Pre-Employment Programs
Introduction to Indigenous Agriculture
Program Description
Canada’s agriculture industry is critical to ensuring both national and global food security. The Introduction to Indigenous Agriculture program offers a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and modern Indigenous agricultural practices, emphasizing cultural, environmental, and sustainable approaches to food production. The program covers essential skills for growing and harvesting crops, the safe handling and transportation of food produce, livestock care and management, operation and maintenance of farm machinery, and upkeep of farm structures such as buildings and fences. Students also learn about greenhouse operations, plant care, and the application of technology in agriculture. The program culminates in a work placement, providing hands-on experience in an agricultural setting, where students apply their skills and develop key work habits, enhancing their employability in the agriculture sector.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Math Credit at the indicated Grade 10
- Science Credit at the indicated Grade 10
- Applicants with a lower level may be considered depending on their experience.
Non-Academic Requirements
- Valid Driver’s Class 5 License
Industry Requirements
- Include good eyesight, hearing, manual dexterity, and physical agility
Acceptance Policy
Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.
English Language Benchmark
SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.
To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).
Courses
| Code | Course Title | Hours | Credits | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INAG 101 | Math Essentials | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 102 | Personal Development | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 103 | Communication Skills | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 104 | Thinking Skills | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 111 | Work Safety | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 112 | Plant and Harvest Crops | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 113 | Process Food Produce | 15 | 1 | 60% |
| INAG 114 | Care for Livestock | 45 | 3 | 60% |
| INAG 115 | Operate Farm Machinery | 60 | 4 | 60% |
| INAG 116 | Perform Farm Maintenance | 45 | 3 | 60% |
| INAG 117 | Work in Greenhouse Operation | 45 | 3 | 60% |
| INAG 118 | Technology & Information Systems in Agriculture | 30 | 2 | 60% |
| INAG 119 | Work Placement/Special Project | 60 | 4 | 60% |
| Total | 480 | 32 | 70% |
Tuition, Fees, and Funding
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
The length of Introduction to Indigenous Agriculture is 16 weeks full-time/80 days (480 hours).
Delivery Method
This program will consist of instructor-led classes which will encompass the theoretical and practical components, and will include lectures, discussions, assignments, and in-class review of topics. Students will have access to materials in digital format on D2L – Brightspace.
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 are required to attend instructor-led theory and practical sessions and must maintain a minimum of 90% attendance throughout the program.
Evaluation
This program is based on a pass/fail assessment model and a marks-based assessment model. Pass/fail courses are evaluated based on successful completion of curricular outcomes. Marks-based courses are evaluated on successful completion of assignments and tests, with a passing course mark of 60%. A passing overall program mark is 70% and a “Pass” designation for each pass/fail course.
Graduation Requirements and Credential
Successful students will receive an Applied Certificate from SIIT.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities & Salaries
Students may find employment in the agriculture sector as harvesting labourers, general farm workers, etc.
Further Education
Students may pursue related programs at partnering institutions.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Head Office
Suite 100-103A Packham Avenue
Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K4
306-244-4444