First Peoples Child & Family Review
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312 research outputs found
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Exploring the Experiences of an Elder, a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist: How can Traditional Practices and Healers Complement Existing Practices in Mental Health?
No full textThis qualitative research study asked the question: how can traditional practices and healers complement existing practices in mental health? Three interviews were conducted with the intention to explore the experiences of people who have expertise in the areas of traditional healing and mental health. Interviews were held with an Elder, a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist. Analysis of the interviews highlighted the different perspectives of each worldview, which is thoroughly discussed in the literature. In addition common themes to practice were identified and this is an area that is not often highlighted in the literature. The interviews revealed each perspective is strongly grounded in a desire and intention to help people and is then built upon via training. To move forward it is essential to begin from commonalties in how each perspective works to help people, in addition to a solid understanding of the two perspectives and the causes for the current health and mental health of First Nations and Métis
Rethinking Social Work Education for Indigenous Students: Creating Space for Multiple Ways of Knowing and Learning
No full textMcGill University School of Social Work initiated a research project in October 2005 to examine the social work education and ongoing professional needs of the First Nations communities of Kahnawake and Kanehsatake. These communities had previously been served by a 30-credit certificate program. Using qualitative methodology, the project sought to gather data which would eventually assist in the development of a curriculum and pedagogical approach that would reflect the social and cultural reality of these communities as part of the regular BSW program. This paper describes the process, key findings, and potential next steps for the School
The politics of kith and kin:Observations on the British Columbia government’s reaction to the death of Sherry Charlie
No full textThis paper examines the events that occurred in British Columbia following the death of a First Nations child placed in a Kith and Kin arrangement. The paper, drawing extensively from internal government reports that were only just recently released to public, provides an “insider’s” view of government sponsored child welfare polices and practices in relation to First Nations child welfare agencies and the communities they serve
Housing for Aboriginal Youth in the Inner City of Winnipeg
No full textAboriginal families are highly overrepresented in child welfare caseloads. Major reasons for these high rates of involvement include poverty and housing issues, which contribute to perceptions of child neglect. In Winnipeg, the city with the highest proportion of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, low-cost housing is concentrated in core neighbourhoods. Homeless youth in these neighbourhoods, who are involved or have been involved in child welfare, were asked about their life experiences and the kind of housing that would help them. They talked about the need to be seen as resourceful, contributing members of the community, as well as their continued need of support from others, including friends and family. They wanted more than a place to sleep; they wanted a home that was safe, nurturing and long-term. The youth had school and work aspirations for themselves and wanted to help other youth reach their goals. There is a need for expansion of community-based and community-driven housing with youth who have been involved in the child welfare system
A Change of Residence: Government Schools and Foster Homes as Sites of Forced Aboriginal Assimilation – A paper Designed to Provoke Thought and Systemic Change
No full textN/
Loss of Trust Among First Nation People: Implications when Implementing Child Protection Treatment Initiatives
No full textSocial workers and other health care providers have been asked to develop and implement innovative and culturally sensitive treatment initiatives in First Nation communities. However, because of traumatization and oppression, many First Nations people face troubling psycho-social issues which have resulted in a diminished capacity to trust. If this loss of trust is not dealt with skillfully, it can impede the ability of social workers to implement initiatives. Through a process of person-centred interviewing, 36 participants identified four levels of trust that have been diminished among many First Nations people. The impact of this phenomenon on the development and implementation of community based initiatives is discussed in this article
The Informal Caregivers of Aboriginal Seniors: Perspectives and Issues
No full textOver 1 million Canadians aged 45-64 provide care to seniors with disabilities or physical limitations, and 70% are also employed – many full-time. Yet often policy assumes that all communities face the same eldercare challenges despite regional and cultural distinctions. This paper highlights what little is known about Aboriginal informal eldercare providers. Trends in health, employment and migration continue to raise concerns about the availability of caregivers, particularly in isolated communities. Difficulties accessing services increases the burdens of caregivers both locally and at a distance. More information about the context of Aboriginal eldercare is sorely needed
Reflections of a Mi’kmaq social worker on a quarter of a century work in First Nations child welfare
No full textFirst Nations people would argue that the ‘Sixties Scoop’ of removing their children from their homes and culture never ended. First Nations children entering ‘care’ of child welfare agencies has increased significantly since the 1960s and 1970s. Storying the journey of a Mi’kmaq social worker working with a First Nations child, aspects of the child welfare system will be theoretically and historically located and critiqued from a social justice perspective. Schools of Social Work will be challenged to provide an education inclusive of decolonization, understanding the historical limitations of the child welfare system and its impact upon First Nations peoples