College Programs

So what's it all about?

It's all about telling your story and being heard. It's all about discovering ways that we can connect with each other. If you need to send mass messages to your entire community, a letter to your local newspaper or a video of yourself to friends and family, the one-year Indigenous Public Relations program is for you!

Acquire the skills to ...

• handle crisis situations
• coordinate and execute PR events
• prepare for media interviews
• create the appropriate language to target an audience
• network socially and professionally
• influence public opinion

What is Twitter? A blog? And what are the best ways Native people in our communities can put this technology to use? With these tools each one of us can spread messages faster and more reliably to each other. In an emergency. When you're stuck in traffic (no wait! That's illegal now, isn't it?). In the moment.

Admission Requirements

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent is required for admission to the Indigenous Public Relations program. However, applicants who possess significant media, public relations or communication experience will be considered for admission as mature students based on a review of demonstrated competencies and academic credentials. In total, we will need to receive from you:

• a completed application for admission form
• a copy of your resume, or a letter of interest discussing your interest in the program as well as any prior experience that you feel may be relevant to Indigenous Public Relations
• a letter from your funder confirming its sponsorship of your tuition

Program Schedule

Indigenous Public Relations is a community-based program and will take one year to complete.

Class sessions are four days in length and are held approximately every four to five weeks, from Tuesday to Friday (or whatever configuration of weeks and days is agreed upon by the class) on or near a Native community that is mutually agreed upon to everyone involved. You will be registered in two courses at a time for every two class meeting sessions.

Cost

Tuition is $500 per course. You should also consider costs such as recordable computerized data storage devices (i.e. USB flash drive). Daily access to a computer with Internet is necessary, and a laptop is recommended. In addition, students who travel to classes will need to budget for accommodations based on a four-night stay per month at approximately $95 per night plus taxes. Budget also for meals and travel.

Program Certification

Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, this full-time program is offered in partnership with Loyalist College. Upon successful completion of this one-year program, you will receive a Loyalist College Public Relations Certificate as well as an FNTI Indigenous Public Relations Certificate.

Courses/Program Requirements

Semester One

• Fundamentals of Public Relations
• Mainstream Media Coverage of Aboriginal Issues
• Digital Media for Public Relations
• Writing for Indigenous Public Relations

Semester Two

• Crisis Communications
• Portfolio Development
• Fundraising Fundamentals
• Indigenous Research for Public Relations

Semester Three

• Presentation Skills & Interviewing
• Event Management
• Public Relations & Public Opinion
• Indigenous Case Studies for Public Relations

Though it is highly recommended, a four-week internship/work placement is voluntary at this point, in order to accommodate students with outside responsibilities (i.e. family, work) who, for those reasons, may not be able to afford the time to intern.

As with all of FNTI's programs, the Indigenous Public Relations program was developed and is delivered in a manner that is reflective of our guiding philosophy and cultural standards. We strive to maintain our strengths, which include a particular focus on: Culture & Community; Intensive Mode Delivery, and; Student Support

Culture and Community -- The Indigenous Public Relations program pays particular interest to the unique communication needs in our communities, utilizing new technologies to empower each student with the tools to effectively engage our neighbors inside and out of our territories, while respecting the traditions and culture inherent to our communities and nations.

Intensive Mode Delivery -- allows you to live at home with your family and keep your job while attaining your education goals. The class meets on or near a Native community most convenient to everyone involved. Students, FNTI staff, and faculty meet for one week each month, where a remote classroom is set up. The time between sessions is intended for reading, completing assignments and final exams.

Student Support -- FNTI strives to provide a well-rounded support system to all students. We work hard to provide academic and personal support to our students during their relationship with FNTI, with a program manager and coordinator always available to assist you in learning journey.

Program Contacts

For more information about the program, contact

Buffy Hill, Registrar
Phone: 800-267-0637 ext. 187
buffyh@fnti.net

Joseph Brant, Manager
Phone: 800-267-0637 ext. 158
josephb@fnti.net

The FNTI application form is located on this page, here on our website. Download it, fill it out, and mail it here:

Buffy Hill, Registrar
FNTI
3 Old York Road
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON
K0K 1X0