Indigenous Leadership in Recreation

Indigenous Leadership in Recreation

A three-course microcredential for Indigenous recreation workers, youth and emerging leaders, and community members interested in recreation as a career. Developed in partnership with First Nations communities, the program builds practical skills in leadership and facilitation, recreation programming and events, and networking and partnerships.

Learning in Community

Indigenous Leadership in Recreation is designed around learning through relationships, experience, and community. Learners build on the knowledge, strengths, and experience they already bring while developing practical recreation leadership skills alongside others.

Who is it for?

·   Indigenous recreation workers

·   Volunteers

·   Youth and emerging leaders

·   Community members interested in recreation careers

Why this program?

Practical Learning: Build skills you can apply directly to recreation programs, activities, events, and community initiatives.

Community-Based Approach: Connect learning to your own community context through hands-on activities, reflection, conversation, and practical application.

Learn Alongside Others: Build relationships with other Indigenous recreation workers, volunteers, youth, and emerging leaders.

Pathway for Continued Learning: Credits support further study within the Recreation Leadership Diploma and the Bachelor of Recreation Management at Langara College.

What You'll Learn

·   How to lead and facilitate recreation programs, activities, and events that are safe, organized, welcoming, and responsive to your community.

·   How to communicate and work with people using practical skills in facilitation, active listening, conflict de-escalation, and relationship-building.

·   How to work respectfully within your community context, with attention to relationships, responsibilities, reciprocity, and community protocols.

·   How recreation can support community health and wellness, belonging, intergenerational relationships, and opportunities for language and cultural revitalization.

How You'll Learn

Learn through doing.

The program combines online learning with hands-on, in-person learning hosted in community.

·   Online learning and Learning Circles

·   Hands-on in-community learning

·   Community-based reflection

·   Program and event planning practice

·   Applying learning in your own recreation context

What to Expect

Weekly Online Learning: Approximately 1.5-2 hours each week, including online learning and Learning Circles.

Learning in Your Community: Approximately 1 hour each week connecting course learning with your own community and recreation context.

In-Person Learning: Two 2-day gatherings at the beginning and end of the program, plus a one-week hands-on learning intensive in March.

Program runs January-April 2027. Final schedule to be confirmed.

Is This Program Right for You?

This program is for people who want to build their recreation and leadership skills in connection with a participating First Nation. You might already work or volunteer in recreation, sport, physical activity, youth programming, or community events. You might be a youth or emerging leader, or someone interested in exploring recreation as a possible career.

The program is open to learners aged 16 and older, and eligible high school students may be able to earn dual credit through participating school districts. No previous post-secondary education or formal recreation training is required. All learners will need a letter of support from their affiliated First Nation.

Build on the skills and experience you already bring while learning alongside others working to strengthen recreation in their communities.

Have Questions?

Please contact Langara Recreation Studies at: recreation [at] langara.ca (recreation[at]langara[dot]ca)