The Role of ‘Kijigabandan’ and ‘Manadjitowin’ in Understanding Harm Reduction Policies and Programs for Aboriginal Peoples

Abstract

Harm reduction policies and programs are gaining increasing acceptance as a promising practice to address high-risk substance use in Canada. A common premise of Western harm reduction initiatives is respect for substance users and their choices. An Aboriginal worldview extends this to understanding individuals, communities and their choices. This paper examines how the Algonquin concepts of ‘Kijigabandan’ and ‘Manadjitowin’ can be used to explore harm reduction’s value as a promising practice for Aboriginal social work. ‘Kijigabandan’ means to attempt to understand and develop personally from the process. ‘Manadjitowin’ means to honour someone or something once it is understood. This is a timely paper because at present there is no uniform starting place to address the value of harm reduction policies and programs as they relate to Aboriginal peoples.