Indigenous Education

Keewatinase offers students with Indigenous ancestry unique opportunities to become a teacher in a supportive environment. We offer programs for students interested in teaching primary/junior grades, intermediate/senior grades, or Native Language as a Second Language in primary and senior grades in Ontario. Our programs combine in-class learning with experiential community-based learning opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Keewatinase works closely with each student on their educational journey to become a professional teacher certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Teach JK to Grade-6 (HBEd)

The Honours Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Teacher Education) Primary/Junior Division program provides individuals of Indigenous ancestry with the teaching strategies and knowledge necessary as a future teacher. We use a mixture of in-class and experiential learning to develop the skills and ability to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at the Primary and Junior level. Our HBEd program helps prepare future teachers to meet the educational needs of elementary students while addressing elements of Indigenous heritage, identity, and languages. Graduates of the program are recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) for certification to teach in Ontario schools.

Teach Grades 7-12 (BA/BEd)

The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Learning Major) Intermediate/Senior Division program provides individuals of Indigenous ancestry with teaching strategies and knowledge as a future teacher. We use a mixture of in-class and experiential learning to develop the skills and abilities to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at the Intermediate/Senior grade levels (7-12). Our BA/BEd program helps prepare future teachers to meet the educational needs of intermediate and senior students while addressing elements of Indigenous heritage, identity, and language.

Teach Indigenous Languages (ILTD)

The Indigenous Language Teacher Diploma (ILTD) program provides fluent speakers of Algonquian languages (Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree) with the skills and credentials to teach Native Language as a Second Language in primary/secondary schools in Ontario. Upon successful completion of the ILTD program students will be recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers.

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Aboriginal Education
    Degree:
    Education
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy the English prerequisite requirement.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    Proof of Aboriginal ancestry may be required.

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B


The program-specific prerequisite requirements do not apply to college transfer pathways. Refer to the agreements found here for more information on the admission requirements.

If you do not meet the program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program of choice, please contact Enrolment Services – Undergraduate Admissions to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Officer. An Admissions Officer can provide you with more information on how to enrol in the required prerequisite courses for your program of choice.

Step 3 – Apply Today!

Now that you have determined your admission requirements, your next step is to submit an application.

If you are interested in full-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The full-time applications can be found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

If you are interested in part-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Undergraduate Application form found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

Learn more about applying to any of our programs

As a first year student your course requirements will be determined by your chosen program and, if applicable, your partnering discipline. For more information about your first year requirements, visit our Indigenous Education Course Calendar.

Learn more about our offered programs

For many of our programs you will be required to participate in hands-on student-teacher placements to observe effective teaching practices, apply instructional approaches in a classroom setting and experience mentoring from an associate teacher. You will experience 100 days of in-class placement over two years, providing you with exceptional insight into the discipline and on-the-job training. Visit our Teaching Practicum page for more information. With support from the Indigenous Cultural and Support Services we offer many holistic learning opportunities and services that will advance your knowledge of Indigenous cultures outside of the classroom, including:

  • Elder-in-Residence Program
  • Smudging
  • Seasonal Feasts
  • Medicine Garden
  • Drumming and Beading Circles

There are also financial service opportunities exclusive to Indigenous students including scholarships, awards, bursaries and employment.

Degree:

  • Honours Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Teacher Education) Primary/Junior Division (5 year)
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Indigenous Learning Major) Intermediate/Senior (5 year)

More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information



All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Education (Concurrent)
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$6,229.32
$1,408.45
$7,637.77
$3,818.89
$3,818.88
$1,245.86
$1,377.01
$622.93
$688.51
2
$6,199.52
$1,325.73
$7,525.25
$3,762.63
$3,762.62
$1,239.90
$1,371.05
$619.95
$685.53
3
$6,157.35
$1,325.73
$7,483.08
$3,741.54
$3,741.54
$1,231.47
$1,362.62
$615.74
$681.31
4-5
$5,619.22
$1,325.73
$6,944.95
$3,472.48
$3,472.47
$1,123.84
$1,254.99
$561.92
$627.50
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$6,540.79
$1,408.45
$7,949.24
$3,974.62
$3,974.62
$1,308.16
$1,439.31
$654.08
$719.65
2
$6,199.52
$1,325.73
$7,525.25
$3,762.63
$3,762.62
$1,239.90
$1,371.05
$619.95
$685.53
3
$6,157.35
$1,325.73
$7,483.08
$3,741.54
$3,741.54
$1,231.47
$1,362.62
$615.74
$681.31
4
$5,619.22
$1,325.73
$6,944.95
$3,472.48
$3,472.47
$1,123.84
$1,254.99
$561.92
$627.50
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$29,355.00
$1,408.45
$30,763.45
$15,381.73
$15,381.72
$5,871.00
$6,002.15
$2,935.50
$3,001.08
2
$29,355.00
$1,325.73
$30,680.73
$15,340.37
$15,340.36
$5,871.00
$6,002.15
$2,935.50
$3,001.08
3-5
$28,957.27
$1,325.73
$30,283.00
$15,141.50
$15,141.50
$5,791.45
$5,922.60
$2,895.73
$2,961.30
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

Schedule of Fees for Services, Co-op, and Course-Related Fees


2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF139.43
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF95.14
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 388.57
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF59.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *418.00
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **252.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF156.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS20.16
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 937.16
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)  1325.73

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year
- Undergraduate Full-Time  Students (Thunder Bay)
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee SORIE82.72
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): 1325.73
 TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay):
  1408.45
2024-25 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF27.8913.94
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF19.039.51
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 77.7238.85
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 31.2015.60
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS4.032.02
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 53.4326.72
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
    
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: Amount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course)SORIE82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 213.87148.28
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO111.56
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO59.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO152.25
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO156.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO20.16
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal 812.41
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) 1044.11

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 First Year Students

2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIO82.72
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 1044.11
Total 1126.83
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO19.039.51
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO31.2015.60
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 94.7747.39
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 94.7747.39
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 177.49130.11
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHG107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG156.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG59.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG20.16
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 660.16
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB199.04
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 1090.90

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDG) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 

2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIB82.72
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal 1090.90
Total 1173.62

 

2024-25  Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs
 Code Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE)
Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Student Recreation and Wellness 
SATHG22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG19.039.51
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG31.2015.60
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG11.805.90
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs:
 94.7747.39
 

Application Availability

Fall 2025 (September)

Open

Campus

Thunder Bay

Degrees

Future Careers

  • Teaching in your area and division of study 
  • Community Development Officer
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Translator
  • Arts and Culture Officer
  • Journalist
  • Social Worker
  • Second Language Teacher
  • Indigenous Consultant/Advisor
  • Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Band Communications Officer
  • Program Coordinator
  • School Counsellor
  • Principal
  • Director of Education
  • Tutor
  • Writer
  • Training & Development Specialist
  • Adult Literacy Teacher
  • Grant Writer
  • Athletics Director
  • Youth Worker