A Narrative Inquiry into the Experiences of Two Non-Aboriginal Counsellors Working with Aboriginal People

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  • Amanda Bowden University of Alberta
  • Vera Caine University of Alberta
  • Sophie Yohani University of Alberta

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Aboriginal##common.commaListSeparator## Counselling Practice##common.commaListSeparator## Multicultural##common.commaListSeparator## Social Justice

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In this narrative inquiry we explored the experiences of two non-Aboriginal counsellors who worked with Aboriginal clients in Canada. Narrative inquiry is a relational methodology that allows researchers to attend to experience over time, place, and social contexts. With a call to develop a better understanding of the health issues facing Aboriginal peoples, counsellors need to have a strong understanding of the changing social conditions and focus beyond existing care paradigms. In order to provide culturally relevant care, non-Aboriginal counsellors need to engage in advocacy, outreach, community-based interventions, and consultations with indigenous practitioners. We highlight the need for both culture-informed and social justice perspectives to place counselling practice with Aboriginal peoples in the context of culture, history, and sociopolitical realities.

 

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    Amanda Bowden is a master of education student at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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    Vera Caine is an associate professor and CIHR New Investigator in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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    Sophie Yohani is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is also a Registered Psychologist.

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2017-02-03

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