Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs
Area Director: Diedre A. Desmarais, Ph.D.
General Office: 221 Migizii Agamik, 114 Sidney Smith St.
Telephone: 204 474 8000
Website: umanitoba.ca/access-program
Since 1975, the Access Program has supported students who face barriers to post-secondary education due to social, economic, and/or cultural reasons. The Aboriginal Focus Programs were established in 1998 with the mandate to create then provide community-based programs responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities. The two distinct areas integrated in 2011, strengthening the capacity for student academic success. In 2014, an academic specialist joined the team and coordinates skill development in the maths/sciences by teaching, creating seminars and determining the academic supports in this discipline; a literacy specialist also enhances the team and provides expertise in teaching writing and reading skills at the post-secondary level to students in the program. In 2017, Access introduced the Common First Year (CFY) for all new students, allowing the program to deliver classes cohort style with reduced numbers fostering student community-building easing the transition into the post-secondary academic expectations. Access prides itself on the holistic approach to student and program development, thus having a 'wellness' team who cares and focuses upon the spiritual and mental health of each student in the program. These gifted educators are committed to student success and have been providing these valuable services to students for over 50 years.
University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP)
This program is open to all students [Indigenous and non-Indigenous]. Students must apply to the program by the posted deadline, and selections are finalized in June. Preference in selection is given to northern residents, Indigenous, newcomer and low-income individuals. Students may take any degree credit program offered by the University of Manitoba. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.
Health Careers Access Program (HCAP)
HCAP is open to Indigenous students [First Nations, Métis, Inuit] who are seeking a career in any health-related field such as medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene, pharmacy, rehabilitation sciences [occupational, physical, respiratory therapy], nursing, midwifery, etc. Students must apply for acceptance into the HCAP by the posted deadline and selectins are finalized in June. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.
Professional Health Program (PHP)
This program is open to Indigenous students [First Nations, Métis, Inuit] already in a professional health program and who may need access to academic and/or personal supports. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.
Blue Heron Education Access Pathway [BHEAP]
This program is open to Indigenous students [First Nations, Métis, Inuit] who are interested in pursuing a Degree in Education. Students admitted into this pathway receive support through to their first degree and when admitted to the Bachelor of Education program continue to receive all the supports of the BHEAP. Students on the Hoka Canku [Blue Heron Pathway] are encouraged to take the Introduction to Education class offered through the Access program. For information, call 204-474-8000 or, within Manitoba, 1-800-432-1960 Ext. 8000.
Aboriginal Focus Programs (AFP)
Currently under review and are not being offered in this academic year.
Aboriginal Focus Programs (AFP) offers certificate and diploma programs as well as degree programs through cooperative arrangements with Indigenous stakeholders and faculties of the University of Manitoba. Programs are offered as in-house training to staff of an organization, or as community-based programs. Programs are offered as ‘open enrolment’ or as block-funded cohort programs through an arrangement with an employer or sponsor. Delivery methodology can be part-time or full-time study, and can incorporate technology-based delivery where technology access permits. Indigenous organizations that identify a need for specific post-secondary or adult education not currently available may be interested in knowing that AFP has the capacity to develop new programs to meet their needs.
Aboriginal Counselling Skills Certificate
(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2025/2026)
The Aboriginal Counselling Skills (ACSC) Certificate program provides individuals who are employed by First Nation, Metis and Inuit social service agencies with the knowledge and skills required to provide culturally appropriate counselling services to individuals and families. An Aboriginal philosophy of recognizing the strengths and resilience of families within the counselling relationship is emphasized. The certificate is offered as a general intake program in Winnipeg or as a community-based program through agreements with Aboriginal agencies. The Faculty of Social work offers graduates 3 allocated and 6 unallocated hours of credit.
Aboriginal Environmental Stewardship Diploma
(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2025/2026)
The Aboriginal Environmental Stewardship (AESD) Diploma Program is a partnership program between Aboriginal Focus Programs and the University of Manitoba's Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources and the Faculty of Arts: Department of Native Studies. The 60-credit hour diploma offers a post-secondary education program that provides the core principles of environmental science, stewardship and indigenous environmental justice. The program is designed to offer students an Indigenous community-focused perspective of environmental issues within Manitoba. The objective will be to integrate global and regional environmental issues related to the ecological, and cultural impacts as well as legal implications of resource use and exploration in the 21st century. The curriculum will focus on the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge within a scientific framework. The AESD program is offered on-campus or as a community-based program through collaboration with external stakeholders.
Program and Graduation Requirements:
- Students must pass 60 credit hours of the program (30 credit hours of required courses, 28.5 credit hours of elective courses, and 1.5 credit hours of work experience)
- Students must achieve an average GPA of 2.5 (C+) in the program and must not have a grade lower than a "C" in every program course.
