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Faculty of Social Sciences

Social Work

Indigenous Circle

Bachelor of Social Work Indigenous Pathway

Three individuals at a Indigenous Cultural Gathering

Bachelor of Social Work Indigenous Pathway

The McMaster School of Social Work has a broad mission to structure social work education, research, and practice in pursuit of social justice and collective welfare.

This includes a desire to focus on Indigenous experiences, knowledge, and approaches towards disrupting colonialism. To this end, the School is identifying Indigenous Pathways through the Bachelor of Social Work program.

Expandable List

All incoming BSW students have the opportunity to pursue an Indigenous Pathway through the BSW program. Honours BSW students can complete the Indigenous Pathway as well as a Minor in Indigenous Studies.

As part of the Pathway (and as a requirement for all BSW students), students will take Introduction to Indigenous Studies (INDIGST 1A03). This course is offered through a partnership between the School of Social Work and the Indigenous Studies program. The course focuses on the histories, societies and politics of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples, the distinctive features of Indigenous worldviews and the history of relationships with European settler societies, with attention to treaties, legislation and activism.

Indigenous Pathway (Honours BSW and post-degree BSW students*)

The Indigenous Pathway involves nine units of coursework and a focused placement:

INDIGST 1A03: Introduction to Indigenous Studies

INDIGST 3I03: Social Work and Indigenous People

INDIGST 4QQ3: Indigenizing Social Work Practice Approaches

A fourth-year placement in an indigenous-focused agency or setting
Indigenous Pathway AND Minor in Indigenous Studies (Honours BSW students only)

The Indigenous Pathway plus Minor in Indigenous Studies involves twenty-seven units of coursework, and a focused placement.

Courses:

SOCWORK 3I03: Social Work & Indigenous Peoples (taken as one of the courses towards the Minor)

SOCWORK 4QQ3: Indigenizing Social Work practice approaches (taken in addition to the Minor)

A fourth-year placement in an indigenous-focused agency or setting

A requires 24 units total, six units from this list:

INDIGST 1A03 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies

INDIGST 1AA3 – Introduction to Contemporary Indigenous Studies

CAYUGA 1Z03 – Introduction to Cayuga Language and Culture

MOHAWK 1Z03 – Introduction to Mohawk Language and Culture

OJIBWE 1Z03 – Introduction to Ojibwe Language and Culture

INUKTUT 1Z03 – Introduction to Inuit Language and Culture

RECONCIL 1A03 – Reconciling What? Indigenous Relations in Canada

In addition to 18 units from the Minor in Indigenous Studies course list.

Participating in the Indigenous Pathway does not result in any formal designation on your degree; however, if you complete the Minor in Indigenous Studies, this is indicated on your transcript.