Indigenous Project Management, Advanced Certificate
Program Description
Strong communities grow from strong projects, and strong projects grow from skilled people.
SIIT’s Indigenous Project Management Advanced Certificate supports First Nation communities and organizations in Saskatchewan to plan, deliver, and sustain local initiatives with confidence and accountability. The program was developed in partnership with Indigenous leaders to strengthen project management capacity across sectors, from housing, infrastructure, and health, to governance, education, and community development.
This program helps the community achieve their goals by:
- Building local project management expertise instead of relying on external consultants.
- Supporting smoother delivery of community-driven projects on time, on budget, and aligned with national priorities.
- Strengthening organizational systems, communication, and reporting processes.
- Creating a network of project leads across Nations to exchange knowledge and practices.
Designed for working professionals already contributing to their community, whether as administrators, coordinators, managers, or council staff, this program provides:
- Practical tools for planning, tracking, and evaluating community projects.
- Confidence to lead projects through a culturally grounded, treaty-based lens.
- Skills that transfer across sectors and roles, building long-term career mobility.
- A supportive cohort of peers learning together through real Saskatchewan case studies and community examples.
*There are two mandatory in-person engagements during the program:
- A 1-day orientation at program start
- A 1 week intensive & capstone project wrap-up at program close, where final projects will be presented for feedback.
Flexible online learning ensures participants can balance their studies with work and family while applying what they learn directly to their ongoing community projects.
Join a growing circle of Indigenous Professionals strengthening Nation-led development.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Transcript of post-secondary diploma or certificate in a related field
(e.g. diplomas or degrees in management-related pathways: business, leadership, administration, education, health, policy development, finance, etc.)
Non-Academic Requirements
- 3+ years experience (co-) creating or leading projects (experience in First Nations communities and projects will be considered an asset)
- A resume
Acceptance Policy
SIIT provides preferential admission to applicants who are of First Nation’s ancestry; however, SIIT programs are open to everyone, and all application will be considered. SIIT relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 to provide preference to applicants who are of First Nations’ ancestry.
Permanent Resident Applicant Information
SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
For Permanent Resident applications we will request the following documentation:
- Copy of Permanent Resident Card
- International Qualifications Assessment (IQAS) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta.ca Your high school/secondary education credentials must be assessed through this service.
- Canadian Language Benchmark – English Assessment of CLB 7. We will accept either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic or Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) – General.
Courses
| Code | Course Title | Hours | Credits | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPMTH 201 | Treaty History and Project Management | 30 | 2 | 65% |
| IPMBR 202 | Relationship Building in Project Management | 45 | 3 | 65% |
| IPMCP 203 | Understanding Community-Focused Project Planning | 45 | 3 | 65% |
| IPMAP 204 | Applied Indigenous Project Management | 60 | 4 | 65% |
| Total | 180 | 12 |
Tuition, Fees, and Funding
Tuition and Fees
| Tuition | Textbooks | Laptop | Compulsory Fees* |
Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change. *Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools. *Total amount does not include the required UPass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students. |
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Funding
Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.
What to Expect
Length of Program
Part-time, this 4-month (16 weeks) program covers four courses that are delivered in SIIT’s virtual learning environment, plus a one-week intensive at the end of the program related to the capstone.
Instruction
Each week, students will engage in 10-12 hours of course content per week:
- 7-8 hours “asynchronous” learning (independent, self-directed learning) through content curated on SIIT’s virtual learning platform Brightspace. This asynchronous learning includes case studies from local community projects, lessons from local champions of Indigenous project management, texts, online discussions, assignments and coursework, recorded lessons, and documentaries.
- 3-4 hours “synchronous” learning (conventional class-based seminars) delivered virtually through MS Teams, featuring guest speakers, instructor mentorship, presentations, and critical explorations of projects and course content
Academic Policy
Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies which are available on the mySIIT dashboard on the SIIT website.
Attendance Policy
- Students need to complete all coursework and maintain a 90% attendance average for all synchronous sessions.
Evaluation
Students must receive a 65% or higher in all courses and complete all required courses to receive an Advanced Certificate in Indigenous Project Management.
Graduation Credential
Advanced Certificate in Indigenous Project Management
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities & Salaries
Completing this Advanced Certificate will provide you with the knowledge and experience to manage projects on- and off-reserve, working within the many fields covered under project management (NOC 13100). There is a broad range of jobs and skills taught throughout this course, leading to numerous job opportunities, and graduates will leave this program with applied skills in management, reporting, stakeholder and impact analysis, financial procurement, risk assessment, community relations, business development, and Indigenous relationship building. These skills provide graduates with pathways into various essential business areas, from administration to analysis and management.
Further Education
Project managers in Canada make an average of $80K+ (up to $150K), or $20-$50/hr. Certificates from this course ensure a unique understanding of working on and off-reserve, providing a competitive edge in the industry.
This course is an excellent pathway toward Professional Management Certification for those interested. Skill specializations in technical fields, management, trades, community health, and work-integrated learning often require post-secondary certificates or diplomas, such as those awarded upon completion of this program.
For assistance in finding employment, please contact your local SIIT JobConnections unit.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444