SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), will provide 25 additional seats in the Mental Health and Wellness Diploma program using $850,000 in funding allocated by the provincial government.
Graduates will have the technical and cultural competencies needed to provide quality care to clients in need, according to an Immigration and Career Training press release.
Students will learn and apply Indigenous and Western-based holistic approaches to healing and addictions counselling in classroom and practicum settings.
"SIIT's Mental Health and Wellness Diploma program allows students to develop professionally while enhancing one's sense of self," Academic Vice-President Tavia Laliberte said.
"Our graduates are ready to facilitate the process of healing with individuals and communities, bringing both Indigenous and Western-based holistic approaches to the practice of counselling. We are excited for more people to have the opportunity to enter this critical field."
This allocation will enable SIIT to offer an additional cohort of 25 learners and bring its program capacity to 175 in 2023-24. The two-year program launched January 3, 2024, and clinical placements will occur in Saskatoon and Indigenous communities.
