Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
This program teaches traditional Indigenous art forms as well as introductory-level theory and skills in various other fine arts and craft media. Students will learn traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms such as beading, carving, footwear, sewing, and hide tanning, in addition to the cultural and historical significance of these art forms. The study of Indigenous art is complimented by learning various visual art skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Students will have the opportunity to work with several mediums to explore and discover their artistic passion. A project practicum offers students the basics of developing quality products and workmanship as an artisan cooperative.
The courses introduce techniques and designs so that students create work inspired by traditional and contemporary approaches. The focus of the program is on developing skills and exploring media. The curriculum will focus on imparting knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice and promoting the artist's work through increased exposure and sales. In addition, students will work with an artist from the Art in Residence program.
This certificate will prepare you for further study in Portage College diploma programs through the development of a portfolio that will document your artistic and professional development. The certificate also provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities, and a variety of other situations.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.
Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
Naomi Desrochers-Caron
I chose to take the Aboriginal Art program because it’s the only one of its kind in Canada. One of the things I liked most was learning how do porcupine quill work. Porcupine quill wrapping and weaving is an ancient technique that was used for decoration before the introduction of glass beads from Europe.
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
International Student Study Permit
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
International Information Request
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.
Career Potential
This certificate will prepare you for further study in Portage College diploma programs through the development of a portfolio that will document your artistic and professional development. Students who complete the Indigenous Arts Certificate learn traditional Aboriginal art forms and culture for work in Aboriginal communities, for their artistic development and various other situations.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
High school diploma with:
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English Language Arts 30-2
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Mature Status: Applicants must be 19 years of age and out of high school for one year
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English Language Arts 30-2 or Equivalent OR
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Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. * Students must submit an application to the program to start the process.
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Interview with Coordinator
English Language Proficiency Information
Transferability
Transferable to University Studies; NATA166, NATA167, NATA168, and NATA169.
Transfer agreements are currently in place with:
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Alberta University of the Arts
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Yorkville University
*Students are encouraged to consult Transfer Alberta or speak to a student advisor about specific transferability
Program Start/End Date
August 28, 2025 to June 12, 2026.
Application Deadline
Domestic Student: June 1, 2025 (Application will still be considered after the deadline if seats remain)
International Student: May 15, 2025
International Study Permit Deadline:
August 1, 2025
Funding Application Deadline
June 1, 2025
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $1,940.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $575.00 |
| Total | $3,095.63 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $1,940.15 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,194.13 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for the year: $5,289.76
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit.” One credit is $130. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $130.
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs.)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $6,422.70 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Course Package & Materials | $575.00 |
| Total | $7,578.18 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $5,820.45 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $6,073.98 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for the year: $13,652.61
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Indigenous Art Certificate
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.