“Circle of Caring”: A First Nations Worldview of Child Rearing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: For occupational therapy to be meaningful for all families who have a child with a developmental disability, the profession needs to consider and integrate into practice alternative and more inclusive epistemologies. A greater understanding and respect of a First Nations worldview may help reduce the risk of inadvertently perpetuating oppression and assimilation. PURPOSE: To describe raising a child with a developmental disability from the perspective of five members of the Lil'wat Nation. METHODS: Data were obtained from in-depth interviews and analysed using a constant comparative approach. FINDINGS: Within the category of family the subcategories identified were extensive support network, intergenerational learning and doing, and influence of the residential school system. Within the category of raising a child the subcategories identified were health and spirituality, causation beliefs, and a sense of knowing. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapists need to be cognizant of alternative worldviews on child rearing, family, and health that may differ significantly from their own personal and professional beliefs and practices.

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