Native Cultural Arts Instructor

Program Details

Program Phone Number

780-623-5649

Program Description

The Native Cultural Arts Instructor Program is open to all learners interested in developing and teaching artistic skills in contemporary and traditional Native arts and crafts. The Native Cultural Arts Instructor program acknowledges the need to enjoy and benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of Elders and the teachings they have to offer. Upon completion of studies, graduates will become trained instructors of Aboriginal programming in arts and crafts instruction, cultural, and language programs. Students learn from hands-on instruction in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art forms, including hide tanning, fine arts and design, carving, beadwork, native footwear, decorative arts (porcupine quill work, tufting), and sewing. Courses in Native studies, cultural awareness and Native arts history provide an appreciation of Native arts and culture and the historical development of the traditional and contemporary art forms. Artistic instruction is supplemented with courses in teaching competencies, computing, communications, and marketing. These skills enable the student to coordinate and develop programming in Native arts and crafts, cultural programs and cultural awareness. Practical training opportunities provide the student with job experience and include workshops, tours, displays and practicum placements. This Native Cultural Arts Instructor Program is approved as a credit program with Alberta Advanced Learning and Technology. Students can return for a sec

Credential

Certificate

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent. Strong interest in Native arts and culture. Interview and assessment if required. Criminal Record Check Waiver and Child Welfare Prior Involvement Check are required. Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements at our Moodle Site.

Practicum

May 21, 2013 – June 7, 2013

Career Potential

Graduates use their expertise to develop and deliver Native arts and crafts and cultural programs. Typically, graduates find work as Native arts and crafts instructors, cultural teachers, museum tour guides and presenters, and Native program coordinators. Portage College graduates have been hired by educational institutions, further education councils, museums, correctional institutions, friendship centres, recreational organizations and youth centres.

Transferability

N/A

Program Schedule, Fees & Locations:

Please refer to the link below for current schedule and fees.

Program Schedule & Fees 2011 - 2012

Program Schedule & Fees 2012 - 2013

Course List

• COMA141 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

  Course ID: COMA141

  Name: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 1

  Introduction to Computers utilizes Windows XP and draws on key software components from Microsoft Office 2000 (e.g. Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer 6.0). Students learn computer skills and Internet research techniques and practice keyboarding skills to develop speed and accuracy.

  
  
• ENGL101 - ENGLISH

  Course ID: ENGL101

  Name: ENGLISH

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  ENGL 101 concentrates on English writing skills that meet post-secondary college and industry standards. The course begins with a consideration of plain language and goes on to teach proofing and editing skills to eliminate errors and to ensure clarity of expression. The focus of ENGL 101 is the development of effective writing skills for the workplace including letters, memos, and informal, semiformal, and formal reports. Also covered is Fifth Edition APA style documentation of researched data. Job search considerations include the cover letter, targeted electronic resume, and portfolio. The course concludes with a brief overview of effective meeting management. For evaluation purposes, students submit assignments on both hardcopy and e-copy.

  
  
• NATA090 - COMMUNICATIONS AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING

  Course ID: NATA090

  Name: COMMUNICATIONS AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 2

  The course is designed to familiarize students with specific skills in the area of communication and active listening. Emphasis is on personal well-being, with individual responsibility towards a wholistic approach to health for families and communities.

  
  
• NATA110 - HIDE TANNING

  Course ID: NATA110

  Name: HIDE TANNING

  Hours: 100

  Credits: 3

  The Hide Tanning course focuses on the traditional methods used in preparing, tanning and smoking hides, as practiced by the Northern Woods Cree. Techniques for working with rawhide are also introduced, along with a number of traditional living skills activities.

  
  
• NATA112 - BASIC SEWING

  Course ID: NATA112

  Name: BASIC SEWING

  Hours: 100

  Credits: 3

  Students learn measuring, pattern preparation and basic sewing techniques. Hand sewing skills, including the decorative techniques of appliqué work and embroidery are included along with instruction in the operation of sewing machines and sergers.

  
  
• NATA114 - CARVING

  Course ID: NATA114

  Name: CARVING

  Hours: 60

  Credits: 2

  The Carving course is divided into two sections - wood and stone. In each section, students become familiar with the raw material, the tools and the processes by which each can be worked into finished pieces.

  
  
• NATA116 - BEADWORK

  Course ID: NATA116

  Name: BEADWORK

  Hours: 70

  Credits: 2.5

  The focus of this course is the practice of beadwork in North America. Students complete projects using the three main styles of beadwork: loom, lazy stitch and appliqué. A number of related bead-working techniques are also presented.

