Jeannine Carrière
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Walking This Path Together, 2nd Edition
Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Child Welfare Practice
“This is a timely book as many child welfare agencies are beginning the journey of implementing an anti-oppressive framework into practice. With several chapters by Indigenous scholars, the plight of our children remains in the spotlight. An underlying message in this book is that if the challenges for Indigenous child welfare can be properly addressed, then those of all other marginalized populations will follow.” — Cyndy Baskin, School of Social Work, Chair of Aboriginal Education Council, Ryerson University
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Aski Awasis/Children of the Earth
First Peoples Speaking on Adoption
The adoption of Aboriginal children into non-Aboriginal families has a long and contentious history in Canada. Life stories told by First Nations people reveal that the adoption experience has been far from positive for these communities and has, in fact, been an integral aspect of colonization. In an effort to decolonize adoption practices, the Yellowhead Tribal Services Agency (YTSA) in Alberta has integrated customary First Peoples’ adoption practices with provincial adoption laws and regulations. Introducing this unique agency, the authors outline the history of First Nations adoptions and, through an interview with a YTSA Elder, describe the adoption ceremonies offered at YTSA. Themes that emerged from interviews with adoptive parents and youth who have been adopted through this new integrated practice are also explored, and important recommendations for policy and practice in First Nations adoption are offered.