DSW Candidate – NaTyshia Smith, 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
Reclaiming Power: Decolonizing Social Work Practices with North American Indigenous Peoples
DSW Candidate – NaTyshia Smith, MSW, LMSW
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
2:30 PM – 3:45 PM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Description
Reclaiming Power: Decolonizing Social Work Practices with North American Indigenous Peoples
This capstone project critically examines the integration of decolonizing methodologies into social work practice with Indigenous communities in North America. It explores the historical and contemporary impacts of colonization, particularly through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs), and evaluates how social work can adopt culturally responsive, community-driven interventions. The project synthesizes key literature on Indigenous worldviews, decolonized mental health interventions, and Indigenous governance in climate response to advance health, social justice, and reconciliation efforts.
A systematic review of empirical studies from 2014-2024 identifies challenges and opportunities in implementing decolonized social work practices. Key themes include the necessity of Indigenous-led initiatives, the integration of cultural traditions such as storytelling and community-based participatory research (CBPR), and the systemic barriers hindering meaningful reconciliation. The findings emphasize the importance of dismantling colonial structures within social work education, policy, and practice by centering Indigenous knowledge, promoting self-determination, and fostering collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities. Ultimately, this project calls for a paradigm shift in social work, advocating for structural changes that align with TRC recommendations and Indigenous sovereignty. By addressing systemic inequities and integrating Indigenous perspectives, social workers can contribute to healing, empowerment, and long-term reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the Historical and Contemporary Impacts of Colonization.
- Evaluate Decolonizing Methodologies in Social Work.
- Identify and Address Systemic Barriers to Reconciliation and Apply Decolonized Approaches to Social Work Policy and Practice.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.
