The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share a new practice resource on ethical and competent responses to anti-Indigenous racism.
As noted in the fall issue of Perspective, the College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, RSW, met with Cheryl McPherson, RSW, to discuss the intersection of social work and social service work practice and Indigenous worldviews.
The College’s conversation with McPherson was in a spoken-word format inspired by the rich storytelling traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples living in Canada. As McPherson noted, “The oral traditions and storytelling are important to me. I believe using this format helps decolonize the College’s practice resources.”
“I want to thank Cheryl for taking part in this conversation with me,” remarked Van Sickle. “As the regulator for social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College has a responsibility to create space for difficult and meaningful discussions as we consider how Reconciliation fits within the regulatory context and how we can best support members in their practice.”
As part of its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, the College is committed to developing partnerships with Indigenous communities to begin to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action within the regulatory context. In doing so, we recognize that Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process. Please visit the College website to learn more.
Watch the Practice Resource
The College’s newest practice resource has now been published on the College website and YouTube channel. Members can watch the interview in seven segmented videos on the following topics:
- Thoughts on Land Acknowledgements
- Code of Ethics, principle 3: “A social worker or social service worker shall carry out their professional duties and obligations with integrity and objectivity.”
- Code of Ethics, principle 11: “A social worker or social service worker shall advocate for change in the best interest of the client, and for the overall benefit of society, the environment and the global community.”
- OCSWSSW Standards of Practice, Principle I: Relationship with Clients, Interpretation 1.3: “College members respect and facilitate self-determination in a number of ways…”
- OCSWSSW Standards of Practice, Principle II: Competence and Integrity, Interpretation 2.2.9: “College members’ promote social justice and advocate for social change on behalf of their clients…”
- Police Involvement in Mental Health Wellness Checks
- Registration with the College
For more information
For all practice-related inquiries, please contact the Professional Practice Department at practice@ocswssw.org.