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.
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
To graduate from this program, participants must complete 88 hours in total – 69 synchronous and 19 asynchronous.
The cost of this program for applicants is $5500 (plus applicable GST).
Visit the
Indigenous Coach Training Program Student Policies to learn more.
Application
This program is accepting a maximum of 12 Indigenous participants who would like to learn to coach professionally.
Note: We are open to receiving your applications by May 5th for the next ICTP cohort starting in September 2025. The selection process will open in April 2025 to form a cohort by mid-May. It will provide applicants enough time to secure course funding ahead of registration.
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. Please see the visual with a detailed breakdown of hours.
Dates & Location
- September 16-17, 2025 in-person (location: BCIT - 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H6 Room 685.
- Every Tuesday from September 23, 3-6 p.m. to January 13, 2026 from 3-6 p.m. virtual via Zoom.
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in-person Closing Circle (location: BCIT - 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H6 Room TBC).
Funding & Accreditation
For graduates of this program interested in becoming an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialed coach, this training is fully accredited by the ICF and exceeds the standards of a Level 1 Training program. This education will prepare you for the
Level 1 Path to become an ICF credentialed coach.
Testimonials
Trevor Jang
Melissa
Krista Joseph
Lorraine
"I didn't know what to expect. I came in with a very open mind and a lot of curiosity. I was blown away by, I guess the depth of the transformation that I've seen in myself and others in the cohort.
I think this program gives us a really strong foundation for coaching because not only, it teaches us what others learn in coaching programs, but also at a level deeper by adding the Indigenous lens to it.
I really didn't expect was the personal growth I've been gaining from being a client of the other coaches in the program and it has been the biggest surprise to me. I feel like I have the confidence bring this service out into our communities."
"I didn't know what to expect, this is going to be great. I'm going to advance and, in my skills, abilities, leadership, and here to help my people.
It was a transformation for me. My intent was to help our people, but I quickly realized that to help our people, I needed to help myself first. The transformation of my own healing journey and looking inward on who I am as an Indigenous woman and how I can become the best version of myself. Being connected to the community.
It's been quite the healing journey. I've learned a lot about myself and my own leadership and where I want to be in the next five years. So, I think my advice to students who are coming into Indigenous coaching, it's okay to be vulnerable, just trust the process, and take care of yourself is number one because you're going to heal by utilizing Indigenous coaching."
"The ICTP was an amazing experience. I wasn't really expecting to experience such profound professional and personal growth. It was a pleasant surprise; you learn about the foundations of coaching and truly experience it through an Indigenous worldview.
The program holds space to bring culture and traditions in, allowing us to call on our ancestors and bring them into the coaching space. I also appreciated the focus on cultural safety and creating those safe spaces to share and, most importantly, to listen.
I would encourage anyone, whether with experience or none at all, to try the ICTP, as it has been helpful for me. I also better understand how coaching skills will support me in my professional role. "
"I really appreciated that connection to body, mind, and spirit. Being in a coaching relationship with the client partner, with body, mind spirit, and taking myself out of that equation and empowering them, was my greatest takeaway. I also appreciate the Indigenous focusing part of this was bringing my own Wet'suwete'en knowledge, values, and who I am into the process and making it an integral part of that relationship in a coaching relationship.
I don't often get the opportunity to authentically be who I am and develop who I authentically am in training and then offer that to whoever wants to work with me as a coach, and I really appreciate the opportunity; I learned a lot. I just love that it's so empowering for all the client partners I've ever worked with."
