We acknowledge that the office of the BC College of Social Workers is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. The College recognizes the need for a significant connection with Indigenous peoples and communities so that Indigenous perspectives and knowledge are inherent within the work of the College and the social work profession in BC. The College commits to deepening the understanding of the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples and the effects of colonization. Further, we strive to recognize achievement and resilience and to commit to developing meaningful dialogue and relationships founded on respect. We seek to look at how respectful dialogue may be initiated in a spirit of reconciliation and forward movement.

The use of the term Indigenous is used intentionally as literature indicates it is a term that is inclusive of Aboriginal or First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples of Canada. Indigenous Peoples is generally used in an international context.

The BCASW has created a reconciliation and decolonization toolkit for social workers. You can access the “Towards A New Relationship” PDF here.