ABSTRACT
It is difficult, given the societal and systemic realities within Canada, to have open and frank discussions about social inequalities and impacts of equity and diversity in lived experiences. In this article, I offer a frank discussion about re-centering Indigeneity within Child and Youth Care. The discussion focuses on the challenges associated with re-centering Indigeneity and is illustrated by personal reflections and the reflections of Indigenous individuals involved with a mentorship program for First Nations youth, By drawing upon Indigenous theorists (Alfred, 2009; Archibald, 2008; Black Elk, 1953; Ermine, 2004; Smith, 2012; Wilson, 2008) and grounding the discussion in lived realities, I provide readers with both a theoretically based and practical understanding of how Indigeneity can be re-centered within CYC and well as a consideration of whether this should be done and by whom. Particular attention will be paid to how mainstream Child and Youth Care can support such efforts while operating within a colonial state.
