Pedagogy to incorporate Indigenous content in social work child welfare education

The education of social work students on assimilative government policies is necessary to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system in Canada. This paper describes a child welfare course taught by the first author, informed by Indigenous pedagogies. Survey data indicated a gap between empirical knowledge and practical experience among students. Increased understanding of Indigenous histories, knowledges, and perspectives was demonstrated after completing the course. This study highlights the importance of developing social work courses that increase critical consciousness of issues Indigenous children and families face within the child welfare system in Canada.