Monique Auger

Topic

Supporting the wholistic wellness of Métis children, youth, and families through prevention-based child and family support services

Social Dimensions of Health

Date & location

• Wednesday, May 29, 2024
• 9:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Renée Monchalin, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Jeannine Carrière, School of Social Work, UVic (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Natalie Clark, School of Public Health and Social Policy, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Susan Burke, School of Social Work University of Northern British Columbia

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Catherine Costigan, Department of Psychology, UVic

Abstract

The mainstream child welfare system is failing to meet the fundamental needs for Métis children, youth, and families. While the impact of the child welfare system has been studied in depth, there remains a lack of attention toward understanding prevention-based services both within the context of Métis child welfare, as well as more broadly for Indigenous children and family services. This dissertation shares findings from a doctoral research study that was conducted in partnership with Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO), a Métis-specific Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency located on the lands of Tk'emlúps te Secwe̓pemc (Kamloops, British Columbia). Through learning from Métis Elders (n=20), LMO staff (n=27), and youth and families who have accessed services at LMO (n=18), this doctoral research examines the ways that reconnecting Métis children, youth, and families with their culture and identity can contribute to their wholistic wellbeing and safety. From a broader perspective, this research explores the ways in which Métis culture can contribute to a prevention-based Métis child welfare system.

This research presents and utilizes a Métis research framework, grounded in the Visiting Way methodology. The findings of this research are presented in two chapters: the first compiles the stories and teachings from Métis Elders on raising children and supporting families, and the second looks more specifically at wise practices for decolonizing Métis child welfare. The first section of findings present stories from the Métis Elders who generously participated in this research. The stories in this section—which draw from the Elders’ experiences from childhood and parenting—reveal teachings for Métis child-rearing. These teachings relate to identity, kinship and support, independence, and traditional values. The second section highlights wise practices for decolonizing Métis child welfare rooted in the perspectives of helpers, Elders, youth, and families at LMO. Alongside wise practices, the findings also examine what it means to be a helper in a Métis child and family agency; systemic and organizational challenges; and outcomes for Métis children, youth, and families. In bringing the findings together, this dissertation concludes with a discussion of Métis child welfare as an opportunity for cultural resurgence, fostering belonging, and strengthening prevention-based supports.