A study in allied, ethical, and culturally aligned helping practices with Anishinaabe children and families
Date
2022-06-29
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Abstract
It is critical that non-Indigenous social workers seek knowledge from Indigenous Elders,
Knowledge Keepers, scholars, mental health professionals, Indigenous-led agencies, and
Indigenous clients on best practices for working with Indigenous children, families, and
communities. Through a placement in the Children’s Mental Health Program at Nogdawindamin
Family and Community Services, I aimed to learn how Western approaches of helping can be
aligned with Indigenous approaches; how non-Indigenous helpers can practice Western methods
of helping in good ways while being informed by Indigenous worldviews; and how Internal
Family Systems Therapy (IFS) might be in harmony with Indigenous values and useful in
clinical practice with Indigenous children and families. Academic research, direct practice,
cultural and professional training programs, and consultation with Nogdawindamin’s Elders,
Knowledge Keepers, and mental health professionals, led to answers to my questions. In this
paper, I outline critical historical, social, and political contexts; relevant theories, approaches,
and worldviews; the tenets of allyship, and the principles of the Seven Grandfather Teachings as
they were taught to me. I reflect on applying allyship practices, the Seven Grandfather
Teachings, treaty responsibilities, The TRC’s Calls to Action, and the 13 Rights of the
Anishinaabe Child within therapeutic relationships with Indigenous children, families, and
communities. I share findings on culturally aligned clinical practices and how the teachings I
received support my developing allied, ethical, and culturally aligned practice. I describe
findings on how IFS can be aligned with Indigenous ways of helping and a useful practice to
uphold allyship commitments with clients.