Understanding Indigenous Perspectives and Experiences
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 4 hours/week
- Lecture
- Discussion
- Guest Speakers
- Collaborative Learning
All methods of instruction apply to in class, hybrid and/or online modes of learning.
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- Colonial policies, legislation and assimilation continue to impact Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities today.
- Intergenerational grief and loss contribute to the current state of wellness in people and communities.
- Indigenous communities and individuals are at the forefront of revitalizing Indigenous culture, language, and traditions. Culture is a pathway to healing.
- Knowledge of history, colonization, and legislation supports practitioners to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities who are involved with Indigenous and mainstream systems.
- Understand Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, and experiences to work in respectful ways.
- Anti-racist praxis is a foundation of human service professional practice.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Articulate understanding of the history of some of the diverse First Peoples of BC as well as the intergenerational impact of colonization on those communities, including the Indian residential school system and the criminalization of the Potlatch and other traditional ceremonies.
- Discuss, at an introductory level, past and current legislation and policies that impact Indigenous children, youth and families including the Indian Act, the Child, Family and Community Services Act, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
- Describe different spiritual practices and medicines used for healing and wellness by some Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
- Discuss some understanding of the current social issues that affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the existing intergenerational grief and trauma, as well as the resilience of the people.
- Articulate different ways of showing respect to and creating a welcoming space for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
- Describe implicit and explicit bias and articulate an understanding of their impact in human service practice.
- Articulate and apply strategies for anti-racist practice.
This course will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation could include a combination of:
- Research essays and reports
- Individual and group presentations
- Examinations or quizzes
- Class participation
This is a letter-graded course.
Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation must be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.
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