kâ-nâkatohkêhk miyo-ohpikinawâwasowin (making oneself aware of good child growing and raising) – Applying an Indigenous worldview to prevention and early intervention strategies.
Keywords:
Prevention, Early Intervention, Indigenous Wisdom-Seeking, Indigenous Research, EvaluationAbstract
Given their complicity with the settler-colonial agenda, governments and service-providing agencies must do more than acknowledge the harm inflicted upon Indigenous families and communities. These organizations must intentionally engage in meaningful change by learning how to provide services that prevent further harm and authentically support Indigenous wellness perspectives and healing practices. It is in this spirit and in support of these aims that the resource, kâ-nâkatohkêhk miyo-ohpikinawâwasowin (Making oneself aware of good child growing/raising), was created. Recognizing the inadequacy of Western concepts, beliefs, and values to effectively evaluate the impact of Indigenous-designed services, this resource is based on nehiyaw (Cree) perspectives and teachings and encompasses ceremony, language, values, and beliefs that support the resiliency and healthy development of Indigenous children and families. This article describes the context of kâ-nâkatohkêhk miyo-ohpikinawâwasowin’s creation, provides a summary of the framework, and highlights its current and potential impacts for program policy and evaluation, as well as for program funders.
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