Start Date: September 2026

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Program Length: Nine months

Credential: Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities (CJIIC) – 4.5 credit program

Program Partners: FNTI and Carleton University

About the Program:
Led by Carleton’s School of Journalism and Communication, the CJIIC is a nine-month program offering instruction delivered by Indigenous journalists. It allows students to learn introductory journalism and media skills based in their community. The aim is to teach students the skills and abilities to kickstart a career in journalism by providing opportunities to learn in various settings that offer ongoing cultural support and pathways to further education in journalism and the arts. Completion of CJIIC gives individuals advanced standing in the second year of a Bachelor of Journalism or Bachelor of Arts degree at Carleton University.

Delivery Mode:
Hybrid model of online and in-person courses. Online synchronous courses will enable students to study from the comfort of their own homes. Hands-on media training will be completed over three in-person intensive sessions, lasting seven to eight days.

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the CJIIC program will be able to:

  • Develop foundational journalism and media production skills

  • Apply storytelling techniques rooted in Indigenous perspectives and community contexts

  • Create news and media content that reflects Indigenous voices and experiences

  • Build confidence working across various media platforms and formats

  • Understand media ethics, responsibility, and cultural awareness in journalism

  • Access pathways to further education in journalism and the arts

  • Receive advanced standing toward the second year of Carleton University’s Bachelor of Journalism or Bachelor of Arts degree

Courses:

JOUR1101 Indigenous Storytelling (0.5 credit)
JOUR1102 Foundations of Journalism (0.5 credit)
JOUR1103 Fundamentals of Journalism (0.5 credit)
JOUR1104 Introduction to Audio Journalism (0.5 credit)
JOUR1105 Digital and Photojournalism (0.5 credit)
JOUR1106 Entrepreneurial Journalism (0.5 credit)
JOUR1107 Internships (1.0 credit)
JOUR1108 Introduction to Video Journalism (0.5 credit)

Admission Requirements:

  • This course is open to students who have completed their Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. Those credits must include a 4U course in English with a grade of 60% or higher.
  • Consideration will be extended to other applicants under Mature Applicant regulations.

Other Information:

  • Admission is aimed at residents of Ontario. If you live outside of Ontario, a placement is not guaranteed.
  • Admission is restricted to Indigenous applicants. Students will be required to verify their Indigenous identity during the application process.
  • Food, travel, and accommodation costs for the intensive sessions and internship will be covered.
  • Upon successful completion of the CJIIC, you’ll receive a $3,000 financial award.

Course Materials:
Technical gear, software, and textbooks needed to complete the program are provided by CJIIC.

Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in this fact sheet with our valued post-secondary partners. Kenjgewin Teg and its partners reserve the right to modify any course, program, curriculum, fee, timetable or location at any time. As a community-based delivery program with its partner, this program offering is subject to approved funding and sufficient enrolment.