Assimilation through Canadian Child Welfare Policy
Keywords:
Indigenous, First Nations, Canada, Child protection, DecolonisationAbstract
This article provides an analysis of the historic and current child welfare policy in so called Canada. Drawing on a decolonising and anti-racist framework the article examines how Canadian child welfare policy has sought to target Indigenous communities in the name of assimilation and how Indigenous communities have affected policy change through civil engagement and social movements. The article argues for social work praxis committed to social justice and decolonisation by challenging Eurocentric discriminatory policies that exist on an interpersonal, organisational, municipal, provincial and federal level. It concludes that social workers have a responsibility to commit to engaging in meaningful solidarity with anti-colonial movements that are affecting policy change and improving wellbeing for Indigenous families and communities.
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