ICCW001 - Ancestral Indigenous Child Welfare Practices and Colonization

Course Description

In this course, you will explore ancestral Indigenous child welfare practices and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for why culturally appropriate childcare is important for Indigenous children and their families. This course discusses Indian Residential Schools, Indian Day Schools, Conditions on Reserves, and the Sixties Scoop. Finally, topics related to colonialism and its impacts are discussed, such as the Indian Act, intergenerational trauma, and loss of culture.

Colonization has had a tremendously negative impact on Indigenous cultural practices, including ancestral childcare practices. The impact can be seen to this day in the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care. 

This course is beneficial to learners who are interested in understanding Indigenous worldviews as it shapes ancestral Indigenous child welfare practices. The course is designed to help adult learners gain an understanding of historical events that contributed to the child welfare system that exists today. 

As you work through the course, you will begin to recognize the impacts that colonial events have had and continue to have, on Indigenous People. Ideally, you will take from the course what you need to take steps toward reconciliation in your personal and professional life.

TRC Calls to Action

Child Welfare #1(iii), (v), and #5

1. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to commit to reducing the number of Aboriginal children in care by: (iii) Ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child-welfare investigations are properly educated and trained about the history and impacts of residential schools; and (v) Requiring that all child welfare decision-makers consider the impact of the residential school experience on children and their caregivers.

5. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding, skills, abilities, attitude, and awareness to:

1. Describe Indigenous worldviews.
2. Describe ancestral Indigenous child welfare practices.
3. Recognize the value of ancestral Indigenous child welfare practices.
4. Recall important historic events related to Indigenous child welfare.
5. Recognize the impacts of colonial events on Indigenous child welfare.

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• Cultural awareness
• Historical analysis
• Knowledge application

Summary

• Number of hours: 2.5 hours total 

• Assessment: Themes two to five include brief knowledge check questions to assist the learner with recalling basic facts. At the end of the course, learners will need to pass the final quiz with a grade of 70% or higher to pass this course. Each knowledge check, including the final quiz, allows multiple attempts. Throughout this course, you will be prompted to respond to a self-reflection question as part of your learning experience. Record your responses in any manner you prefer. Your learning experience is yours and yours alone. An incomplete course will count as a fail.

• Previous education required: None; this course does not have a required prerequisite.

• Delivery: Online, self-paced

• Completion timeline: Within 180 days from when you enroll in the course.

FAQ's

Is this course for everyone?

• Yes, this course is relevant to all people from all walks of life. The learners' life experiences will influence how they experience the course.

Some individuals and organizations may be GST-exempt.

• First Nations University of Canada is situated on the Star Blanket First Nation and is exempt from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). If you or your organization are exempt from Government Sales Tax (GST), please get in touch with icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca to ensure that your invoice is prepared accordingly.

I need financial support. What funding options does ICEC recommend?

• Check out our Funding Opportunities here. 

Who do I contact if I need help?

• Check out ICEC's Learner Support page to see if your question is answered in the FAQs. If your question remains unresolved, feel free to complete the form with your question, or you may contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca for assistance with any questions. We are here to help! Support requests are received during regular office hours. Please expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.