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Decolonization and trauma-informed truth-telling about Indigenous Australia in a social work diversity course : A cultural safety approach
Bennett, Bindi Gates, Trevor G.
Bennett, Bindi
Gates, Trevor G.
Author
Abstract
Actual accounts of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonization remain largely misunderstood and misrepresented within Australian education systems and the broader social consciousness. Culturally sensitive practice and ethnic diversity are challenging topics to teach social work students when truth-telling is absent. Social workers need to develop an understanding of intergenerational trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, critically reflect on perpetuated stereotypes, and confront internalized beliefs about peoples of diverse ethnic and cultural identities in preparation to work respectfully with Indigenous communities. A course focused on building students’ knowledge and skills for culturally responsive practice is described in this paper, along with suggestions for enhancing teaching and learning. The paper argues for the importance of truth-telling about Australia’s continuing racism in social work education to create cultural safety for service users.
Keywords
diversity, social work, trauma, teaching, learning, Indigenous Australians, truth-telling, decolonizing
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Book
Volume
Issue
Page Range
1-14
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled