Indigenous Social Work
The Master of Indigenous Social Work prepares students as clinical practitioners with an emphasis on working with First Nation individuals, families, groups, and communities.
The program trains social workers in traditional Indigenous cultural methods and practices so they can specialize in therapy and healing methods for individuals affected by residential school abuse, intergenerational trauma and other issues. The program includes a clinical-based internship, which provides real world experience to advance your social work knowledge, skills and career while having a positive impact in First Nations communities.
It is possible to complete the Master of Indigenous Social Work in one year. This program takes place on our Saskatoon campus.
The Master of Indigenous Social Work is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). It is the only program of its kind in Saskatchewan.What is a Master of Indigenous Social Work degree?
A Master of Indigenous Social Work degree provides training for social workers so they are equipped to work effectively and sensitively with Indigenous clients and communities at an advanced clinical level.
Indigenous Social Work Meet Your Faculty
Why Study Indigenous Social Work at the University of Regina?
Accreditation
The Master of Indigenous Social Work is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE).Cultural camp course
In this course, students learn about traditional Indigenous spirituality, values, philosophy, and ceremonies. At its core is a weeklong experiential cultural immersion program guided by Elders, taking place in a local First Nations community, coupled with seminars to prepare for the experience and a debrief afterwards.Critical framework
The Master of Indigenous Social Work encourages the development of a critical analytical framework to understand the effects of colonization on Indigenous people. The program has a commitment to building its teaching and learning experiences on a foundation which respects traditional Indigenous knowledge and the collective wisdom of Elders.Clinical internship
The internship will be a field-based agency placement, where you will develop clinical and counseling skills under professional supervision. The integration of theory and practice and the needs of Indigenous communities will be main considerations in the internship.Indigenous Social Work Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Once you have been accepted as a fully-qualified graduate student with no conditions or holds on your admission, then you are eligible to apply for our scholarships, awards, or graduate teaching assistant positions.
Social Work Scholarships and Awards
- E.B. Elaine Meadows Memorial Bursary in Social Work
- John R. Kowalchuk Scholarship in Social Work
- The Faculty of Social Work Dr. Judy White Equity and Inclusion Award
Apply for these scholarships, and more, by visiting our Graduate Awards Portal (GAP), the U of R online graduate scholarship application system.
All Graduate Funding Opportunities
Visit our Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website to learn about all graduate funding opportunities including:
- National Scholarships (including Tri Council funding)
- Awards to Study Abroad
- FGSR Funding/Special Awards
- Funding for Indigenous Students
- Funding for International Students
- Other Awards and Scholarships
- External Scholarship Opportunities
- External Student and Faculty Awards
- Graduate Social Work Student Society
- Graduate Studies Committee Student Representative
- MISW Seminars
- INSW Practice Group for BISW and MISW graduates
- Workshops
- Events organized by MSW Student Representatives
- Panel discussions and research training hosted by Social Work Research Centre [SWRC]
What Can You Do With an Indigenous Social Work Master’s Degree?
Upon successfully completing your Master of Indigenous Social Work degree, you will be prepared for the next step of your career. Graduates can work in a wide spectrum of human services activity and in a variety of social work and social welfare settings. Many graduates apply to the NIHB program to become Registered Mental Health Therapists, and return to their home First Nation to work in the community.
Our graduates have gone on to jobs such as these:- Registered Mental Health Therapist
- Counselling
- Social Policy and Public Service
- Research and Consulting Services
