Master of Social Work ‑ L’nuey

The Master of Social Work – L’nuey Program at Dalhousie University is a culturally grounded MSW program centered in Mi’kmaq ways of seeing, relating, knowing, and doing. Developed through collaboration with Indigenous faculty, Mi’kmaq social workers across Mi’kmaki’ (Nova Scotia), a Mi’kmaq provincial government representative, and Dalhousie’s Director of Indigenous Community Engagement, the program reflects a community-led vision for social work education. It is designed to prepare students for advanced practice through Indigenous knowledge systems, relational learning, and a strong commitment to land-based and culturally responsive approaches to healing and wellness.

Delivered as a two-year, cohort-based program, the MSW – L’nuey Program follows a condensed academic structure across fall, winter, and spring terms, combining intensive coursework, cultural camps, and field education. Students engage with Mi’kmaq and Indigenous teachings through courses focused on identity, wholistic wellness, children and family practice, helping practices, research methodologies, and governance, alongside a 450-hour advanced field placement and reflective learning experiences. The inaugural cohort, supported through university funding, admits a small group of students—primarily those with a Bachelor of Social Work—selected with community involvement in the admissions process. Taught primarily by Indigenous and Mi’kmaq faculty, and supported by a L’nu Teaching Elder, the program represents a significant step toward Indigenous-led social work education and has received institutional approval from Dalhousie University, with further provincial review underway.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work.

What You’ll Learn

• Learn social work practice grounded in Mi’kmaq ways of knowing, being, and relating, centered on Indigenous worldviews.
• Develop skills in Indigenous approaches to healing, wellness, helping practices, and community-based support.
• Gain experience in Indigenous research methodologies, governance, and treaty and land-based learning.
• Apply knowledge through intensive cultural learning experiences and a supervised 450-hour advanced field placement.