The Aboriginal Media Program was created in the spirit of telling our own stories. As with all FNTI programs is rooted in Aboriginal learning styles and culture.

This three-year post-secondary program leads to a diploma in Journalism-Aboriginal Profile from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology . Graduates also receive a certificate in specialized Aboriginal Media Studies from First Nations Technical Institute.

The program is delivered through in-class sessions on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and work placements in the Media industry. Learners may choose to do work placement si their home communities or elsewhere, depending on the availablity of media outlets.

The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over three years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs.

The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placememnt time in real media jobs increase.

Radio broadcast instruction includes time at Tyendinaga’s community radio station, KWE Mohawk Nation Radio 105.9 FM. Print, television, video and multi-media skills are practiced on industry standard production equipment at FNTI.

Please check out: Successful Practices in Learning to find out more about the partnership between Humber College and First Nations Technical Institute.

Telling Our Own Stories
The first year of the program focuses on the art of "telling our own stories." During this introductory year, learners receive basic skills in various media disciplines including print, broadcast, radio, photography and the internet.

Classes take a critical look at how the mainstream media covers issues affecting Aboriginal people in both printed and visual forms. At the beginning of each session, learners present on topics rooted in their own communities, nations and the global community. Second year has learners covering more complicated news stories in print, radio and video. They study the Politics of Self-Determination and the History of Kanata. In third year sessions learners work as team members on newspapers, magazines and video broadcast. Click here for a complete list of course descriptions

Employment Opportunities
With the launch of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and the growing number of Aboriginal-owned newspapers and magazines, learners will have a variety of employment opportunities upon graduation.

Media organizations who are impressed with learner performance during their placements between on-site modules may also offer employment upon graduation.

Admission Criteria
Learners interested in enrolling should have their secondary school diploma or be mature students, 19 or over, with better than average communication skills. Applications must be accompanied with a $65 non-refundable application fee. Only 24 places are available. Applicants are asked to write a 250 word response to: "Why are you interested in the Aboriginal Media Program?"

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE A DETAILED APPLICATION PACKAGE BY MAIL

Prior Learning Assessment
Learners with in-depth experience in any of the subject areas are encouraged to apply for prior learning assessment credit. PLA is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences.

The recognition of prior learning can be used toward the requirements of an academic or training program, occupational/professional certification or for employment/labour market entry purposes. For those wishing to explore the possiblity of PLA credits please call 1-800-267-0637 for more information.

Cost
The tuition is $3,000 a year (non-refundable and subject to tuition cost increases at Ontario's community colleges). Learners should anticipate additional costs such as mandatory reference materials, film, developing, computer discs and cassettes during the course of study.

Equipment
Learners are required to bring a portable tape recorder as well as tapes. Please refer to Aboriginal Media staff regarding the purchase of 35 mm Cameras and digital cameras.

Accommodations
Room and board within the Tyendinaga community is available and reasonably priced single rooms may be available at FNTI's student residence. The cost is $75-$100/week. Learners must supply their own linen, dishes and personal effects.

The Program Overview
The Aboriginal Media Program is delivered through a combination of on-site class modules (for example, five sessions totalling 18 weeks in first year) and media work placements. The placement component is designed to provide integration and practice of skills and concepts introduced in class sessions. The on-site sessions will be held on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory as well as other First Nation communities.

If you require more information or
an application form please contact us
at either 1(800) 267-0637 or (613) 396-2122 or fax (613) 396-2761 or
email us at media@fnti.net or
or