Academic Calendar

Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs

Area Director: Diedre A. Desmarais, Ph.D.
General Office: 221 Migizii Agamik, 114 Sidney Smith St.
Telephone: 204 474 8000
Website: umanitoba.ca/access-program

Established in 1975, Access’ mandate is to support those students who have not had the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education due to social, economic, and/or cultural barriers. The Aboriginal Focus Programs were established in 1998 with the mandate to create and provide community-based programs responding to the post-secondary, and professional development needs of Indigenous peoples. These two distinct areas were integrated on July 1, 2011, combining the unique program development skills of the Aboriginal Focus Programs with the expertise of delivering strong academic, personal and financial supports to students who have experienced barriers to post-secondary education. The amalgamation of these two areas strengthens our capacity to provide students with unique programs in tandem with the supports needed to enhance capacity for success. In 2014, a new initiative was developed to provide academic supports and programming in math and science with the goal to further enhance student success. This includes enhanced teaching capacity, supplemental academic supports for specific science courses and non-degree offers in math and science skills. In 2017, Access introduced a Common First Year (CFY) for new students, which utilizes a “cohort” type model. Students progress through their first year together thereby fostering “community” and easing the transition to university. The CFY is designed to nurture the connection between students and staff as well as within the student body.  Additionally, Access provides intensive supports related to academic reading and writing. In 2018, a full time ‘Unkan” (Grandfather-in-Residence) joined the team, further enriching student and staff academic experience. We take pride in our holistic approach to program development and student support and have progressively sought gifted educators to help us carry forward continued excellence in all our educational endeavours.

Access Programs

Established in 1975, Access’ mandate is to support those students who have not had the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education due to academic, social, economic and/or cultural barriers.  The following are programs currently being offered:

University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP)

In cooperation with the Province of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP) facilitates university studies at the undergraduate degree level for persons who traditionally have not had the opportunity for such experience because of social, economic and cultural reasons, lack of formal education or residence in remote areas. Students in this program are provided with academic and personal supports. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.

Health Careers Access Program (HCAP)

This program is designed to prepare Manitoban Indigenous persons (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) for entry to the health professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Sciences (Occupational, Physical and Respiratory Therapy), Nursing, and Midwifery. Through the cooperation of the Province of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, students in this program are provided with academic and personal supports. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.

Professional Health Program (PHP)

This program is designed to support Indigenous persons (Status, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit) in any of the professional health programs.  This program provides academic, personal supports.  For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.

Aboriginal Focus Programs (AFP)

Aboriginal Focus Programs (AFP) offers certificate and diploma programs as well as degree programs through cooperative arrangements with Indigenous stakeholders and faculties of the University of Manitoba. Programs are offered as in-house training to staff of an organization, or as community-based programs. Programs are offered as ‘open enrolment’ or as block-funded cohort programs through an arrangement with an employer or sponsor. Delivery methodology can be part-time or full-time study, and can incorporate technology-based delivery where technology access permits. Indigenous organizations that identify a need for specific post-secondary or adult education not currently available may be interested in knowing that AFP has the capacity to develop new programs to meet their needs. 

Aboriginal Counselling Skills Certificate

(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2024/2025)

The Aboriginal Counseling Skills (ACSC) Certificate program provides individuals who are employed by First Nation, Metis and Inuit social service agencies with the knowledge and skills required to provide culturally appropriate counseling services to individuals and families.  An Aboriginal philosophy of recognizing the strengths and resilience of families within the counseling relationship is emphasized.  The certificate is offered as a general intake program in Winnipeg or as a community-based program through agreements with Aboriginal agencies.  The Faculty of Social work offers graduates 3 allocated and 6 unallocated hours of credit.

Aboriginal Environmental Stewardship Diploma

(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2024/2025)

The Aboriginal Environmental Stewardship (AESD) Diploma Program is a partnership program between Aboriginal Focus Programs and the University of Manitoba's Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources and the Faculty of Arts: Department of Native Studies.  The 60-credit hour diploma offers a post-secondary education program that provides the core principles of environmental science, stewardship and indigenous environmental justice.  The program is designed to offer students an Indigenous community-focused perspective of environmental issues within Manitoba.  The objective will be to integrate global and regional environmental issues related to the ecological, and cultural impacts as well as legal implications of resource use and exploration in the 21st century.  The curriculum will focus on the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge within a scientific framework.  The AESD program is offered on-campus or as a community-based program through collaboration with external stakeholders.

Program and Graduation Requirements:

  • Students must pass 60 credit hours of the program (30 credit hours of required courses, 28.5 credit hours of elective courses, and 1.5 credit hours of work experience)
  • Students must achieve an average GPA of 2.5 (C+) in the program and must not have a grade lower than a "C" in every program course.

Students must complete all course work within six (6) years from the date of the first registration in the program. Application for extension of this time limit must be received prior to the end of the six year time frame and approved by the Dean of Extended Education.

