Working in a family counselling program in an Indigenous child welfare agency

Abstract

This report focuses on my advanced practicum experience with Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services (KGCFS). KGCFS is a multi-service child welfare agency that was created and is governed by the seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island, providing Indigenous child welfare services for First Nation people living on Manitoulin Island and in the Sudbury Manitoulin District. The focus of this advanced practicum was to gain more experience and knowledge as a clinical practitioner and family counsellor in an Indigenous child welfare agency through an anti-colonial approach. These elements included working in an anti-colonial way, learning from Indigenous knowledge, critiquing mainstream theories, as well as learning more about Indigenous culture, self-care, and being an ally. This report includes a review of the literature that I read throughout the placement and a description of what I learned from my practicum experience with the In-Home Family Support Team.