Value 3: Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation

Context for Practice: Social workers are respectful and understand that Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples of Nova Scotia and Canada have treaty, constitutional, legal, and self-governance rights. Social workers acknowledge that reconciliation is a reciprocal learning process based on respectful engagement, relationship building and an authentic commitment to meaningful change in social work practice. Social workers commit to decolonization of their practice and of the profession.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall uphold the guiding principles outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Reports¹⁷ by:

3.1.1 learning the history of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples and colonialism, the impact of residential schools, and the enduring intergenerational impact on individuals, families, and communities;

3.1.1 gaining an understanding of the social work profession’s historical and ongoing role in colonization, as well as its embedded systemic racism and discriminatory practices.

3.1.3 understanding intergenerational trauma and the resulting impact on culture, language, and identity with families and communities;¹⁸

3.1.4 engaging in allyship¹⁹ through building trust, respectful relationships and developing solidarity with Indigenous Peoples;

3.1.5 striving for institutional and systemic changes in education, child welfare, health, and justice systems where First Nations, Métis and Inuit people continue to face inequities;

3.1.6 advocating for treaty rights and supporting Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-governance.

Context for Practice: Social workers enhance their knowledge of Indigenous worldviews and incorporate their learnings into practice with individuals, families, and communities. Social workers recognize Euro-centric perspectives and the history of colonization that shape policies, organizations, structures, and approaches to their practice and strive to influence systemic change.

Standards of Practice: Social workers shall demonstrate respect for Indigenous worldviews by:

3.2.1 advocating for organizational change to policy and practice;

3.2.2 integrating Indigenous worldviews and respecting the diversity of culture within Nations and the significance of family and community into practice;

3.2.3 respecting local traditional values, customs, and beliefs in developing relationships with families, extended family and communities;

3.2.4 acknowledging the role of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into practice.