Students at the University of Alberta will have a new opportunity to boost their knowledge with the launching of a dynamic new certificate program in Aboriginal Sport and Recreation available for enrollment for fall 2011.
This certificate, unique in Canada, was jointly developed by the faculties of Native Studies and Physical Education and Recreation, and is embedded within a student's degree program. It is designed to afford them a value-added boost to their degrees and deepen their knowledge of the emerging field of Aboriginal Peoples' health and wellness through sport and recreation.
Tom Hinch, Physical Education and Recreation's Community and International Engagement associate dean says the certificate opens stimulating new learning vistas for students. "This is an important field of study with a demonstrated need, thus we jointly created this certificate program which offers a unique learning opportunity for students interested in Aboriginal sport and recreation," he said.
Native Studies Dean Nathalie Kermoal said the certificate is a timely addition to the academic offerings on campus. "The last two decades have seen a rapid growth in the number of Aboriginal youth in Aboriginal communities across Canada. Research has demonstrated that participation in sport and physical activity plays a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of youth and their communities," she said.
"This certificate in Aboriginal sport and recreation will provide degree recipients with the relevant skills and qualifications they need to work productively and respectfully with Aboriginal communities to improve the lives of Aboriginal youth through sport and physical activity in the future."
Dr. Tara-Leigh McHugh, a scholar in Aboriginal health and wellness in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, will be a key player in the delivery of the new certificate. She says it's a unique offering in Canada and marked by the close collaboration of two faculties to develop a common certificate program to the benefit of students. It's a focused program with clear sequencing to facilitate students enrolling into it and embedding it within their program," said McHugh.
The certificate is open to all students at the University of Alberta, provided they can dovetail it with their program and their particular degree permits them to enroll in it.
In terms of the faculties' degree programs, in the Faculty of Native Studies the certificate is best suited to students in the Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies or the Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies (Honours) programs according to program advisor, Meika Taylor. "Students in the combined degree with education will be admitted if the certificate can be embedded in their program," she said.
For students in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation the certificate fits most easily for those enrolled in the Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism programs, says PER's associate dean, Undergraduate Programs, Dr. Janice Causgrove Dunn. "However, students in the kinesiology and the combined degree programs are also eligible to complete the certificate," she said, adding that students interested in enrolling should speak to their student advisor to determine how they can work the certificate into their degree program.
Students are advised to make the choice to add the certificate to their degrees in either the first or second year of their degree program to ensure its fit into their degree program, though applications will be considered for students who are further along in their degree program. "If they choose to add the certificate after second year, however, students will likely require extra time to fit the certificate courses into their programs and complete their degrees, and they may need to take 'extra-to-degree' courses to complete the certificate," said Causgrove Dunn.
Benefits are many, said McHugh. "This is a perfect example of how students can add value to their degrees. They'll not only be graduating with a degree but also with a certificate (students will receive both a degree and certificate at convocation); they'll have more focus in terms of the courses and knowledge they have in this field. Consequently we will be able to enhance leadership in sport and recreation, specifically in terms of working with Aboriginal communities or in cities, for example, with the many Aboriginal Peoples here."
The certificate has received unqualified support from Aboriginal, service and student organizations, educational institutions and organizations, and government. Regional Chief of the Regional AFN of Treaties 6, 7, 8, Dr. Wilton Littlechild, noted in his letter of support, "We most assuredly support the focus on sports management, health and well-being, and governance and community development (of this certificate) as these areas are in urgent need of knowledgeable and qualified professionals who have been trained in the proper cultural competencies."
McHugh said the certificate with its focus on Aboriginal health and well-being has never been more apropos. "We, as Canadians, need to have a broader focus in this area."
Added Hinch, "This certificate not only demonstrates a unique partnership between Native Studies and Physical Education and Recreation, but offers students across the campus with a unique opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Aboriginal communities and therefore be able to deliver sport and recreation in an appropriate cultural context - and be more successful as a result."
- Current physical education and recreation students interested in enrolling in the certificate program should contact the Undergraduate Programs Office by phone 780-492-5604 to make an appointment with a program advisor or to request more information
- If you are a student in native studies, please call 780-492-2991 to make an appointment with the academic advisor or to request more information
- If you are a student in another faculty please contact a student advisor in either physical education and recreation or native studies