Cultural competency - Working with Aboriginal Peoples: A non-Native perspective

Abstract

Throughout the course of my education in the Social Work field, I have come to learn about the importance of cultural competency as it pertains to the helping profession and working with Aboriginal peoples. There are many disheartening issues that First Nations communities face in our country today. I have gained some insight of the rules and regulations that the Federal government has placed upon Aboriginal people. Government legislation has created impossible boundaries that prevent Aboriginal populations the right to exercise equality in Canada. Unfortunately those most affected are the lives of many innocent Native women, children and families who struggle with poverty, violence and racism on a daily basis. Racism towards Aboriginal peoples continues to happen generation after generation. It is necessary within the social work profession to raise awareness about how our society lacks the knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture. If social work practice recognizes the need to be culturally competent when working with Aboriginal peoples then we should examine how our actions will lead us to that goal.