First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada have been caring for their children within strong extended family and community support systems since time immemorial. Through patriarchy, Christianization, colonization and removal of children, Indigenous authority has been denigrated, dismantled, destroyed. There have been endless attempts to establish a system to regain self- governance, authority of Indigenous families, and Indigenous control over the well- being of children. Despite all those attempts, the outcome remains the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system, the gateway to the criminal justice system. Emphasizing diverse Indigenous ways of doing, being and helping in historical and contemporary Indigenous families and communities, with a focus on the special role of children and youth, this course will explore both traditional caring practices and values, and the re- establishment of First Nations, Metis and Inuit sovereignty and authority. Open to non-Social Work students with a minimum of 54 credit hours and with instructor permission. Prerequisites: SWRK 1200 (or SWRK 3131 or the former SWRK 3130); SWRK 1220; SWRK 1230; SWRK 1240 (or SWRK 3141 or the former SWRK 3140); SWRK 1250 (or SWRK 2093 or the former SWRK 2091 or SWRK 2090); SWRK 2010 and SWRK 2030 (or SWRK 2081 or the former SWRK 2080).
