Social Work with Indigenous Peoples

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the historical and contemporary impacts of colonization, racism, and oppressive policies on Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia, including the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, child welfare practices, and relevant legislation;
2. Examine how structural barriers and social determinants of health shape current social issues affecting Indigenous communities in British Columbia, including child welfare involvement, mental health and suicide, addictions, poverty, criminal justice system overrepresentation, and barriers to education;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the rich strengths, resilience, and diversity of Indigenous communities;
4. Demonstrate openness to learning from Indigenous peoples and an ability to apply strategies for collaboration and allyship;
5. Evaluate how social work methodologies can be utilized, adapted, or indigenized when working with Indigenous peoples;
6. Identify Indigenous approaches to healing and wellness including spiritual practices and medicines used for wellness;
7. Demonstrate self-awareness of personal strengths, areas of growth, and the influence of their own lived experience including issues such as power, privilege, and worldview.