About
The Aboriginal Media Program was created in the spirit of telling our own stories. As with all FNTI programs the Aboriginal Media Program is rooted in Aboriginal learning styles and culture.
This three-year post-secondary program leads to a diploma in Journalism-Aboriginal Profile from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology . Graduates also receive a certificate in specialized Aboriginal Media Studies from First Nations Technical Institute.
The program is delivered through in-class sessions on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and work placements in the Media industry. Learners may choose to do work placement in their home communities or elsewhere, depending on the availablity of media outlets.
The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over three years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs.
The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase.
Radio broadcast instruction includes time at Tyendinaga's community radio station, KWE Mohawk Nation Radio 105.9 FM. Print, television, video and multi-media skills are practiced on industry standard production equipment at FNTI.
| | Telling Our Own Stories
The first year of the program focuses on the art of "telling our own stories." During this introductory year, learners receive basic skills in various media disciplines including print, broadcast, radio, photography and the internet.
Classes take a critical look at how the mainstream media covers issues affecting Aboriginal people in both printed and visual forms. At the beginning of each session, learners present on topics rooted in their own communities, nations and the global community.
Second year has learners covering more complicated news stories in print, radio and video. They study the Politics of Self-Determination and Mainstream Media Coverage of Aboriginal Issues. In third year sessions learners work as team members on newspapers, magazines and video broadcast.
| | Employment / Internship Opportunities
With the launch of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and the growing number of Aboriginal-owned newspapers and magazines, learners will have a variety of employment opportunities upon graduation.
The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over 3 years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs.
With the formation of the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR), FNTI is now able to offer internship opportunities with some very high profile companies. CBC Radio, CRFB Radio Toronto and Ottawa), CTV, OMNI Television, Global Television, The Weather Network, CHUM, APTN, Windspeaker, The Eastern Door, Say Magazine, Spirit Magazine, Rogers Television, MCTV, just to name a few. Many of these companies have stations or satellite offices all over Canada.
| | Prior Learning Assessment
Learners with in-depth experience in any of the subject areas are encouraged to apply for prior learning assessment credit. PLA is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences.
The recognition of prior learning can be used toward the requirements of an academic or training program, occupational/professional certification or for employment/labour market entry purposes.
For those wishing to explore the possiblity of PLA credits please call 1-800-267-0637 for more information.
| | Admission Criteria
Only 24 places are available. So apply early!
Learners interested in enrolling should have their secondary school diploma or be mature students, 19 or over, with better than average communication skills.
Applications must be accompanied with a $80 non-refundable application fee as well as applicants are asked to write a 250 word response to: "Why are you interested in the Aboriginal Media Program?"
| | Cost
The tuition is $3,000 a year (non-refundable and subject to tuition cost increases at Ontario's community colleges). This amount also includes all textbooks and related handouts.
Learners should anticipate additional costs such as mandatory cameras and equipment, computer discs and CDs or DVDs, DVD tape and or video tape during the course of study.
Also learners should know that there are a number of school related trips to be taken throughout the school year. Costs may include accommodation and food.
| | Equipment
Learners are required to bring a Digital SLR camera with flash as well as a portable digital or tape recorder.
The Digital Rebel by Canon is recommended. The camera should be at least 5 megapixels and have manual capabilities.
Each learner will is also required to bring their own school suppies as well as DVDs, and CDs for thier assignments.
Please feel free to call the AMP staff should you have any questions about these items. EMAIL: media@fnti.net
| | Accommodations
Room and board within the Tyendinaga community is available and reasonably priced single rooms may be available at FNTI's student residence.
The cost is $75-$100/week. Learners must supply their own linen, dishes and personal effects.
The FNTI residence is on a first come first served basis. Please apply early. Room and board availability will be sent monthly as updated.
| | The Program Overview
The Aboriginal Media Program is delivered through a combination of on-site class modules (for example, five sessions totalling 18 weeks in first year) and media work placements.
The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase.
The placement component is designed to provide integration and practice of skills and concepts introduced in class sessions. Each learner is required to complete a place component contract for each placement, and is to report weekly with updates. |
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