Seeking mino-pimatisiwin : an aboriginal approach to helping

Hart, Michael 1965- (author., Author).

Summary: Historically, social work and psychology professions have pressured and coerced Aboriginal peoples to follow the euro-centric ways of society. The needs of Aboriginal peoples have not been successfully addressed by helping professioan due to a limited attempt to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives and practices of helping. Michael Hart briefly discusses colonization from an Aboriginal perspective, ontological imperialism, social work s role in colonial oppression, and the dynamic of resistance. Seeking Mino-Pimatisiwin encourages Aboriginal concepts, values and perspectives to be effectively incorporated by helpers trained in counselling, supporting, and teaching disciplines. Micheal Hart uses his own personal and professional experiences and that of other Aboriginal helpers. Throughout the book he outlines ways of adopting an Aboriginal Approach to helping. The closing chapter examines one such approach, the sharing circle, and how it can be used to guide practice with individuals, families, and groups in several contexts.

Record details

ISBN: 1552660737 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781552660737 (pbk)
Physical Description: 128 pages ; 23 cm.
print
Publisher: Halifax, NS : Fernwood, [2002].
Copyright: ©2002

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 123-128).

Formatted Contents Note:

1. Remembering where i came from : -- What i offer ; Where my heart lies ; Following the Elders' example ; "I don't know anything" ; Notes -- 2. Eurocentricism, colonization and resistance : -- Colonization from an Aboriginal perspective -- Ontological imperialism -- social work and other helping professions -- Resistance and decolonization -- The role of an Aboriginal approach -- 3. Foundations of an Aboriginal Approach : -- A Medicine wheel background -- The Foundational concepts -- Key supporting values -- Perceptions of people -- Perceptions of people's functioning -- Helping relationships -- 4. Deepening our understanding : Talking with conductors of sharing circles : -- An historical journey into an Aboriginal helping process -- The physical Aspect of sharing circles : The Participants ; The Conductor ; Sharing Circle Process. The Emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of sharing circles : -- Healing in Circles ; Learning in circles ; A Circular worldview -- Sharing Circles and an Aboriginal approach -- 5. An Aboriginal Approach in Practice -- The helper in practice -- Helping individuals -- A Case example of an individual focus -- Helping families -- A Case example with a family focus -- Helping groups : -- Addressing specific issues : Family violence -- ... Self-esteem in youth.