Objectives
This program will graduate Indigenous coaches who will work with Indigenous clients, communities, organizations, different levels of government and within the private sector. The program adopts the core competencies of the International Coaching Federation into language and approaches which align with Indigenous teachings.
About the Program
This program starts with a two-day in person gathering where we will build a learning community through a jointly created safe space for storytelling, vulnerability, friendship and support. We will introduce what coaching is in relation to an Indigenous context and how it informs coaching practice.
We will then move to 13 virtual sessions of three hours each, where we will learn and practice the coaching skills.
The final session will be an in person closing circle.
Participants will have access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers as part of the program.
Course content will include required reading and self-reflection time guided by the course content.
This program is delivered in English.
Program Content
This program integrates the following into its structure to ensure the highest quality of training that is specific to an Indigenous context:
- Specific number of hours of in person circle gatherings, webinars, plus specific hours of mentor coaching
- The historical context of working with Indigenous communities/client-partners
- The eight (8) core competencies (enhanced to recognize the Indigenous context) of being a professional coach (per the International Coaching Federation)
Some of the skills/knowledge topics covered include:
- What is coaching and how does it differ from mentoring/counselling?
- How is coaching different from sharing with Elders and Knowledge Keepers?
- Ethical considerations of being a coach
- The art of listening at a deeper level
- How to structure powerful questions
- The power of holding space for your client-partner to accept their inner wisdom
- When to use storytelling as a tool
Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations.
Lunch will be provided for in person events.
Program Requirements
This pilot program is accepting a maximum of 12 Indigenous participants who would like to learn to coach professionally.
To enter this program, participants must submit an application and go through the selection process to get approval from the Indigenous Coach Training Certificate Program Selection Committee. The ability to attend all sessions and complete the practice and asynchronous work is required.
To graduate from this program, participants must complete 88 hours in total – 63 synchronous and 25 asynchronous.
For FNHA staff accepted into this program, the funds will be provided by the FNHA. The cost of this program for external applicants is $4500 + GST.
Visit the
Indigenous Coach Training Program Student Policies to learn more.
Dates & Location
- January 11 & 12, 2024 in person (location Vancouver, TBC)
- Every Wednesday from January 17 – April 17, 2024 virtual via Zoom
- April 24, 2024, in person Closing Circle (location Vancouver, TBC)
Funding & Accreditation
This program is sponsored, in part, by the First Nations Health Authority.
For participants interested in becoming an internationally credentialed coach, the program will be submitted for accreditation and will meet the standards of the Level 1 training (ACSTH Path): The Gold Standard in Coaching | ICF - ACC Paths (coachingfederation.org)
