Indigenous initiatives
The Indigenous Circle acknowledges with respect the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) people, whose traditional territory encompasses the space now occupied by the 探花系列. We raise our hands to the past, present, and future stewards of this land upon which we live, love, and learn.
Thank you for your interest in the Indigenous Specializations of our BSW and MSW programs. Our undergraduate program has two Indigenous specializations: BSW Indigenous specialization (BSWI) and BSW Indigenous Child Welfare. Our graduate program has one: MSW Indigenous specialization (MSWI).
The School of Social Work’s Indigenous specializations provide several initiatives that are designed to promote Indigenous helping and healing practices and to strengthen collectivity within urban and rural communities. Our Indigenous BSW and MSW programs provide students with the opportunity to engage in culturally relevant social work practices. We are committed to offering courses that recognize the history of Indigenous child welfare in Canada, driven by a core belief that all Indigenous children deserve safety.
To better serve our students, we offer opportunities for distance education students across Canada to access our Indigenous academic programs online. We look forward to meeting you!
The meaning of the Eagle's Gift
Eagle’s Gift is a child emerging from an eagle feather. The artist, Doug LaFortune, is a Master Carver from the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation. He explains that the meaning is twofold; Eagles and their feathers are held with the highest degree of sacredness in traditional W̱SÁNEĆ culture, likewise, children in W̱SÁNEĆ culture are considered sacred gifts. In addition, Eagles are known to be fierce protectors of their young.
UVic documentary - Lii Michif Niiyanaan: We are Métis
Acclaimed filmmaker and UVic Associate Professor Emerita (Gender Studies) Christine Welsh and Executive Producer Jeannine Carrière (UVic School of Social Work, Indigenous Specializations) teamed up with co-directors Madeline Ell and Gregory Coyes to create Lii Michif Niiyanaan: We Are Métis—a love letter to the courage, determination and resilient spirit of the Métis nation.
Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Spirit Bear earn honorary degrees and the School of Social Work is gifted 'Sweety' the bear.
Contact Information
Indigenous Programs Assistant