Applicants apply on the basis of having completed the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit or equivalent and must have the continued support of their education authority to attend the field-based program. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

Those intending to complete the program offered in cooperation with the Kativik Ilisarniliriniq must be fluent and literate in Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun. Fluency in Algonquin, Cree, Mi'gmaw, Mohawk, or Naskapi is not a condition for acceptance for applicants from these communities, but is considered an asset. Courses are available in some of these languages for those teaching in immersion classes and other teaching situations where a knowledge of the first language is essential.

An applicant will normally be employed as a teacher or as a classroom assistant, have a valid teaching authorization from the appropriate teaching authority or a community education committee, be recommended by the school principal and an officer of the education authority, be recommended by a local community education committee, and be at least 21 years of age. Younger applicants will be considered for admission if they hold a Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma or a Diploma of Collegial Studies. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

Admission Requirements

• Fluently speak, read, and write the language of instruction as agreed upon between the Office of First Nations and Inuit Education and the Indigenous School Board or Education authority.
• Hold a student adviser position in an Indigenous community. This may be a new appointment concurrent with registration in the program. The position must be sufficient to meet the practicum requirements of the program.
• Be recommended by the local education authority.
• Be at least 21 years of age (except for special permission). By this means, students will qualify for admission as Mature Students under McGill regulations, and thereby not be required to have a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC).
• Be recommended and selected by the school administration in collaboration with McGill personnel.

The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

Applicants will normally have completed or be completing their B.Ed. for Certified Teachers. It is strongly recommended that they have some competence in their Indigenous language as indicated by the successful completion of at least two language courses. For those applying with degrees from other universities, additional courses may be required to match the McGill B.Ed. for Certified Teachers profile. As the program and courses will be delivered in the partnership communities, applicants must be recommended by their school boards or teaching authorities. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

Students admitted to this program will be recommended by their communities. They must be mature students (21 years of age) or hold a Secondary V diploma or equivalent. Students must speak, read, and write fluently the language of instruction as agreed upon between the unit and the Indigenous School Board or Education Centre. For Nunavik applicants, students must have experience in a Nunavik educational or community organization. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.

Students admitted to this program will be recommended by their communities. If the program is used for professional development, students will be Indigenous teachers employed in local schools. They must be mature students or hold a Secondary V diploma or equivalent. The right of final decision for acceptance of candidates rests with McGill.