Assignment 4

pdf

School

Laurentian University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

4507

Subject

Sociology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by MajorGull4038

1 Ashley Greer Assignment 4 ISWK 4305 Indigenous Theories and Perspectives for Social Work Practice II Indigenous Social Work Laurentian University Prof Daniel Cote February 16 2023

2 Stereotypes and Myths Through years of government policies that have worked to assimilate the Indigenous community into mainstream Canadian society, many Canadians do not know the Indigenous history, culture, or current issues facing Indigenous people; thus creating a multitude of misconceptions. Leland's book, Firewater Myths (1976), examines the origin of common beliefs about Aboriginal people and alcohol use, its implications, and the evidence that contradicts many of the assumptions held concerning alcoholism and social problems in Aboriginal communities. The term firewater has been around since the 17th but is not recorded in literature until the 19th century. According to the firewater myths, "Indians are constitutionally prone to develop an inordinate craving for liquor and to lose control over their behaviours when they drink." (Leland, 1976, p.1). The myths come from observations made by missionaries and government agents who observed that Indians seemed infatuated with 'strong drink'. Judges would invoke this myth in their rulings noting that liquor destroys the mental faculties more readily in the Indians than in the white man. Leland found that there was no relevant link between predisposition to alcohol and being Indian. The myth is quite likely linked to the fact that alcohol being introduced was so new that Aboriginal people did not have as great a tolerance to it as the white man who was quite used to it. The most obvious stereotype noted in the case study is his biological parents' abuse of alcohol and directly relating that back to the ‘firewater’ myth. Thomas and his siblings were all removed from their biological homes because of the alcohol abuse that ultimately resulted in neglect. By age 13 Thomas had also begun drinking and using drugs, stealing from his adoptive

3 parents in order to fund his habits. He is currently unemployed and spends most of his days drinking with others who are in a similar situation. Issues and Concerns There are a number of issues and concerns within Thomas’s story. The first and foremost is the removal of himself and his siblings from their reserve to be placed separately; Thomas in an evangelical Christian home who was then baptized and sent to a small Christian school. This disconnect from his spiritual self can very much be the explanation for the following behaviours that followed. From a young age Thomas was running away, drinking, using drugs, and stealing as a means to an end. He was eventually in a young offenders program for 6 months after stealing. His time in school was hard; he was confrontational with male staff, missing school and not doing well overall. Currently, Thomas is living in a rooming place, is unemployed, enrolled in an Indigenous program at a large secondary school, and spends his free time drinking and playing pool. Notably, Thomas and his girlfriend are expecting a baby. He likes the idea of having a family of his own, but is afraid of the responsibility of a family. As well, he has fears that he will repeat his own parents' abuse and neglect. Motivational Interviewing Typically, motivational interviewing is viewed as a brief therapy that can be effective on its own. Additionally, it can be used to prepare clients for treatment as usual. Other treatments have also been shown to be more effective with MI. Before the client begins the regular treatment program, you may use motivational interviewing as one or two sessions (Rollnick & Miller, 1995). Using this style can increase a client's desire to change. The goal of motivational

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 interviewing is to tip the balance towards positive change by discussing the pros and cons of changing a behaviour. Instead of trying to force a therapist's wisdom upon a client, motivation for change honours the client's wisdom. The client is treated as a person rather than as a problem. Clients identify and process their own feelings about change. It is a peaceful counselling style that encourages wisdom to emerge from within the client. Rather than an expert talking to a patient, the therapeutic relationship is more of a partnership (Rollnick & Miller, 1995). Thomas notes wanting to be viewed as an adult even though his actions may depict otherwise. Engaging in a motivational interviewing approach will allow Thomas to be able to feel as though he is working as an equal. Working through the four principles of motivational interviewing will help Thomas to see his strengths, feel valued, and begin to work towards self- efficacy. Expressing empathy for Thomas will help him feel heard and valued. Recognizing and being accepting of his journey will assist with building trust with Thomas. Developing discrepancies will gently show Thomas where mismatch exists between present behaviour and important personal goals or values. Dependence on alcohol, for example, makes it difficult to live in harmony with oneself, one's family, community, and the universe. For Thomas this will be instrumental in not repeating the path his biological parents took and being a present and healthy parent for his future baby. From Thomas’s story it seems as though he is constant met with people who are telling him what to do or rules to follow. By rolling with any resistance, Thomas will feel in control of his own journey and find his own solution to problems. Being able to use the first three principles will promote and encourage Thomas to find his own self-efficacy.

