotahpikaan — Safe Haven. The Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work (IBSW) at Old Sun Community College is a four-year, on-campus degree that integrates Siksikaitsitapi Knowledge with contemporary social work practice, built on a relational, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach to healing and wellness.
Hear From IBSW Students
Paige’s Story
Made by IBSW student Paige, this short film is her own take on the program — told in her words, from her perspective. A personal look at what the IBSW journey has meant to her.
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
Canadian Social Work and Social Welfare.
Siksika Ethics & Protocols
Siksika Ethical Principles and Cultural Protocols, including Culture Camps.
Research & Practice Skills
Research, Evaluation, and Skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Residential Schools & Colonialism
Courses on Residential Schools, Traditional Lands, Clan Systems, Child Rearing Practices, Women’s Studies, and the impacts of colonialism.
Community Practicums
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.
Next Intake: 2027For details on important dates and how to apply, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Dr. Lorelee Waterchief
For more details, contact Dr. Lorelee Waterchief at
lorelee.waterchief@oldsuncollege.ca