Indigenous Student
Success Certificate

Together, we'll build your Iniskim experience on a strong foundation

Not sure you have the grades or foundation to get into university? Want to start university after working, raising children, caring for family or another absence? Explore the Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) at the University of Lethbridge!

Rooted in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Learning (IWKL), the ISSC helps Indigenous students gain the academic skills to enter into, and succeed at, ULethbridge.


 

 

About ISSC

What is the ISSC?

The ISSC is a full-time, first-year program for Indigenous students who may not meet ULethbridge admission requirements, have been away from school for a long period or who would prefer the support of a cohort. The eight-month program (September to April) provides:

  • courses that count toward your degree
  • cultural & peer support
  • academic advising
  • academic skills development

As an ISSC student you will be in a group (cohort) for your first year. 

What can I learn in ISSC?

  • Skills for academic success
  • Effective writing techniques
  • Library research and information gathering
  • Mathematics and computer skills
  • Creative-thinking techniques
  • How to blend health, life and career
  • How to bridge cultures and build knowledge in different subjects
  • How to blend the wisdom of Indigenous culture into your university experience
  • How to include IWKL in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts

Who is ISSC for?

The ISSC may be a good option if you:

  • do not meet ULethbridge admission requirements
  • have been away from school for a long period
  • would prefer the support of group learning

For admission to the ISSC, you must:

  1. be a self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) person
  2. hold credit for certain high school (or equivalent) courses OR have been out of high school for at least one year

Contact us! Admission to the ISSC is on a case-by-case basis.

How do I get into ISSC?

  1. Speak with an Enrolment Officer or EleV Navigator
  2. Apply before the August 31 deadline

Admission into the ISSC is on a case-by-case basis.
There is no fee to apply.

What happens after ISSC?

Most ISSC courses count toward a degree, so you may continue into a ULethbridge degree program upon completing the ISSC successfully. Our Faculties and Schools offer more than 150 programs:

Your learning facilitator and advisors will help you consider your options!

Meet (a few members of) your Iniskim community

The Blackfoot name for ULethbridge is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone

ULethbridge Indigenous students discover cultural connections through Mexican Mayan exchange

Eighteen Indigenous University of Lethbridge students embarked on an international exchange of a lifetime to Quintana Roo, Mexico, in May. Though they travelled far, discovering cultural connections and forging new friendships brought them …

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Siipoimoststa, Santanita Oka (BHSc '16), Indigenous mental health outreach worker, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

Meet Santanita Oka (BHSc '14), who works with Iikaisskini Indigenous Services as the Indigenous mental health outreach worker.

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How the Indigenous Student Success Cohort Helped Shining Student Siksiikakoan, Shane McDougall Thrive

The Indigenous Student Success Cohort (ISSC) supported Siksiikakoan (Blackfootman), Shane McDougall on his return to school decades after he graduated high school.

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Student-led Roots of Growth project reaches maturation with official launch

Born out of a response to a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Roots of Growth project is reaching maturation as it officially launches at the University of …

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Dr. Michelle Hogue (MEd '04), chief marshal and professor and coordinator of the Indigenous Student Success Cohort

Dr. Michelle Hogue, as chief marshal, will be leading graduands in their walk up the hill during the first in-person ceremonies since the pandemic began.

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Dr. Michelle M. Hogue (MEd '04)

"Science is foundational to the Indigenous paradigm and Indigenous people have been doing science since time immemorial." Dr. Michelle Hogue began her ULethbridge career nearly 30 years ago. Today, she's an Associate …

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Contact us

Indigenous Student
Enrolment Officer


Royal Adkin
E: royal.adkin@uleth.ca
P: 403-329-4598

EleV Kainai
Education Navigator


Jill Chief Calf
E: 
jill.chiefcalf@uleth.ca
P: 403-308-1628

EleV Piikani
Education Navigator


Deserae Yellow Horn
E: 
d.yellowhorn@uleth.ca
P: 587-220-6833

EleV Siksika
Education Navigator


Leroy Wolf Collar
E: 
leroy.wolfcollar@uleth.ca
P: 403-324-9900
ISSC Program Coordinator

Dr. Michelle Hogue
E:
michelle.hogue@uleth.ca
P: 403-329-2369
 
ISSC Learning Facilitator

Tara Froehlich
E:
tara.froehlich@uleth.ca
P: 403-394-3990