新作坊

What can We Learn From Traditional Aboriginal Education? Transforming Social Work Education Delivered in First Nations Communities

摘要：

Pertinent to the development of increased capacity to meet the goals of First Nations communities is the need to transform social work education to better meet their needs. Educators committed to transformative measures will benefit from knowledge about practices that will enhance their ability to make needed changes. Reliance on principles and practices such as those guiding an innovative off-campus First Nations Bachelor of Social Work program-community, context, care, and culture-and on traditional Aboriginal education and values, will facilitate that transformation. Communities' visions for self-determination are supported through recognition of their authority to engage in activities to further the attainment of culturally appropriate models of education, and students' need to be empowered to further their own and community goals. Achieving an appropriate context in social work education requires recognition of the holistic nature of First Nations societies and of the process of learning, as well as addressing racism both in and outside the classroom. Care is reflected through the creation of cooperative learning environments and the development of authentic relations between students and faculty and between schools and First Nations communities. Culture, and the ability to draw on their own traditional knowledge and expertise, is foundational to the success of such programs in meeting community needs. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]