Two students at Indigenous Pow Wow

Indigenous Education

Get Cando Accredited with SICD

August 19, 2026

The Community Development and Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship diplomas through the Social Innovation and Community Development program are now accredited by Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers). Graduates are eligible to earn the Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) designation.

Students in the SICD programs spend their studies learning how to create meaningful change in communities. They build practical skills in community development, socio-economic development, environmental issues, and economic reconciliation, while gaining valuable work experience and learning through Indigenous perspectives. Cando-accredited programs provide students with the training, skills, and credentials needed to support sustainable economic success in Indigenous communities across Canada. Accreditation affirms that an institution or program adheres to high-quality standards, giving students confidence in their education while securing credit transfer options, meeting industry requirements, and improving employment prospects.

Once a student graduates, they will receive their TAED certification, which recognizes the knowledge and competencies they developed through their studies in Community Development or Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship. The designation demonstrates readiness to support Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, and social enterprises in advancing economic and community development initiatives.

Learn more about both streams in Social Innovation and Community Development on the Program Explorer.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.