Learning from Indigenous People

A Reflective Review of Practicum Experience at AFSC

Yi-Hsun (Eli) LeeGraduate Program of Master of Social Work,

University of Regina2015/03/23

1

Introduction

Where I came from?

- past working experience in an Atayal community in Taiwan

- missing of indigenous perspectives in social work

2

Learning Objectives

To gain graduate level social work knowledge of current issues affecting Indigenous people’s wellbeing in Regina from a holistic family-centred perspective.

To learn about culturally relevant supports and practices in supporting Indigenous people’s wellbeing.

3

Placement Setting Aboriginal Family Service Centre

a community-based and Indigenous governed NPO that is mandated to provide strengths-based and culturally relevant support and services to urban Aboriginal people in Regina;

also to engage the community partners to walk through the path of healing, reconciliation and learning together. (AFSC, 2014)

4

Placement Setting (cont’l)

Aboriginal Head Start ProgramA base to provide early childhood education and connect to community resources with the children and families Adult Mentoring Programsupporting adults living with cognitive disabilities to develop basic life skills, social skills and generate a general support network from a strengths-based approach from September 2nd to December 11th, 2014

5

Ideology – determinants of Indigenous social issues

The Report of Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 1996

The situation of indigenous peoples in Canada (UN, 2014)

Challenges across reserves and cities

Intergenerational trauma model

6

Intergenerational Trauma Model

Indian Act Child Welfare

INDIVIDUALLack of a sense of

belonging, identification

Feeling of abandonment by caregivers

Inability to sustain personal or intimate relationship

Limited education /employment

Etc…

NATION Negative stereotypes

through mainstream media

Social policies that perpetuate colonialism

Lack of support for holistic services

Lack of support for community self-determination

FAMILY Chronic or episodic

family violence Lack of emotional

bonding with family members

Perpetuation of negative stereotypes within family

Unconcealed and rampant alcohol and drug misuse that crosses generations

Etc…

COMMUNITY Unconcealed alcohol

and drug misuse among community members

Lack of cultural opportunities

Low levels of social capital

Unwilling to reclaim community members

SOCIAL ISSUES

Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational Trauma

Traditional Aboriginal Culture

Residential Schools

7

Adapted from Peter Menzies (2007, p.384)

Ideology –developing working relationships

Willing to self-disclosure Critically examine power status Be visible in the community

8

Theories – preparing myself to work with Indigenous people

Anti-Oppressive Practices Cultural Competence Model Indigenous Approaches

9

Challenges of integrating theories into practice

Traps of applying cultural competence models

Languages Cultural appreciation

10

Values Reflective dialogues among CASW Code of Ethics (2005), Traditional Indian Code of Ethics (AFSC, n.d.) and my personal values

1. Respect for Inherent Dignity and Worth of Persons

2. Pursuit for Social Justice3. Integrity of Professional Practice4. Competence in Professional Practice

11

Ethics Conflicts of the codes of ethics, the nature of practice, and cultural differences

1.Respect for the Tiniest2.Self-Determination3.Professional Boundary4.Confidentiality

12

Strategies

Apply a holistic perspective Promote social participation Networking with community resources

- bridge mainstream services - advocate for Indigenous perspectives Anti-oppressive stance

13

Skills

Holistic care Self-care Role model Reflective practice - weekly reflective journals; working reports; learning from others Collaborative working

14

Conclusion

From cross-cultural competence to anti-oppressive practice and Indigenous approaches of helping

A deeper understanding of myself as a helper

Redefining the legitimacy of knowledge of social work practice

15

Questions & Discussion16

Thank You!17