Native People and the Social Work Profession: A Critical Exploration of Colonizing Problematics and the Development of Decolonized Thought

Abstract

This paper reflects a beginning discussion about the relationship between the social work profession and Native Peoples living in the space of colonial Canada. It examines the characteristics of Eurocentrism, historical and ongoing colonial processes, and implicates the profession of social work as a co-ionizing practice. The reader is cautioned to seriously reflect on the current political context in which Native self-government initiatives are being realized from the standpoint of examining the case of Native Child Welfare. Native people are encouraged to disengage from current neo-colonial and constitutional colonial politics in favor of advocating and working toward decolonized anticolonial initiatives. Native university programs are viewed as one site for the development of anti-colonial consciousness.