Students must complete all course work within six (6) years from the date of the first registration in the program. Application for extension of this time limit must be received prior to the end of the six year time frame and approved by the Dean of Extended Education.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 30 | |
| ARTS 1110 | Introduction to University | 3 |
| ENVR 1000 | Environmental Science 1 - Concepts | 3 |
| ENVR 2000 | Environmental Science 2 - Issues | 3 |
| ENVR 3160 | Environmental Responsibilities and the Law | 3 |
| ENVR 3250 | Environmental Assessment | 3 |
| GEOG 4260 | Sacred Lands | 3 |
| INDG 1220 | Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 1 | 3 |
| INDG 1240 | Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 2 | 3 |
| INDG 2100 | Indigenous Spirituality | 3 |
| INDG 3310 | Canadian Law and Indigenous Peoples | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 28.5 | |
| ENVR 2010 | Field Topics in Environment (1.5 credit hours for each topic) | 1.5 |
GPS Field Survey and Sampling | ||
Field Readiness and Outdoor Survival | ||
Wildlife Sampling, Stewardship and GIS | ||
| ENVR 2010 | Field Topics in Environment (3 credit hours for each topic) | 1.5 |
Extended Field Topics in Environmental Science 1 | ||
Basic Communication and Statistical Skills | ||
Biological and Ecological Concepts | ||
Landscape Sampling and Boreal Forest Stewardship | ||
Environmental Health | ||
| ENVR 3000 | Multidisciplinary Topics in Environmental Science 1 (3 credit hours for each topic) | 3 |
Ecosystem Management Techniques | ||
Biogeography | ||
Concepts in Wildlife Management | ||
Ecology of the Boreal Region | ||
Parks and Protected Areas | ||
Indigenous Stewardship | ||
| ENVR 3010 | Field Topics in Environmental Science 1 (1.5 credit hours for each topic) | 1.5 |
Water Quality Assessment | ||
Issues in Sustainable Forestry | ||
Soil Characterization | ||
Wildlife and/or Fisheries Techniques | ||
| EER 1000 | Earth: A User's Guide | 3 |
| GEOL 1340 | The Dynamic Earth | 3 |
| GEOG 1290 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| BIOL 1000 | Biology: Foundations of Life | 3 |
| BIOL 1010 | Biology: Biological Diversity and Interaction | 3 |
| BIOL 2390 | Introductory Ecology | 3 |
| Required Work Experience Program | 1.5 | |
First Nations Community Wellness Diploma
(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2025/2026)
The First Nations Community Wellness (FNCW) Diploma offers an excellent program of studies for people who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in Indigenous mental health and community wellness services. The Diploma is offered in partnership with First Nations and Inuit Health and the University of Manitoba's Extended Education, as well as the Faculties of Social Work, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Arts: Native Studies and Psychology. The FNCW Diploma provides students with higher education that respects Indigenous knowledge and Western theory through education based on Indigenous values concerning wellness. The 60-credit hours of the FNCW Diploma are typically delivered as 7-day modules in an off-campus location or via blended/technology-based delivery. Students are eligible for transfer credit into degree programs in the participating faculties at the University of Manitoba.
Program and Graduation Requirements:
- Students must pass 60 credit hours of the program including 33 credit hours of required courses, and 27 credit hours of elective courses or the equivalent of degree and non-degree credit.
- Students must achieve an average GPA of 2.0 (C) in the program.
- Students must complete all course work within six years from the date of the first course registration in the program. Application for extension of this time limit must be approved by the Dean of Extended Education.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 33 | |
| ARTS 1110 | Introduction to University | 3 |
| HNSC 1100 | Nutrition for Healthy Living | 3 |
| KPER 1200 | Physical Activity, Health and Wellness | 3 |
| INDG 1220 | Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 1 | 3 |
| INDG 2100 | Indigenous Spirituality | 3 |
| INDG 3240 | Indigenous Medicine and Health | 3 |
| NURS 3350 | Counselling Skills for Nurses (No longer offered) | |
| PSYC 1200 | Introduction to Psychology | 6 |
| SWRK 2080 | Interpersonal Communication Skills (No longer offered) | 3 |
| SWRK 4070 | Social Problem and Social Work Practice Seminar (No longer offered) | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 27 | |
| FMLY 1010 | Human Development in the Family | 3 |
| FMLY 1012 | Introduction to Social Development | 3 |
| FMLY 1020 | Family Issues Across the Lifespan (No longer offered) | 3 |
| FMLY 2012 | Development, Conflict, and Displacement | 3 |
| HNSC 1200 | Food: Facts and Fallacies | 3 |
| HNSC 2130 | Nutrition Through the Life Cycle | 3 |
| KPER 1400 | Concepts of Recreation and Leisure | 3 |
| KPER 2200 | Planning Principles | 3 |
| INDG 1240 | Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Part 2 | 3 |
| INDG 3100 | Indigenous Healing Ways | 3 |
| INDG 4250 | Indigenous Identities | 3 |
| PHED 3770 | Indigenous Games and Activities | 3 |
| NURS 3340 | Providing Care in a Culturally Diverse Society (No longer offered) | 3 |
| PSYC 2490 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SWRK 2050 | Community and Organizational Theory (No longer offered) | 3 |
| SWRK 4050 | Selected Topics in Social Work | 3 |
Aboriginal Child and Family Services Diploma
(This program is currently under review and as such is not being offered in 2025/2026)
The Aboriginal Child and Family Services (ACFS) Diploma Program provides an opportunity for students to build their knowledge and skills base in the area of child protection and family enhancement. The program is of interest to those individuals who are currently employed, or who anticipate future employment in the field of Indigenous Child Welfare. The diploma consists of 60 credit hours with students completing 9 required courses and 12 credit hours of electives. There is also a comprehensive program orientation to provide students with the foundational skills to assist in their studies. Students are eligible for transfer credit into degree programs in the participating faculties at the University of Manitoba.