Strengthening Indigenous Social Work in the Academy

Abstract

This paper provides an account of the development of an Indigenous Social Work program in Sudbury, Ontario and how it was conceived, developed and implemented. It describes the transformational approaches that Aboriginal faculty, communities and academic allies engaged in to create a rightful space for Indigenous social work in mainstream academia. In its 25th year, this program has provided many transformational opportunities for students, faculty and Aboriginal communities. Incorporating resistance and proactive momentum, the program has become pivotal in expanding the visibility and legitimacy for Indigenous social work in practice, theory, research and pedagogies. This program is an example of how community-faculty collaborations can sustain a robust Indigenous social work program.