New micro-credential program promotes Indigenous entrepreneurship

Economic barriers, lack of prerequisites, and other obstacles can get in the way of taking business courses. Especially for Indigenous students, whose lived experiences can be overlooked in traditional entrepreneurship courses. 

Roots and Relations: A Pathway into Indigenous Entrepreneurship, led by Pamela McCoy-Jones, the executive director in the Office of Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research) at the University of Alberta, hopes to combat those barriers.

Specifically, she wanted to ensure that opportunity was created for those of Indigenous heritage. Some students may not have the opportunity, based on course requirements, to enrol in entrepreneurship courses. Some may also not see the university as a pathway for themselves, McCoy-Jones explained. 

The micro-credential program combats these barriers by having no formal prerequisites. Students can either choose to complete all four courses or only the ones they choose. The program also has no cost and an online component. McCoy-Jones said that her team is working on including an opportunity to engage with an Elder as well.

The program is open to both those who are new to entrepreneurship and those who know their way around. “Some students might come into the course with an idea or concept, and others might come in with years of experience and a business idea,” she said.

While course one introduces students to the foundations of entrepreneurship, course two teaches learners how to put a plan into action. Working on how to communicate the overall goals of their business idea is an important component.

Through courses three and four, students learn how to market their business and establish a governance framework. Once all courses are completed, learners will receive a digital certificate that can be added to their resume and professional portfolio.

Incorporating Indigenous values through learning 

McCoy-Jones herself works in supporting Indigenous language revitalization. She felt that the principles of language learning resonated with entrepreneurship — inspiring her to create the micro-credential program.

The program is intentionally short to give students an introduction to entrepreneurship. “This is kind of like the first step,” McCoy-Jones said. The skills students learn through the courses aim to prepare them to have greater success within other programs in Canada that are more in-depth.

The four courses also align with a holistic approach and promote values significant in the Medicine Wheel, according to McCoy-Jones. She explained that focusing on the lived experiences of Indigenous students is especially important within the delivery of the program. 

Economic sovereignty, included in the 94 Calls to Action, is focused on throughout the courses; honouring the university’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The program is driven by Indigenous individuals and aligns with the university’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. 

The first cohort for the program has been filled and a second cohort will be opening for September. “My hope is that this is the first of other micro-credentials,” said McCoy-Jones. 

A clear need and strong interest exists for learning that combines Indigenous perspectives with entrepreneurship education.