Natosapi Indigenous Studies
Siksikaisksiinima’tstohksiniSiksika Knowledge (SK) Certificate & Diploma Program
This program offers a Certificate or Diploma focused on the Siksika Way of Life. It teaches Siksika language, history, culture, art, traditions, and ways of knowing through a community-based approach. Students will gain a deep understanding of Siksika identity and how colonization has impacted it.
Seven SK courses, one elective, Academic Writing and Computers 130.
All Certificate courses plus four advanced 300-level SK courses.
A suggested sequence running Fall 2025 to Spring 2027.
Apply for a Prior Learning Assessment to count previous learning.
Program Structure
Course Overview
SK courses serve as the foundation for other degree programs at Natosapi. You can apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) to count previous learning towards the program.
Courses
Certificate
Includes 7 Siksika Knowledge (SK) courses, 1 elective, Academic Writing, and Computers 130.
- Introduction to Siksika People
- Siksika Language (Intro & Conversational)
- Residential Schools at Siksika
- Cultural Immersion
- Traditional Blackfoot Territory
- Siksika Spirituality
- Siksika Traditional Lands & Claims
Courses
Diploma
Includes all Certificate courses plus 4 additional advanced (300-level) SK courses.
- Siksika Child Rearing Practices
- Siksika Female Rites of Passage
- Clan System / Siksika Genealogy
- Siksika Cultural / Circle Camp
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in community advocacy, Indigenous organizations (like tourism or cultural preservation), or use this program as a base for careers in law, education, or policy development.
Transferability
SK courses are transferable to many mainstream programs (e.g., Nursing, Social Work) and are excellent foundational courses. The SK Certificate is directly accepted for St. Mary’s University’s Indigenous Arts concentration (BA Liberal Arts major).
SK Program Film
Siksika Knowledge
The Siksika Knowledge Certificate and Diploma Program is rooted in the teachings, language, and traditions of the Siksika people. Guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and instructors, students learn through courses in language, culture, history, and traditional knowledge, building a deeper understanding of identity, responsibility, and community.
More than an academic program, Siksika Knowledge is the foundation of learning at Old Sun Community College, supporting students across Management, Nursing, and Social Work as they build confidence and strengthen their connection to who they are as Niitsitapi.
Program Enrollment & Sequence
Automatic Enrollment
Students with a high school diploma will be automatically enrolled after successfully completing Fall Term 2025 (Year 1).
To earn the Diploma, you’ll complete the Certificate courses, plus these four additional courses starting Winter 2027:
- SK 220
Introduction to Siksika Child Rearing Practices - SK 332
Clan Systems: Siksika Genealogy - SK 328
Siksika Female Rites of Passage - Computers 130
Or an approved electiveSK 374 – Siksika Traditional Use of Plants – is recommended
Suggested Sequence Includes
Term by term, from Fall 2025. The first four terms complete the Certificate; the last two add the Diploma. The full program tables follow below.
Fall 2025
Certificate & Diploma- SK 200
Siksikaitsitaapi: Introduction to the Siksika People - SL 200
Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Introduction to Siksika Language - English 150 or Academic Writing 303
Winter 2026
Certificate & Diploma- SL 204
Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Conversational Siksika - SK 252
Residential Schools at Siksika - SK 294
Learning from Place: Traditional Blackfoot Territory
Spring 2026
Certificate & Diploma- Field Course 260
Cultural Immersion Field Course – Introduction to Experience of Ceremonial & Cultural ActivitiesBlock Week Course
Fall 2026
Certificate & Diploma- SK 300
Iihtsipaitapiiyopi: Siksika Spirituality - SK 344
Kitaowahsinnooni Siksika Traditional Lands, Historic Sites & Land Claims Processes - Elective or another approved SK CourseRecommended: SK 240 – Inaistsiyi – Spirit & Intent of the Blackfoot Treaty
Winter 2027
Diploma only- SK 220
Niitstawatsimanni: Introduction to Siksika Child Rearing Practices - SK 332
Clan Systems: Siksika Genealogy - SK 328
Siksika’kiiks: Siksika Female Rites of Passage
Spring 2027
Diploma only- SK 374
Siksika Traditional Use of Plants
Siksika Knowledge (SK) Certificate
Suggested Program Sequence
| Year 1 Fall 2025 |
Year 2 Spring 2026 |
| SK 200 - Siksikaitsitaapi: Introduction to the Siksika People |
Cultural Immersion Field Course 260 - Introduction to Experience of Ceremonial & Cultural Activities (Block Week Course) |
| SL 200 - Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Introduction to Siksika Language | |
| English 150 or Academic Writing 303 | |
| Year 1 Winter 2026 |
Year 2 Fall 2026 |
| SL 204 - Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Conversational Siksika | SK 300 - Ihitsipaitapiiyopi: Siksika Spirituality |
| SK 252 - Residential Schools at Siksika | SK 344 - Kitaowahsinnooni Siksika Traditional Lands, Historic Sites & Land Claims Processes |
| SK 294 - Learning from Place: Traditional Blackfoot Territory |
Elective or another approved SK Course Recommended: SK 240 - Inaistsiyi - Spirit & Intent of the Blackfoot Treaty |
Siksika Knowledge (SK) Diploma
Suggested Program Sequence
| Year 1 Fall 2025 |
Year 2 Spring 2026 |
Year 3 Winter 2027 |
| SK 200 - Siksikaitsitaapi: Introduction to the Siksika People |
Cultural Immersion Field Course 260 - Introduction to Experience of Ceremonial & Cultural Activities (Block Week Course) |
SK 220 - Niitstawatsimanni: Introduction to Siksika Child Rearing Practices |
| SL 200 - Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Introduction to Siksika Language | SK 332 - Clan Systems: Siksika Genealogy | |
| English 150 or Academic Writing 303 | SK 328 - Siksika’kiiks: Siksika Female Rites of Passage | |
| Year 1 Winter 2026 |
Year 2 Fall 2026 |
Year 3 Spring 2027 |
| SL 204 - Siksikaitsiipowahsin: Conversational Siksika | SK 300 - Iihtsipaitapiiyopi: Siksika Spirituality | SK 374 - Siksika Traditional Use of Plants |
| SK 252 - Residential Schools at Siksika | SK 344 - Kitaowahsinnooni Siksika Traditional Lands, Historic Sites & Land Claims Processes | |
| SK 294 - Learning from Place: Traditional Blackfoot Territory |
Elective or another approved SK Course Recommended: SK 240 - Inaistsiyi - Spirit & Intent of the Blackfoot Treaty |
Tuition & Fees
Please contact the OSCC Registrar for tuition and fee details.
Important Dates & How to Apply
- Submit your application to
carrissa.auger@oldsuncollege.ca - Application forms are available from the SK Department or Registrar’s Office.
- Successful applicants will be notified via email.
Questions About the SK Program?
Contact Natosapi Old Sun Community College for program guidance, application forms, and registration support.