James Smith Cree Nation: a field practicum report

Abstract

The following is a report regarding my practicum experience at James Smith Cree Nation. The purpose of the practicum was to gain graduate level social work knowledge of, and practice in community capacity building, clinical counselling, and clinical group development for the specific population of First Nations people within their home community. Through individual, group, and community work, the challenges and benefits to the practical learning experience of a non-Indigenous helper within James Smith Cree Nation are explored. The report also highlights current literature surrounding being a non-Indigenous helper, Indigenous and Western healing knowledge and practice, and the concept of two-eyed seeing. The challenges, values, and ethics surrounding a personal experience of being a non-Indigenous helper within a First Nations community are explored. Using the personal experience and literature, the report provides recommendations for non-Indigenous helpers who want to work in First Nations communities in a collaborative manner. The report recommends that non-Indigenous helpers should expect to feel challenges of being under prepared, uncomfortable, and not immediately accepted by the First Nations community. In order to overcome challenges, non-Indigenous helpers must strive for cultural competence through humility and self-reflection, an openness to understanding cultural differences, and utilizing culture when appropriate.