Understanding Indigenous Perspectives and Experiences

Curriculum guideline

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Course
CFCS 2432
Discontinued
No
Course code
CFCS 2432
Descriptive
Understanding Indigenous Perspectives and Experiences
Department
Child and Youth Care
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
Flexible Delivery ranging from 2 to 15 weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
Certificate in Global Competency
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

(For 15-week semester:)

Lecture: 4 hours/week

or

Hybrid: 2 hours/week in class

2 hours/week online

or

Fully online

Method(s) of instruction
Hybrid
Online
Lecture
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Guest Speakers
  • Collaborative Learning

All methods of instruction apply to in class, hybrid and/or online modes of learning.

Course description
This course focuses on introducing students to ways of working with Indigenous peoples in respectful ways through an understanding of relevant historical events, the intergenerational grief and trauma that affects families and communities today as well as the resilience of the people. Local Indigenous values, rich cultural traditions, ways, and medicines will also be explored.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • Colonial policies, legislation and assimilation continue to impact Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities today.
  • Intergenerational grief and loss contribute to the current state of wellness in people and communities.
  • Indigenous communities and individuals are at the forefront of revitalizing Indigenous culture, language, and traditions. Culture is a pathway to healing.
  • Knowledge of history, colonization, and legislation supports practitioners to work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities who are involved with Indigenous and mainstream systems.
  • Understand Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, and experiences to work in respectful ways.
  • Anti-racist praxis is a foundation of human service professional practice.
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Articulate understanding of the history of some of the diverse First Peoples of BC as well as the intergenerational impact of colonization on those communities, including the Indian residential school system and the criminalization of the Potlatch and other traditional ceremonies.
  • Discuss, at an introductory level, past and current legislation and policies that impact Indigenous children, youth and families including the Indian Act, the Child, Family and Community Services Act, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
  • Describe different spiritual practices and medicines used for healing and wellness by some Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
  • Discuss some understanding of the current social issues that affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the existing intergenerational grief and trauma, as well as the resilience of the people.
  • Articulate different ways of showing respect to and creating a welcoming space for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
  • Describe implicit and explicit bias and articulate an understanding of their impact in human service practice.
  • Articulate and apply strategies for anti-racist practice.
Means of assessment

This course will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.  Typical means of evaluation could include a combination of:

  • Research essays and reports
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Examinations or quizzes
  • Class contribution
Textbook materials

Course materials and/or textbooks approved by the department.

Prerequisites

Enrollment in CYC, YJ, or TR porgram, or with permission of the CYC coordinator.