HUMS 1771: Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities
Students examine the historical and continuing process of colonization in Canada, and the resulting societal, political, linguistic, spiritual, and cultural impacts that are challenging Indigenous people today. The development of cultural understanding and the beginning of culturally competent practice occur in this course. Additional topics include self-government, cultural healing and empowerment, and human service practice in Indigenous communities.
Learning outcomes
- Identify a variety of social, political, cultural and spiritual issues that are challenging Indigenous people today.
- Describe how the historical issues are impacting Indigenous people today.
- Explain why the Indigenous population is over-represented in the social determinants of health.
- Describe the role of education in the lives of Indigenous people.
- Describe ways some Indigenous people are empowering and healing their communities.
- Describe the role of the First Nations Support Worker.
Course topics
- Lesson 1: Indigenous Peoples of Canada
- Lesson 2: Indigenous Knowledge & Helping Professions
- Lesson 3: “Self,” “Self-Care,” and “Helping” with Indigenous Peoples
- Lesson 4: Indigenous Approaches to Helping
- Lesson 5: Indigenous Approaches and Ethical Human Service Practice
- Lesson 6: Community and Spirituality
- Lesson 7: Physical Health for Indigenous People
- Lesson 8: Mental Health for Indigenous People
- Lesson 9: Indigenous Justice
- Lesson 10: Issues of Diversity
- Lesson 11: Caring for Children and Families
Required text and materials
Students will need to source the following on their own:
- Baskin, C. (2016). Strong Helpers’ Teachings: The Value of Indigenous Knowledges in the Helping Professions (2nd ed.). Canadian Scholars’ Press.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1551309422 / 9781551309439
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the mandatory final project.
| Assignment 1: Historical Policies, Local Knowledge, and Human Service Practice | 10% |
| Assignment 2: “Self” and “Helping” Indigenous Peoples and Communities | 15% |
| Quiz | 30% |
| Assignment 3: Critical Reflection | 15% |
| Mandatory Final Project: Media Presentation | 30% |
|
Total |
100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
