Contextual Indigeneity in Social Work (CISW)
A Decolonized Approach to Practice, Education, and Social Justice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18060/28798Keywords:
Decolonized Social Work, Contextual Indigeneity in Social Work (CISW), social work education, Indigenous justiceAbstract
This literature review examines the importance of decolonizing social work by integrating Contextual Indigeneity (CI) into the profession. It emphasizes aligning social work practices with the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities, as recognized by global organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW), and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Drawing on recent scholarship by Indigenous scholars and allies, it highlights the need to dismantle colonized systems and infuse culturally grounded approaches into social work education and practice. Indigenous communities hold unique strengths that support eco-social justice and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Nations, and Tribes. Theoretical frameworks such as Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit), Indigenous Decolonial Feminism (IDF), Indigenous Wholistic Framework (IWF), and Indigenous Ways of Knowing provide critical insights for developing culturally sensitive and effective practices. Indigenizing curricula, research, and community programming is essential for promoting educational justice, inclusion, diversity, representation, and, where appropriate, reparations. Social workers have an ethical duty to acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma Indigenous Peoples face while recognizing their resilience and continued existence. The Contextual Indigeneity in Social Work (CISW) model offers a pathway to embed Indigenous sovereignty into social work, transforming theory into actionable, decolonial practice.
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