Transformation to Normalization

Transformation to Normalization

Fort Frances Tribal Area

Health Services Presenters:

Lori R Flinders, MSW/RSW/CFNHM, Director of BHS/FFTAHS

Sandra Indian, Case Manager

2016 FNHMA Conference Vancouver

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Locating ourselves Opening Ceremony Starting our bundles: • Name • Clan • Community • Family Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services

–the face of the Agency in 2012 (no practice bundle)- a brief overview

Mental Health and Addictions aren’t the issue-it is a consequence of the issue

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Inherent Knowledge; Sacred Sanctioning and a shift in paradigm

Through our traditional cultural knowledge, we breathe spirit into our practice.

• Dream Vision • Shaking Tent Ceremony • Traditional Process • Traditional Healing Methodologies • Creating Staff Bundles

3

Building our Bundles • “Retrieving and building our bundles is conscious and active

because the landscape of Indigenous social work practice requires knowledge that understands the residual effects of racism, colonialism, residential schools, child welfare scooping and so forth while building our cultural knowledge so we can also help our people see the beauty in who they are (see Absolon, 2009). Bundles of practice in Indigenous landscapes are based in our language, culture, traditions and history.” -Absolon 2011

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Staff Knowledge Bundles (transition to normalization)

• Inductive learning or “training” provided – Spirit dishes -Language Table – Talking/Sharing Circles -Medicine walk – Circle gifts -Sunrise Ceremony – Pipe teachings -Smudging Ceremony – Cedar Bath Ceremony -Naming Ceremony – Cedar Bush – Traditional tobacco making – Hand drumming and songs – Sweatlodge Ceremony – Spring and Fall Ceremonies – Grieving Ceremony – Give away Ceremony

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Client testimonial

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Traditional Code of Ethics as an Agency Norm Mission:

• We are a centre of excellence and a leader in innovative health

care guided by the seven Grandfather teachings of the Anishinaabe inspiring knowledge, strength and empowerment for the purpose of lifelong Mino ayawin (good health).

Core Values: • WISDOM: By providing innovative practice in wholistic health care • LOVE: Compassion; empathy; understanding Anishinaabe history • BRAVERY: Courageous conversations-Staff wellness • RESPECT: Creator/Creation; self; family; community; nation • HUMILITY: Honour individual belief and customs of

stakeholders/consumers and communities • HONESTY: Accountability and responsibility • TRUTH: Quality assurance - self reflective.

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Final Thoughts • It is imperative for social work and mental health

professionals to begin looking at culturally relevant strategies for helping Indigenous people

• Conceptual framework of cultural competence, is

based on three concepts: cultural awareness of one’s own beliefs and worldview and how these may affect a therapeutic relationship; cultural knowledge of the client’s beliefs and worldview; and cultural skills, which enable the helper to provide support in a relevant manner (Sue, 2006)

• A shift in paradigm was needed for FFTAHS • Sandra’s story (outcomes and best practices from a

Case Manager)

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Sandra’s vision

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Miigwetch

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www.fftahs.com

FFTAHS Building Bundles Leading Practice https://accreditation.ca/node/8050