Becoming and Being Indigenous Foster Caregivers in British Columbia: A Phenomenological Exploration

While Indigenous children and youth are overrepresented in child welfare care in Canada, there are limited Indigenous foster parents to provide culturally affirmative care. This study addresses gaps in the literature by exploring the application and fostering processes from the perspectives of Indigenous caregivers in British Columbia. Five semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with Indigenous foster parents. Three key themes emerged: (a) motivations to become foster caregivers, (b) cultural barriers to becoming foster caregivers, and (c) experiences of Indigenous foster caregiving. Findings indicate that the well-being of children and cultural engagement are central to Indigenous caregivers’ fostering experiences. Meaningful cultural engagement addresses the sense of cultural connection and positive cultural identity development, often absent for Indigenous children and youth in care.