Indigenous Approaches to Social Service Work
| Course Code | SSWR-205 |
|---|---|
| Lecture hours per week | 3 |
| Lab hours per week | |
| Course Availability | Open |
| Description | This course prepares and builds on the students’ capacity to develop an Indigenous approach to practicing social service work to First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) communities living on Turtle Island. We will examine Indigenous Worldview Perspectives, Indigenous/FNMI communities and spirituality, and the impacts of colonization and social policy on Indigenous/FNMI populations. Students will develop a historical understanding of the relationship between western social work and Indigenous communities, as well as develop a critical analysis of western social work practices. Through exploring Indigenous knowledges and Indigenous social work practices, students will demonstrate practical skills, including a trauma informed approach and self-reflective practices when working with Indigenous/FNMI individuals, families, groups and communities while giving autonomy to their inherent rights to self-determine. This course is taught within an Indigenous Worldview perspective, meaning, students should be prepared for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual circular learning and readiness to share thoughts and experiences are welcomed and encouraged but not forced. It is the understanding that we are all learners in this way and we honour the space we learn and grow in together. Academically and central to this course is an examination of Indigenous/FNMI experiences to colonialism, oppression and the struggle to self-determine helping to inform best social service work practices for today. |