101800: Why Addressing the Over-Representation of First Nations Children in Care Requires New Theoretical Approaches Based on First Nations Ontology

About the Course:

First Nations children have been dramatically over-represented in the Canadian child welfare system for more than 50 years. As western theoretical approaches have not successfully informed effective interventions to address the problem, this article suggests that new theories based on First Nations ontology and western physics may be more promising. The discussion begins with a general exploration of First Nations and western ontology before analyzing ecological theory, structural theory, and anti-oppressive approaches in the context of First Nations child welfare. The article goes on to suggest that physics’ theory of everything more closely approximates First Nations ontology and provides a framework for the presentation of a new First Nations theory called the breath of life theory, which will be fully presented in a future article.

Journal/Publisher:

The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics

Publication Date:

Fall 2009, Vol. 6, No. 3

Author

Cindy Blackstock, Ph.D.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about the issues in child welfare with First Nations families. It is appropriate for an intermediate level of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain differences between western and First Nations ontology.

2. Describe insufficiencies in western theories for servicing First Nations children in care.

3. Identify problems related to attempts to merge First Nations ontology into western ontology.

4. Discuss need for developing a First Nations oriented social work theory.