First Nation Applied Economics Certificate

The program will be of interest to people in First Nation economic development roles; those doing business with First Nations; and local, provincial or federal government employees involved with First Nation development.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students are able to:

1. Apply basic microeconomic and macroeconomics principles to problems in First Nation economic development.
2. Discuss issues in First Nation economics as they related to market failure and poverty.
3. Design and execute a successful residential and commercial property development plan.
4. Promote and facilitate investment activity on First Nations lands by reducing the high transaction costs associated with private and public investment.
5. Conduct an economic feasibility and impact analysis of a development project on First Nation lands.
6. Prepare and present reports relating to investment proposals.

Learning options

The First Nation Applied Economic Certificate is a joint initiative of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, the First Nations Tax Commission and Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

The certificate is a blended program with three of six courses taken at TRU’s campus in Kamloops, BC. These courses are offered as one-week intensive seminars and are led by an experienced Tulo facilitator. Class sizes are small and students benefit greatly from extensive interaction with their instructor and other students who share the common goal of promoting social and economic development on First Nation lands.

The remaining courses do not require the same high level of interaction and are completed through distance education in an independent study, continuous intake format. Students can enrol in these courses at any time with the necessary prerequisites and can complete them over a flexible time frame that suits their family and work commitments. Each course has a tutor who answers students’ questions and marks all assignments and exams. Access to the course materials and contact with the tutor normally occurs through the web and email, so a high speed Internet connection is recommended. If that is not possible, print materials can be provided and communications can take place by phone.

Admission requirements

• Pre-calculus Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum C+ or equivalent
• English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% or equivalent
• Basic computer literacy with exposure to word processing and spreadsheet application software

Students may commence their studies while they upgrade their English mathematics, and and computing skills.

Program content

Note: Normally ENGL 1021, ECON 1221, ECON 2631, and the English requirement are taken through distance education while the remaining courses are completed on campus.