Event Function and Purpose
I watched a pre-recorded video conference on social work interventions with indigenous families. This round table was attended by figures whose work focuses on providing assistance to representatives of the indigenous population. Elder Delhia Nahanee, Jeanne Riley, Olivia Louie, and Shianne Ewenin were the main speakers, each with exceptional and vital experience in this field. The main topic of the reviewed meeting was the provision of social assistance to indigenous women at the perinatal stage. This period is critically important for women, and the assistance of specialists represents a leading role at this stage of life.
Summary of Event Activities and Content
The video was uploaded to the online host YouTube on October 22, 2021, giving it relevance. It provides an understanding of the degree of relevance of the problem itself, which was discussed at the round table. First, the speakers discuss the challenges that arise when providing social work for indigenous women in the perinatal period. The most important of them is the introduction of cultural practices and teachings into healthcare (Indigenous Health VCH, 2021).
Then, the discussion turns to the topic of culturally safe intervention: strategies and approaches that consider the indigenous people’s cultural characteristics. This necessity is particularly critical in a world where Western values are prevalent. Importance is attached to the contribution made by colonization and the need for specialists to understand why they do their job and how they can help the indigenous population in the modern world.
As part of the discussion of Indigenous families’ social assistance during the perinatal period, topics such as the role of a social worker, the contribution of interventions, Canadian legislation, and Aboriginal content were also touched upon. Therefore, the importance of assisting young mothers experiencing bothersome problems from social work was noted (Indigenous Health VCH, 2021). At the same time, this also applies to such an area of activity as healthcare, which has an equally important role.
Personal Reflection and Reactions
The topic that was raised during the reviewed discussion caused a positive and, at the same time, motivating reaction. I have become convinced that there is a critical need to focus on minority groups, such as indigenous communities. Moreover, the phrase “it is all about keeping the mums safe” (Indigenous Health VCH, 2021) provided value.
I agree with this statement because I believe that the parent plays a leading role in the formation and development of the child. A lot of valuable and essential things were noted regarding the influence and positive contribution of the role of a social worker. It was indicated that “acknowledging and unpacking how that role has impacted and still impacts indigenous people’s lives is an important piece to reflect on” (Indigenous Health VCH, 2021). Henceforth, it contributes to the awareness of the value of this profession for various representatives of society, primarily indigenous peoples.
This experience is related to what I am learning in this course. It assisted in increasing my knowledge about the problems that social workers face when providing services to indigenous families. In addition, this discussion raised the importance and necessity of introducing culture in intervention, not only in social work but also in healthcare. Therefore, I realized the importance of the indigenous population in the overall development of society and the contribution that is being made to improve assistance to this population.
Reference
Indigenous Health VCH. (2021). Social work interventions with indigenous families: A round table talk [Video]. YouTube. Web.