First Nation Applied Economics Certificate

The First Nation Applied Economics Certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills to assist in the development of First Nation economic infrastructure, in particular the development of residential and commercial enterprises.The program will be of interest to people in First Nation economic development roles; those doing business with First Nations; and local, provincial or federal government employees involved with First Nation development.Learning outcomesUpon completion of this program, students are able to:Apply basic microeconomic and macroeconomics principles to problems in First Nation economic development.Discuss issues in First Nation economics as they related to market failure and poverty.Design and execute a successful residential and commercial property development plan.Promote and facilitate investment activity on First Nations lands by reducing the high transaction costs associated with private and public investment.Conduct an economic feasibility and impact analysis of a development project on First Nation lands.Prepare and present reports relating to investment proposals.Learning optionsThe First Nation Applied Economic Certificate is a joint initiative of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, the First Nations Tax Commission and Thompson Rivers University (TRU).The certificate is a blended program with three of six courses taken at TRU’s campus in Kamloops, BC. These courses are offered as one-week intensive seminars and are led by an experienced Tulo facilitator. Class sizes are small and students benefit greatly from extensive interaction with their instructor and other students who share the common goal of promoting social and economic development on First Nation lands.

Pre-calculus Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum C+ or equivalent

English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% or equivalent

Basic computer literacy with exposure to word processing and spreadsheet application software

Admission requirements vary, but all TRU programs require secondary school completion for academic admission.Students take an English Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival and are placed in the appropriate level of English language study in TRU’s EAP program. The EPT must be written one week before classes begin. If a student has a TOEFL or other test score they may elect to enter EAP or academic courses without taking the TRU English Placement Test.