Understanding and Supporting Indigenous Peoples' Needs

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES Robertson College Indigenous Studies Indigenizing Supports and Services Summer Siemens December 4, 2023 1

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES Importance of Holistic Needs of Indigenous Peoples It is essential for social work practitioners to incorporate the distinct perspectives of Aboriginals into their initiatives for efficient practice, as well as fostering self-confidence and empowerment. They must acknowledge the impact of colonization on Aboriginal communities and comprehend the necessity of Aboriginal peoples to recognize and embrace their cultural identity. This promotes healing, empowerment, and positive self-esteem. In an article from (McKenzie & Morrissette, 2002) they explain the importance of spirituality and identity in understanding the Aboriginal client as compared to predominant cultures. They also suggest that within the assessment process, the practitioner needs to be aware of differences among diverse Aboriginal identities. “A strengths perspective can link identity and healing and is necessary to appreciate Aboriginal peoples’ resilience in overcoming acculturation (McKenzie & Morrissette, 2002).” To effectively practice social work, it is essential for professionals to establish a strong alliance with Aboriginal communities and acknowledge their spirituality with understanding and appreciation. Social work is needed to grasp colonization's repression and the intergenerational consequences for aboriginal peoples. Through education, there can be a focus on restoring aboriginal culture and traditions, which can improve aboriginal people's wellbeing. It is important that Canadians gain an understanding of First Nations explanatory models about health, healing, life, and spirituality. Prior to colonization, First Nations people had an adv anced system of living and healing that made them the hardest people on the planet. This knowle dge still exists and deserves a rightful place in the Canadian health care system. First Nations kn owledge has a place in health care and society at large. 2

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES Connection and Resources Needed to Support the Cultural Integrity of Indigenous Clients 7 Considerations When Working with Indigenous Communities: 1. Respect the People and Culture a. While it is important to acknowledge that Indigenous cultures are dynamic and that Indigenous peoples are modern people who reflect that in their daily lives, the foundation for success when working in Indigenous communities is respect. You may not understand the ceremonies, protocols, or way of life, but respect for the people and their way of life offers a better path towards understanding. Indigenous communities incorporate traditional practices into their daily life’s and place great importance on protocols, art, regalia, ceremonies, celebrations, social structures, and many other aspects of their diverse culture. 2. Recognize Traditional Territory. a. Acknowledging Indigenous territories is an important first step toward fostering r elationships with Indigenous communities. However, it is important to keep in mi nd that this is just the beginning; go one step further and recognize that you are a visitor on the territory, expressing gratitude to the host nation or nations that have stewarded it for your welcome. Furthermore, research the area's history and deter mine whether, like the Nisga'a, among others, it is a territory owned under a treaty requiring special permissions to access. 3. Take Time to Understand and Respect Colonial History a. It will take many generations for the wounds and repercussions of colonization to heal, so trying to pinpoint a reason for mistrust, resistance, or caution is unlikely t o yield a simple solution. There are still a lot of negative stereotypes about Indige 3

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INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES nous people; acknowledge this and the ways in which stories that perpetuate these stereotypes harm Indigenous people by repeating colonial falsehoods and misrepr esentations. If you come across negative consequences of the recent past, try to co mprehend and respect the healing process and think about whether you are uninte ntionally reinforcing negative stereotypes. 4. Build Relationships for Better Engagements a. As Indigenous people have been forming relationships for trade and politics throu gh marriages, potlatches, powwows, and other formal gatherings for thousands of years, any successful partnership with Indigenous communities will prioritize the relationship over the intended business outcome. Therefore, anyone looking to bui ld positive business relationships in Indigenous communities should keep in mind that the relationship is more important than the business transaction itself. 5. Find a Guide to Learn Local Protocols a. In an Indigenous community, entering and using past experiences to navigate may be helpful, but seeking the assistance of an expert is necessary to improve your na vigation within an Indigenous community. Find a guide to ask questions about co mmunity relations and protocols during your visit for your specific purpose, be it t ourism experiences, interviews, or knowledge. Protocols are the intricate social or ders and procedures that must be followed during interactions. 6. Ensure Reciprocity a. Giving and receiving, or reciprocity, is fundamental to Indigenous cultures' intera ctions with one another and the natural world. Giving gifts is a way to express gra titude and respect for someone is time or knowledge; it is similar to a trade and gi 4

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ves you a chance to acknowledge the value of what was received. If you would no rmally give honoraria, you should also offer this to community members. If an ho norarium is turned down, you should always have a gift ready. It does not have to be a large sum of money; swag or merchandise from the company you work for of ten works well. 7. Be Generous with your Time a. In business and media, tight deadlines are often necessary, and this philosophy on time may not fit with your current perspective, but it is essential to respect and ad apt to Indigenous views when building relationships with Indigenous communitie s. Indigenous communities can sometimes have a more laid-back attitude regardin g time management at events. This view on time management is not intentional di srespect for time or guests but a deep-rooted respect for a protocol that does not al low for important processes to be rushed, including an Elder's blessing, a chief's s peech, a youth's learning, or a guest's feasting. Identify Recommendations in Each of the Four Realms (Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, and Intellectual) 1. Physical 5

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES Why You Should Use 4Rs 1. Respect a. Encompasses an understanding of and practicing community protocols. b. Honors Indigenous knowledges and ways of being. c. Considers in a reflective and non-judgmental way what is being seen and heard. 2. Responsibility a. Is inclusive of students, the institution, and Indigenous communities; also recognizes one’s own connections to various communities. b. Continually seeks to develop and sustain credible relationships with Indigenous communities. It’s important to be seen in the community as both a supporter and a representative of the institution. c. Means understanding the potential impact of one’s motives and intentions on oneself and the community. d. Honours that the integrity of Indigenous people and Indigenous communities must not be undermined or disrespected when working with Indigenous people. 3. Relevance a. Ensures that curricula, services, and programs are responsive to the needs identified by Indigenous students and communities. b. Involves Indigenous communities in the designing of academic curriculum and student services across the institution to ensure Indigenous knowledge is valued and that the curriculum have culturally appropriate outcomes and assessments. c. Centres meaningful and sustainable community engagement. 4. Reciprocity 6

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INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES a. Shares knowledge throughout the entire educational process; staff create interdepartmental learning and succession planning between colleagues to ensure practices and knowledge are continued. Shared learning embodies the principle of reciprocity. b. Means Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are both learning in process together. Within an educational setting, this may mean staff to student; student to student, faculty to staff; each of these relationships honours the knowledge and gifts that each person brings to the classroom, workplace, and institution. c. Results in all involved within the institution, including the broader Indigenous communities, gain experience in sharing knowledge in a respectful way. d. Views all participants as students and teachers in the process. 7

INDIGENIZING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES References https://ojs.uwindsor.ca/index.php/csw/article/download/5778/4717?inline=1#:~:text=Effective %20practice%20and%20the%20promotion,know%20and%20accept%20their%20cultural https://firstnationspedagogy.ca/holistic.html https://www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/first-nations-perspective-on-health-and- wellness https://arcabc.ca/islandora/object/unbc%3A59090/datastream/PDF/download/citation.pdf https://goop.com/ca-en/wellness/spirituality/the-four-bodies/ https://www.cba.org/Sections/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Articles/2018/Medicine-wheel https://learningbird.com/teaching-through-the-four-rs-of-indigenous-education/ 8

Indigenizing Supports and Services

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