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Indigenous Language Teacher Diploma

Canada

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What will I learn?

The Indigenous Language Instructor’s Program is designed to provide persons with a recognized means of teaching their native language in their communities. Courses are also available for students who desire to become fluent in a particular language.

The only program in Ontario with a mandate from the Ontario College of Teachers to provide teacher certification in Algonquian languages, Lakehead’s NLIP is dedicated to increasing the number of Native language teachers. Our students not only have the unique opportunity to gain the credentials to teach their language but also the means to emerge as leaders devoted to the survival of Native language and culture.

As a student, you will learn Native language structure, pedagogical principles, and teaching techniques in an environment that respects, encompasses, and promotes traditional teaching practices and beliefs.

You will also gain knowledge of the traditional teachings and values inherent in Indigenous culture. Outside of your courses, you are welcome to participate in any of the cultural activities that take place in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area for the month of July which include:

  • Monday Night Potlucks
  • Wednesday Arts and Crafts Night
  • Sweat Lodge Ceremonies
  • Sunrise Ceremonies
  • Pow-Wow
  • Sweet Grass Ceremonies and more

Future Careers

  • Teacher
  • Tutor
  • Second Language Teacher
  • Writer
  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Adult Literacy Teacher
  • Youth Worker
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Community Development Officer

Transfer Options

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both.

Which department am I in?

Lakehead University

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
CAD$28,500.00 (17,28,425) per year
Year 1: CAN $28,500; Year 2: CAN $28,113.85; Year 3: CAN $28,113.85; Year 4: CAN $27,318.18; Ancillary fees: Year 1: CAN $1,399.44; Year 2 - 4: CAN $1,319.44

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Start date

September 2025

Venue

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay Campus,

955 Oliver Road,

THUNDER BAY,

Ontario (ON),

P7B 5E1, Canada

Entry requirements

For international students

To be considered for admission as an International Student, you must currently reside outside of Canada and you are not a Canadian citizen. To meet the General Admission Requirements to Lakehead, you will need the following: Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration; Program-Specific Prerequisite courses completed at the senior level (e.g. Grade 12); Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian).

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) - Minimum Score: 60

Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) - Minimum Score: 176 (no individual score less than 169)

Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 110

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Minimum Score: 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)

Michigan English Test (MET) - Minimum Score: 85

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum Score: 58 (no component score less than 50)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum Score for Internet Based Test (iBT): 80 (no component score less than 19), Minimum Score for Computer Based Test (cBT): 213 (no component score less than 17), Minimum Score for Paper Based Test (pBT) when Speaking is present: 550 (no component score less than 50).

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Lakehead University

Lakehead University is a vibrant and forward-thinking institution that provides a transformative educational experience for students.

  • Top 3 in Canada for Research (Re$earch Infosource 2023)
  • #1 in North America under 10,000 students (THE Global Impact)
  • Based in Ontario, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia
  • 97.4 percent employed within 2 years of graduation