Gain the knowledge, skills and strategies to support strong, sustainable and self-determinate, independent Indigenous communities and people.
You’re eager to deepen your expertise in economic development with and for Indigenous communities.
With a combination of online learning and virtual residencies, you can pursue this education while continuing to work—whether you’re an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person engaged in economic development for Indigenous enterprises and governments. Upon completion, you’ll earn a graduate certificate that can ladder into an RRU master’s program.
Develop the skills to be part of expanding Indigenous economic activity and partnerships.
Please note: Although the application deadline has passed for the February 2025 start date, we are still considering submissions. Apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date.
Upcoming offerings
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Program description
Indigenous communities and individuals – in BC, Canada and around the globe – are undertaking a significant expansion of their economic activity and partnerships.
In Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission highlighted expanded economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples as a key goal.
A strong, sustainable economy supports the growth of self-determinate, independent nations and individuals. Education plays a key role in supporting this growth.
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Economic Development consists of three 3-credit courses, delivered completely online, in a blend of synchronous (virtual) and asynchronous delivery.
Through this program, you'll earn nine credits recognized through a graduate certificate credential from Royal Roads University.
You can use these credits to ladder into an RRU master's program, including the Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Arts in Leadership, along with other program areas.
Who it's for
This program is intended for, but not excluded to:
- rising managers from First Nations enterprises and governments
- non-Indigenous students engaged in aspects of economic development for Indigenous communities
- those seeking to gain further education in economic development with, and for, Indigenous communities.
Program delivery
This program is delivered through a blend of online learning and virtual residencies. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to continue your education and training while remaining at work within your community.
To facilitate flexible learning, you can take courses individually (stand-alone) or as part of the program to help you integrate your studies into your daily life.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are essential to the co-created learning experience of your classmates.
In the first course (INED500), you’ll begin online for three weeks, attend a one-week residency (virtually) and finish with a one-week pre-residency delivered asynchronously online.
The second course INED525) is delivered completely online over 11 weeks, although you may be asked to attend short (1-2 hours) synchronous sessions over the duration of the course.
The final course (INED550) begins with three weeks of online learning before your mandatory attendance at a three-day virtual residency. You’ll finish up your course with two and a half weeks of online learning.
Each online course requires approximately 10-15 hours of learner effort per week.
Virtual residencies
This blended program has two residencies, delivered virtually. The first residency takes place over five days, while the second takes places over three days.
Residencies are intensive and immersive, and allow for community and cohort building, as well as an ability to work collaboratively on relevant, directly-applicable learning activities in real-time.
During your residency, you can expect to:
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attend classes full time online (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
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complete homework, individual and team assignments outside of class hours
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take part in extracurricular activities
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learn from guest speakers or subject matter experts
Courses
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Admission to this program is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all aspects of the applicant's work and life experience, volunteer and community activities, practical experience, related training and formal education.
Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Normally, at least two years of relevant full-time work experience (relevant work experience may include positions in leadership, management, communication, training, marketing, consulting, etc.)
Flexible admission
- To be considered for flexible admission, applicants would normally require at least three full-time years of extensive relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Official transcripts
In accordance with RRU's admissions policy and practices:
- All applicants must declare all post-secondary studies (courses, programs, transfer credit, etc.) in their application.
- At a minimum, applicants are expected to provide unofficial transcripts from all institutions currently or previously attended. Admissions will determine which official transcripts will be required, and these requirements will be noted as a condition of admission.
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts if/when required as a condition of admission. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be approximately one page in length and outline your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. The statement should address the topic of how the Graduate Certificate program that you are applying for will contribute to your future career. Relate this to who you are, what you feel you will gain from the program, and the strengths you feel you could bring to the program.
Résumé
A detailed résumé provides the Admissions Office with as much information about your work and life experiences as possible. We are interested in knowing where you have worked, for how long, and what you were responsible for in the positions you held. Provide as much information as possible, with special attention to the past ten years of your career. We would also like to see any professional development courses, volunteer positions, professional certification, association memberships or international experience that you may have acquired.
Two reference letters
These documents can be written in a variety of formats. In essence, we expect the writer to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for the program, explain why s/he believes you will succeed in such a program, and describe how the program will benefit you. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
