Indigenous Communication Arts

Indigenous Communication Arts

A two-year, 72-credit-hour program of studies, the Diploma in Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) is offered through the First Nations University of Canada's Department of Indigenous Communication and Fine Arts. .

Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) provides academic training and professional experience that supports the entry of Indigenous people into all areas of the communications industry, including Indigenous and mainstream media and public relations. INCA graduates are also eligible to apply to the University of Regina School of Journalism.

INCA prepares students by requiring that they complete courses including Indigenous history and politics, oral traditions, community-based research, business management, traditional and contemporary communication systems, languages, and art. INCA students master basic skills needed for reporting for print and broadcast media and the web and can also study strategic communication planning for public relations.

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 must be well above average, and it is strongly recommended that applicants have basic computer skills. Upon being accepted by First Nations University of Canada/University of Regina, students must contact the Faculty or the Department of Indigenous Communication and Fine Arts  which will provide academic and professional advising.

The basic requirements of the INCA program are those of the pre-journalism program (see the full program outline on page 101of the 2021-22 Undergraduate Calendar). INCA students take INDG 281 and 282 and INCA 283 and 284 as electives in the pre-journalism program of the Faculty of Arts. In addition to the pre-journalism requirements, INCA students take INCA 200 (Summer Institute in Indigenous Communication Arts) and INCA 290 (Internship).

 

A graduating average of at least 70 per cent from a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) is required for admission to all programs except for English, History, Mathematics and Statistics and the Master of Public Administration where the required average is 75 per cent.

Applicants with a marginally lower four-year average may be accepted if their performance in the last two complete years is significantly higher (75 per cent or more).

Applicants must have the academic background required to undertake graduate studies in their chosen field. Applicants who fail to meet this requirement but who otherwise meet the criteria may be admitted; however, background deficiencies must be addressed by taking appropriate courses either prior to or in parallel with graduate work.