  
  
• NATA118 - NATIVE FOOTWEAR

  Course ID: NATA118

  Name: NATIVE FOOTWEAR

  Hours: 80

  Credits: 3

  The focus of this course is to design, decorate and construct Native footwear. Each student makes a pair of moccasins and a pair of mukluks in the Woodlands style.

  
  
• NATA120 - DECORATIVE ARTS

  Course ID: NATA120

  Name: DECORATIVE ARTS

  Hours: 80

  Credits: 3

  Students are instructed in the traditional arts of moose hair and caribou hair tufting, porcupine quillwork, horse-hair wrapping and fish scale art. Instruction includes the collection, cleaning and dyeing of the natural materials.

  
  
• NATA122 - NATURE CRAFTS

  Course ID: NATA122

  Name: NATURE CRAFTS

  Hours: 60

  Credits: 2

  This course provides instruction in the collection, preparation and conservation of natural materials used to make nature crafts. Students construct projects using a variety of materials, including bark, branches and roots.

  
  
• NATA132 - SMALL CRAFTS

  Course ID: NATA132

  Name: SMALL CRAFTS

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 1

  Students learn to design and construct a variety of Native crafts. Emphasis is placed upon working through the projects, step-by-step, to ensure consistency and to develop quality control standards.

  
  
• NATA140 - NATIVE ARTS HISTORY I

  Course ID: NATA140

  Name: NATIVE ARTS HISTORY I

  Hours: 20

  Credits: 1

  The Native Arts History I course focuses on the history and development of the traditional art forms: hide tanning, sewing, carving and beadwork. Through stories, films and presentations, students explore the cultural significance of these Aboriginal art forms.

  
  
• NATA141 - NATIVE ARTS HISTORY II

  Course ID: NATA141

  Name: NATIVE ARTS HISTORY II

  Hours: 20

  Credits: 1

  The Native Arts History II course is divided into three sections: Native footwear, decorative arts and nature crafts, each corresponding to the arts module in progress. This course focuses on the historical development and cultural significance of the traditional art forms.

  
  
• NATA142 - MARKETING I

  Course ID: NATA142

  Name: MARKETING I

  Hours: 30

  Credits: 1.5

  The Marketing I course is designed to teach the concepts of marketing as they apply to the production and selling of Native arts and crafts. These concepts are looked at on a theoretical and a practical level, enabling students to put these concepts into practice, using a hands-on approach.

  
  
• NATA143 - MARKETING II

  Course ID: NATA143

  Name: MARKETING II

  Hours: 48

  Credits: 2

  The Marketing II course is designed to focus on personal and business promotion. Students develop a personal resume and portfolio for employment. Study also includes small business development and promotions.

  
  
• NATA144 - FINE ARTS AND DESIGN I

  Course ID: NATA144

  Name: FINE ARTS AND DESIGN I

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 1.5

  The Fine Arts and Design I course is divided into three sections: introduction to drawing, mask making and still life painting. Through these media, students are encouraged to develop their individual creativity.

  
  
• NATA145 - FINE ARTS AND DESIGN II

  Course ID: NATA145

  Name: FINE ARTS AND DESIGN II

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 1.5

  Fine Arts and Design II provides students with introductory level instruction in abstract composition, hand building techniques in clay and watercolour painting. The goal is to encourage and develop the individual student's artistic expression.

  
  
• NATA146 - CULTURAL AWARENESS

  Course ID: NATA146

  Name: CULTURAL AWARENESS

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 2

  Through a variety of interactive techniques, the course provides students with an awareness of Aboriginal cultures.

  
  
• NATS119 - NATIVE STUDIES

  Course ID: NATS119

  Name: NATIVE STUDIES

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 2

  The Native Studies 119 course provides an overview of the pre-history of Aboriginal people in Canada. Study will include an examination of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art, music, games, dance, literature and film. The purpose of this approach is to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal people's histories and the cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples.

  
  
• NATS140 - CULTURAL ARTS PRACTICUM

  Course ID: NATS140

  Name: CULTURAL ARTS PRACTICUM

  Hours: 90

  Credits: 2

  Students are assigned to a supervised teaching placement in an educational setting. In the placement, they prepare the lessons and materials required to instruct groups of students in various aspects of Native arts and culture. Prerequisites – NATS 150 and NATS 151.

  
  
• NATS150 - INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES I

  Course ID: NATS150

  Name: INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES I

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 2

  The Instructional Techniques I course is an introduction to teaching Native Art and Culture programs. Students begin to develop and practice the skills required for presenting lessons.

  
  
• NATS151 - INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES II

  Course ID: NATS151

  Name: INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES II

  Hours: 36

  Credits: 2

  The Instructional Techniques II course is designed to prepare students in the Native Cultural Arts Worker program for their field placement. Students develop and practice skills in instructional planning, presentation, classroom management and evaluation techniques.