In January 2005, the University of Victoria launched a new Masters in Social Work program targeting practicing social workers in First Nations communities.  Students will be able to access the program through a unique combination of on-campus and distance web-based learning, something First Nations have been advocating for a long time.

 

The program will develop the specialized skills needed in First Nations social work and promote best practices in child and family service delivery.  Unique to the program is the focus on the distinct circumstances and issues related to Aboriginal communities.  First Nations history is one of generations of forced removal, adoption, and residential schools – decisions made by political authorities in which parents and First Nations communities had no choice.

 

Hul’qumi’num Treaty bands, which includes Cowichan Tribes, participated in the development of the degree program and the students in the pilot program are social workers from these bands.

In March 2004 a language accreditation agreement was signed with Malaspina University-College.  Students completing Cowichan Tribes' Hul'qumi'num language course earn 3 credits towards a post-secondary diploma or degree program at Malaspina.