Indigenous Communication Arts at First Nations University of Canada

Program Description:

The Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) program is located at the Regina campus of First Nations University of Canada, which is affiliated to the University of Regina.

Students benefit from learning journalism and communications within the cultural, social and intellectual supports of an Indigenous-led educational institution. They improve their interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, and learn about other disciplines and cultures in an exciting hands-on atmosphere. During their studies, they have access to state-of-the art production equipment, a working radio studio and an online news platform, INCA News.

Students have chosen this program because:

• It allows them to tell stories
• It improves on their professional skills
• It helps them become a public voice for their people
• There is a great demand for First Nations and Métis people in media organizations

Alumni have gone on to work with with major broadcast and print media, including APTN, CBC, Global, CTV, Rawlco Radio, Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation, Eagle Feather News and Regina Leader-Post. Notable alumni include Connie Walker (investigative journalist/podcast producer, Gimlet Media), Mervin Brass (Senior Managing Director, CBC North), Creeson Agecoutay (CBC Atlantic Bureau Chief), Nelson Bird (Assignment Editor, CTV News Regina), Kerry Benjoe (Managing Editor, Eagle Feather News) and many other successful media professionals.

Diploma in Indigenous Communication Arts 

The two-year diploma 72 credit hours (24 classes). Students learn Indigenous media history, journalism foundations and multimedia productions in an Indigenous-focused learning environment. They undertake paid internships and have access to numerous other hands-on learning opportunities. Beyond journalism classes, the INCA program requires courses in Indigenous history and politics, oral traditions, community-based research, business management, traditional and contemporary communication systems, strategic communication planning, languages and art.

Certificate in Journalism and Communications 

The one-year 30-credit-hour certificate is primarily designed for students who wish to learn remotely and apply their new media skills in their home communities across Canada. Students engage in a full range of multimedia storytelling in theory and practice.  Community-based internships are supported and students come together for a six-week intensive in-person learning experience in the summer. Through internships and career mentoring, they graduate with career prospects in digital media creation, journalism, social media management, design, among other communications-focused fields. 

INCA Summer Institute

A six-week nine-credit intensive Summer Institute is offered every two years. The course is a requirement for Diploma and Certificate students, and is open to all other students who wish to experience a hands-on crash course in journalism basics, delivered by leading Indigenous journalists, producers and editors from across Canada.

Admissions Criteria:

To qualify for admission to INCA, students must be eligible for admission to the First Nations University of Canada/University of Regina. Proficiency in English is a requirement, along with basic computer skills.

Program Contact Information: