Canadian Social Welfare and Indigenous Social Policies

This course will provide an introduction to Canadian social welfare and policies, and Aboriginal Social Policies. Focus at the micro, mezzo and macro levels of Social Service Work are guided directly by social policies. In examining the evolution, devolution and consequences of social policies on the general Canadian population and specifically the Aboriginal population, students gain key pieces of understanding social issues in the context of larger structural pieces. This course will examine `a distinctly Aboriginal perspective on understanding social relations, challenging conventional analysis for...failure to take into account Aboriginal world views and experiences.` (Wotherspoon and Satzewich, xxii, 2000) Critical analyses of historical and current legislation, social policies and practices, related to child welfare, education, health care and criminal justice in Canada will begin development of skills necessary for effective practice.