Course Title Hours
Required Courses30
ARTS 1110Introduction to University3
ENVR 1000Environmental Science 1 - Concepts3
ENVR 2000Environmental Science 2 - Issues3
ENVR 3160Environmental Responsibilities and the Law3
ENVR 3250Environmental Assessment3
GEOG 4260Sacred Lands3
INDG 1220Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 13
INDG 1240Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 23
INDG 2100Indigenous Spirituality3
INDG 3310Canadian Law and Indigenous Peoples3
Elective Courses28.5
ENVR 2010Field Topics in Environment (1.5 credit hours for each topic)1.5
GPS Field Survey and Sampling
Field Readiness and Outdoor Survival
Wildlife Sampling, Stewardship and GIS
ENVR 2010Field Topics in Environment (3 credit hours for each topic)1.5
Extended Field Topics in Environmental Science 1
Basic Communication and Statistical Skills
Biological and Ecological Concepts
Landscape Sampling and Boreal Forest Stewardship
Environmental Health
ENVR 3000Multidisciplinary Topics in Environmental Science 1 (3 credit hours for each topic)3
Ecosystem Management Techniques
Biogeography
Concepts in Wildlife Management
Ecology of the Boreal Region
Parks and Protected Areas
Indigenous Stewardship
ENVR 3010Field Topics in Environmental Science 1 (1.5 credit hours for each topic)1.5
Water Quality Assessment
Issues in Sustainable Forestry
Soil Characterization
Wildlife and/or Fisheries Techniques
EER 1000Earth: A User's Guide3
GEOL 1340The Dynamic Earth3
GEOG 1290Introduction to Physical Geography3
BIOL 1000Biology: Foundations of Life3
BIOL 1010Biology: Biological Diversity and Interaction3
BIOL 2390Introductory Ecology3
Required Work Experience Program1.5

First Nations Community Wellness Diploma

(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2024/2025)

The First Nations Community Wellness (FNCW) Diploma offers an excellent program of studies for people who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in Indigenous mental health and community wellness services. The Diploma is offered in partnership with First Nations and Inuit Health and the University of Manitoba's Extended Education, as well as the Faculties of Social Work, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Arts: Native Studies and Psychology. The FNCW Diploma provides students with higher education that respects Indigenous knowledge and Western theory through education based on Indigenous values concerning wellness. The 60-credit hours of the FNCW Diploma are typically delivered as 7-day modules in an off-campus location or via blended/technology-based delivery. Students are eligible for transfer credit into degree programs in the participating faculties at the University of Manitoba.

Program and Graduation Requirements:

  • Students must pass 60 credit hours of the program including 33 credit hours of required courses, and 27 credit hours of elective courses or the equivalent of degree and non-degree credit.
  • Students must achieve an average GPA of 2.0 (C) in the program.
  • Students must complete all course work within six years from the date of the first course registration in the program. Application for extension of this time limit must be approved by the Dean of Extended Education.
Course Title Hours
Required Courses33
ARTS 1110Introduction to University3
HNSC 1100Nutrition for Healthy Living3
KPER 1200Physical Activity, Health and Wellness3
INDG 1220Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 13
INDG 2100Indigenous Spirituality3
INDG 3240Indigenous Medicine and Health3
NURS 33503
PSYC 1200Introduction to Psychology6
SWRK 2080Interpersonal Communication Skills (No longer offered)3
SWRK 4070Social Problem and Social Work Practice Seminar (No longer offered)3
Elective Courses27
FMLY 1010Human Development in the Family3
FMLY 1012Introduction to Social Development3
FMLY 1020Family Issues Across the Lifespan (No longer offered)3
FMLY 2012Development, Conflict, and Displacement3
HNSC 1200Food: Facts and Fallacies3
HNSC 2130Nutrition Through the Life Cycle3
KPER 1400Concepts of Recreation and Leisure3
KPER 2200Planning Principles3
INDG 1240Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 23
INDG 3100Indigenous Healing Ways3
INDG 4250Indigenous Identities3
PHED 3770Indigenous Games and Activities3
NURS 3340Providing Care in a Culturally Diverse Society (No longer offered)3
PSYC 2490Abnormal Psychology3
SWRK 2050Community and Organizational Theory (No longer offered)3
SWRK 4050Selected Topics in Social Work3

Aboriginal Child and Family Services Diploma

(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2024/2025)

The Aboriginal Child and Family Services (ACFS) Diploma Program provides an opportunity for students to build their knowledge and skills base in the area of child protection and family enhancement.  The program is of interest to those individuals who are currently employed, or who anticipate future employment in the field of Indigenous Child Welfare. The diploma consists of 60 credit hours with students completing 9 required courses and 12 credit hours of electives. There is also a comprehensive program orientation to provide students with the foundational skills to assist in their studies. Students are eligible for transfer credit into degree programs in the participating faculties at the University of Manitoba.