5 Believing in him and supporting the path he chooses will hopefully set him up for nothing but success. Perspectives Indigenous - When people are at peace and at one with themselves, all living beings, the land, and the rest of nature are in harmony. It is also critical to be aware of a person's positive and negative traits. A person's illness or problems are said to be the result of such an imbalance. A lack of balance will keep someone from reaching their full potential. To reestablish credit, each component of the medicine wheel must be considered in relation to all of the others (Hart, 1999). With Thomas we would look to address all four quadrants and distinguish which aspects are being neglected more then others and seek to restore that balance. According to Systems Theory, human behaviours are guided by variables (such as family, social environment, economic class, and institutions, among others) that influence each other via multi-layer relationships (Van Assche et al., 2019). These factors influence how people think and behave, so that system component correction or adaptation can have a positive impact on behaviour. With Thomas we have many disconnects within his systems, from his adoption, breakdown in family home, and current home situation. He doesn’t seem to be connected to any community supports or places where he would feel at home and supported. Ecological theory investigates how individuals are influenced and shaped by their environment (Longclaws, 1999). One of the most important aspects of this theoretical approach is assisting an individual in achieving a sense of balance in areas of their life that may be dysfunctional. Using ecological theory to work with Thomas would include a very holistic

6 approach to assisting a him in achieving balance and taking into account the spiritual and cultural aspects of that he is missing. Critical theory is distinguished by its critique of the societal manifestations of oppression that disadvantage various marginalized groups within society, as well as its presentation of ideas for positive change (Turner, 2017). Critical theory will validate the discrimination that Thomas has faced as a result of racism and colonialism, as well as the negative effects these oppressive systems have on Indigenous Peoples and communities. It will not provide him with any strategies to progress forward to change. Local Supports Our local Quinte West Region has recently become very aware of Indigenous needs and has taken steps to provide the needed support. We are also home to the Tyendinaga Mohawk reserve. My first support for Thomas would be to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. This is where he would receive the highest level of support for him in a physical sense but also in a spiritual sense. Mohawks Bay of Quinte is home to a community wellbeing centre, career counselling, financial planning, return to learning programs, and Native Student Liaisons in our local high schools. Thomas would be able to connect with local Indigenous Leaders which would ultimately help him repair his connection back to his cultural roots and allow him to learn about this side of him that has been missing his whole life (Officer, nd). Knowing that Thomas wants to pursue carpentry as a career I would guide him toward completing an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program through his high school. This will allow

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 him to earn hours towards his official apprenticeship program, gain credits for his high school diploma, work with adults and hopefully be treated like the adult he wants (2022). Thomas would be directed to our Prince Edward and Hastings Housing Support Program to help him secure a house or apartment for his future family. While he is already in a rooming place, he would require something more suitable for a baby. This would allow him to receive subsidized rent until he secures a job that will pay him well enough to support himself and his family. APA To address Thomas’s fear about having and raising a child I would direct him to our Tahatikonhsotontie Head Start Program. This program is meant for new parents by offering parenting workshops and drop-in groups for babies to interact with one another and for parents to make new connections with each other. These groups are Indigenous-focused and will be a source of continued support for Thomas, his girlfriend, and his future baby (Officer, nd). Course of Action I would want to remain very involved with Thomas’s story and journey. Thomas was taken from his home at a young age and placed into foster care, ultimately adopted. But one could make the assumption that Thomas has never really received continuous or constant care. I believe that in order to ensure success and movement in the right direction it will be vital for Thomas to know that he has a strong support system that will continue to be present even if he does falter or make mistakes along the way. He needs to know that people believe in him and only want what is best for him and his family. Throughout his journey, I would be available to send referrals to outside supports, connect Thomas to various networks, and play the role that he needs me to be within reason.

8 References Andreae, D. (2011). Northern social work practice: An ecological perspective by Roger Chapter 15, Turner, General Systems Theory: Contributions to Social Work Theory and Practice by Dan Andrea Hart, M. A. (1999, 04). Seeking Mino-pimatasiwin (The Good Life): An Aboriginal Approach to Social Work Practice, 2 (1), 23. Retrieved 11 23, 2022, from https:// zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/bitstream/10219/460/1/NSWJ-V2-art4-p91-112.pdf Housing Services . Hastings County. (2022, March 8). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https:// hastingscounty.com/services/community-human/housing-services/ Leland, Joy. (1976). Firewater myths : North American Indian drinking and alcohol addiction. New Brunswick, N.J : Publications Division, Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies Longclaws, L. (1999). Social work and the medicine wheel framework. In B.R. Compton & B. Galaway, Social Work processes (6th ed., pp. 59-65). Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Officer, C. (n.d.). Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https:// mbq-tmt.org/ OYAP. (2022, June 3). Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://oyap.com/ Rollnick, S., & Miller, W. R. (1995). What is motivational interviewing? Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 23 (4), 325–334. Turner, F. J. (2017). Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theoretical Approaches. New York: Oxford University Press. Zapf. (2009). Social work and the environment: Understanding people and place. Canadian Scholars’ Press.

Assignment 4

Related Documents