DSW Showcase Student Presentation

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.