photos by Tyler Colbourne
On September 19, 2024, I attended Cape Breton’s University Department of Social Work conference, Allies: Working Together on the Path of Change. The conference was a one-day event planned and delivered by the inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Social Work program at CBU. The day was filled with guest speakers, engaging discussion, and many opportunities to reflect on how to be an ally as a settler social worker in Mi’kma’ki. The students were demonstrating humility, bravery, and dedication to decolonization in their work with the conference. Many students were openly sharing their experiences of striving to be a settler ally to Indigenous peoples, while also honestly and authentically sharing their misteps and lessons learned. Witnessing the reflections of the students, speakers, and attendees has me reflecting on my own role as a settler Canadian social worker while considering my responsibilities towards decolonial practice in allyship with Indigenous peoples.
Settler Responsibility as a Social Worker
“What do you need to give up?”
Conference presenter, CBU Allies Conference
September 30 is National Truth & Reconciliation Day, followed by Treaty Day on October 1, beginning Mi’kmaq History Month here in Nova Scotia. Beyond being days and months of recognition, these are calls to action for settler Canadians like me to uphold treaty rights and contribute to the dismantling of oppressive and harmful ways of knowing, being, and systems.
Many of our systems, ways of knowing and being, and practices are rooted in settler colonialism. To move through this paradox, conference presenter Michelle Marshall-Johnson highlights we should adopt a Two-Eyed Seeing approach. This approach, first established by Elder Albert Marshall, kin of Michelle Marshall-Johnson, suggests a way of “always looking for another perspective.” She asks social workers to do this while also holding onto the idea that no one person or being is greater or lesser than another. As a settler Canadian social worker, I am reflecting on the ways I can continue to adopt a Two-Eyed Seeing approach in my practice.
Conference presenters and students at the Allies conference asked attendees to resist domination and let go of entitlement in our work as social workers. We were called to act in acknowledging the land we are on and to truly and authentically know the histories of this land. One presenter talked about the concept of challenging “settler amnesia.” As a settler Canadian social worker, I grew up with a limited understanding of the pervasiveness and depth of colonial harms historically and in the present day. It wasn’t until I was introduced to the work of Cindy Blackstock that I began to see the links between settler colonialism and social work practice. Many of the settler students who spoke at the conference shared similar experiences, of having their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts opened to the power and harms of settler colonialism, and their responsibilities to resist and to support Indigenous resurgence and resistance.
“Collateral damage needs collateral healing.”
Jeff Ward, Conference Presenter
What is professional development in a decolonial context?
“The process of decolonization must include non-Indigenous people and Indigenous peoples working toward a future that includes all.”
Jeff Ward, Conference presenter
Allyship can be complex and uncomfortable for folx who have privilege, yet it is required as we strive for decolonial practice. As the NSCSW moves towards social justice and reconciliation, so too must our Professional Development, Code of Ethics, and Standards of Practice.
Learning is the most human thing in the world, and we all learn every single day. Within a social work context, we are developing learning opportunities that seek to disrupt dominance and the status quo. We are striving to create lunch and learns, panel discussions, and community engagement opportunities that build relationships and connections, foster sustainability, and reflexivity for safe(r) and more just social work practice in Nova Scotia. This means we will continue to offer content that supports the development of knowledge and skill, but also shifts values and spirit towards liberation and justice.
Resources for Decolonial Practice
Wherever you are on in your journey towards decolonization and Indigenous allyship, there are resources to support you. On October 9, at noon Atlantic time, we are hosting a panel discussion as part of collaborative health series focused on Decolonizing Our Care. This panel will involve helpers from across fields and perspectives who are committed decolonization. This session offers an opportunity for our members and the public to learn more about what decolonization can look like in practice.
There are also incredible resources found online and in bookstores. I was introduced to the work of Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures, Vanessa Andreotti, and Elwood Jimmy at a session with Andreotti in Kjipuktuk in 2019. Since that time, I have referenced and returned to the Decolonial Futures website and the excellent resource Towards Braiding; if you are new to the journey of decolonization, I suggest you download and read this book, and explore the resources and ideas on the site.
If you want to dive deeper, you can also read the book Living In Indigenous Sovereignty, by Elizabeth-Carlson-Manathara with Gladys Rowe. This book is described by Michael Anthony Hart as, “The most comprehensive book on anti-colonial practice focused on non-Indigenous peoples.” This book offers insights and wisdom from many scholars and writers who are committed to everyday decolonial practice.
We also have webinars and content from the Canadian Association of Social Workers and within many of our own communities that recognize Truth & Reconciliation, Treaty Day, and Mi’kmaq History Month. Wherever you are and whatever your practice context, the important thing is to start and strive to for decolonization every single day. Take part in opportunities offered in your local community, learn the name of the land you are on, and consider how as Angeline Denny-Sylliboy stated at the conference, “Allyship is friendship”.
As I consider my role as a settler Canadian social worker practicing in a predominantly colonial context, I seek to deepen my allyship and work towards being a better friend and relation to not only Indigenous peoples in Mi’kma’ki, but also towards the land and each other. As Dr. Mohamad Musa shared at the CBU Allies conference, “Allyship goes beyond just solidarity to the people you know in their/your lives”. It must be for all people, the land, and all living things.
Fantastic article, it was an incredible experience to take part in the conference, and learn so much about allyship. Thank you for your highlights, words and perspective!!
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