Étsxe, on the Path of, Revitalizing Secwepemc Ways of Caring for Children and Families: A Community-Based Model of Child Care
| dc.contributor.advisor | McNutt, Kathy | |
| dc.contributor.author | Jules, Rebecca L. | |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Coates, Ken | |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Dupeyron, Bruno | |
| dc.contributor.committeemember | Bourassa, Carrie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2017-06-19T21:58:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2017-06-19T21:58:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2016-05 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Public Policy in Public Policy, University of Regina. viii, 200 p. | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | This research project employs Indigenous and Secwépemc methodologies to give power and voice back to the family and community, while bringing forward Secwépemc culture, ways of knowing, being, and doing as a foundation for child welfare policy and practice. It explores the history of legislation, policies, and practices and uses a Social Determinants of Health approach to illustrate the impact of service structure on Aboriginal children and families and identifies the need for a new approach to more effectively address the growing over representation of Aboriginal people at all levels of child welfare services. This research endeavors to answer this question: how can Indigenous knowledge be used to inform policy, enhance services, and change the story for Indigenous/Secwépemc children and families? Through Secwépemc Stsptekwle, narrative and experience, Secwépemc child and family caring practices were identified to inform the design and delivery of K̓wseltktnéws, a community-based framework. Essential elements of the framework include: the strength, structure and support of the family circle; principles of child development; life stages and ceremony; governance, guardianship, and decision making through Elder/Grandparent monitoring and teachings. Interconnecting K̓wseltktnéws with current child welfare policies, the research examined ways in which the models are consistent, coherent, and where they diverged, what were possible challenges. The study found two central themes: the conflict within the mandated goals for child welfare services between protective and preventative services; and the inherent right of Indigenous people to self-govern, and to lead, direct, and evaluate the policy development process. The study’s findings and analysis serve as a reminder that services must move beyond simply removing children from circumstances towards supporting child development into strong, healthy members of a family and community. Accepting the validity of cultural knowledge allows for it to be used as a foundation for policy and practice. Future research and policy development must ensure new initiatives, legislation, and programs provide a clear framework for services that are founded on Indigenous knowledge and ways of caring for children and families, one that addresses fiscal responsibilities, funding formulas, supports ‘prevention’ services, and clearly defines measurable performance indicators. Keywords: Indigenous, Secwépemc, Storytelling, Children and Families, Aboriginal Child Welfare, Aboriginal Policy | en_US |
| dc.description.authorstatus | Student | en |
| dc.description.peerreview | yes | en |
| dc.identifier.tcnumber | TC-SRU-7656 | |
| dc.identifier.thesisurl | http://ourspace.uregina.ca/bitstream/handle/10294/7656/Jules_Rebecca_200314565_MPP_PPOL_Fall2016.pdf | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10294/7656 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina | en_US |
| dc.title | Étsxe, on the Path of, Revitalizing Secwepemc Ways of Caring for Children and Families: A Community-Based Model of Child Care | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en |
| thesis.degree.department | Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy | en_US |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Public Policy | en_US |
| thesis.degree.grantor | University of Regina | en |
| thesis.degree.level | Master's | en |
| thesis.degree.name | Master of Public Policy (MPP) | en_US |