Education Programs
Indigenous Women in Community Leadership
This program uses a holistic and Two-Eyed Seeing approach, meaning that teaching and learning practices are grounded in Indigenous worldviews, values and teachings while sometimes using other tools and methods that align with those practices. Participatory and experiential methods guide participants to reflect upon and share their experiences to deepen learning while building a circle of connection and support with one another. Culturally relevant learning includes land-based activities, sharing circles, Elder/Knowledge Keeper teachings, storytelling, skill-building, self-reflection exercises, and visits to local Indigenous communities are some ways participants engage in meaningful and reflective learning. Key pieces of the program include the development of a community project and a mentorship opportunity with an experienced Indigenous women leader.
DATES
May 4 – 15, 2026:
Online Learning Component
May 31 – June 12, 2026:
In-person, On-campus Component, 1st Residency
June 22 – October 2, 2026:
In-community Engagement Component
October 13 – 16, 2026*:
In-person, 2nd Residency in Mi’kmaki
*Dates may be subject to change
FACILITATOR:
Krista Hanscomb
COURSE TYPE
Online/In-person
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
January 30.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview in February/March of 2026.
Who can register
This course is designed for First Nations, Metis, or Inuit women committed to and actively working to make positive change in your community, organization, or Nation and those who meet the following criteria:
- A diploma/undergraduate degree or higher in combination with sound oral and written abilities.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in community work at emerging or mid-career leadership level.
- Limited exposure to leadership training or other educational opportunities.
- Committed to being accountable to staff, fellow participants and mentors throughout the program.
- Committed to applying your learning in your community or organization.
- Committed to ongoing learning and collaboration within IWCL and Coady graduate networks.
Personal benefits
Relational Leadership Competencies: Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of relational leadership rooted in Indigenous worldviews. They’ll gain skills in building meaningful, reciprocal relationships with community members based on shared values and mutual respect.
Understanding of Abundance-Based Community Building: Graduates will be skilled at identifying and mobilizing community assets for sustainable development. They’ll leave the program with a solid grasp of how to apply an abundance-based approach to community engagement and development, focused on recognizing and harnessing existing gifts, strengths and assets.
Practical Skills in Project Management and Community Research: Upon completion, participants will have the tools to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate community projects. This includes research skills that incorporate both Indigenous and Western methodologies, allowing for a more holistic understanding of community needs and resources.
Competence in Communication and Networking: Participants will hone communication skills and learn effective networking strategies. This not only benefits them on a personal level but also serves to strengthen their community’s reach and influence.
Personal and Collective Self-Awareness: Participants will deepen their self-awareness and emotional intelligence through self and group reflection exercises and sharing circles. They will identify their individual strengths and areas for growth and learn how these personal attributes intersect with collective responsibilities and community well-being.
Skills in Advocacy and Social Change: Participants will acquire effective techniques for advocacy that align with Indigenous values of collective responsibility and reciprocity. They will be prepared to engage with crucial Indigenous issues in ways that instigate real, community-driven change.
Sustained Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Mentorship: Graduates will have a strong support network and a rooted commitment to ongoing learning and mentorship. They will benefit from and contribute to the IWCL and Coady graduate networks, facilitating continuous learning and community betterment.
Additionally, participants will be
- Engaging as Indigenous leaders with the most crucial issues of our time;
- Applying an abundance-based, community-driven approach to leadership and community work;
- Learning from our collective lived leadership experiences;
- Identifying Indigenous leadership values and practices to live and lead by;
- Building self-awareness by discovering your strengths, capacities and areas for growth;
- Learning practical tools and strategies to lead community-driven change;
- Designing and completing a community project;
- Networking with a motivated and diverse group of Indigenous women change-makers.
Time requirement
Successful applicants are expected to participate for the following elements of the program:
- May 4 – 15, 2026: Online Learning Component
- May 31 – June 12, 2026: In-person, On-campus Component, 1st Residency
- June 22 – October 2, 2026: In-community Engagement Component
- October 13 – 16, 2026*: In-person, 2nd Residency in Mi’kmaki
*Dates may be subject to change
Fees
Successful candidates will receive a full scholarship that includes tuition and program materials as well as essential travel, accommodations, and meals during the on-campus residencies of the program. All other expenses are your responsibility. You may be requested to verify your Indigenous affiliation. Scholarships are made possible through the Circle of Abundance campaign donors and institutional and private donors who share Coady’s vision of community-based, community-led change.
News
Circle of Abundance E-Zine
New from Circle of Abundance – Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Leadership is an online magazine aimed to highlight the experiences of Circle of Abundance program graduates, mentors, Elders, staff, and advisors.
Celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day
Today, June 21, is the summer solstice and the 25th National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians on Turtle Island to recognize and celebrate the culture, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples just as Indigenous peoples have for generations. Read more…
Event: Indigenous Women Leaders and the Economics of Abundance
June 29 | In celebration of the Circle of Abundance one-year anniversary, join us for a discussion and celebration amplifying Indigenous Women Leaders and the Economics of Abundance.