HUMS 1771: Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities
Students examine the historical and continuing process of colonization in Canada, and the resulting societal, political, linguistic, spiritual, and cultural impacts that are challenging Indigenous people today. The development of cultural understanding and the beginning of culturally competent practice occur in this course. Additional topics include self-government, cultural healing and empowerment, and human service practice in Indigenous communities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify a variety of social, political, cultural and spiritual issues that are challenging Indigenous people today.
- Describe how the historical issues are impacting Indigenous people today.
- Explain why the Indigenous population is over-represented in the social determinants of health.
- Describe the role of education in the lives of Indigenous people.
- Describe ways some Indigenous people are empowering and healing their communities.
- Describe the role of the First Nations Support Worker.
Course topics
HUMS 1771 includes the following lessons and topics:
- Lesson 1: Indigenous Peoples of Canada
- Lesson 2: Indigenous Knowledge & Helping Professions
- Lesson 3: “Self,” “Self-Care,” and “Helping” with Indigenous Peoples
- Lesson 4: Indigenous Approaches to Helping
- Lesson 5: Indigenous Approaches and Ethical Human Service Practice
- Lesson 6: Community and Spirituality
- Lesson 7: Physical Health for Indigenous People
- Lesson 8: Mental Health for Indigenous People
- Lesson 9: Indigenous Justice
- Lesson 10: Issues of Diversity
- Lesson 11: Caring for Children and Families
Required text and materials
- Baskin, C. (2016). Strong helpers’ teachings: The value of Indigenous knowledges in the
helping professions (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Canadian Scholars’ Press.
ISBN: 978-1551309422
Additional requirements
Computer and Internet access is required for this online course.
Assessments
To complete this course successfully, you must achieve a passing grade of 50 per cent or higher on the overall course and 50 per cent or higher on the mandatory Final Project. The following table illustrates how your final grade will be determined for this course.
Assessments | Weighting |
Assignment 1: Historical Policies, Local Knowledge, and Human Service Practice | 10% |
Assignment 2: “Self” and “Helping” Indigenous Peoples and Communities | 15% |
Quiz | 30% |
Assignment 3: Critical Reflection | 15% |
Final Project: Media Presentation * | 30% |
Total |
100% |
*Mandatory
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.