Research
Disability Initiatives Research
The goal of the Disability Initiatives Research Project is to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling related to discrimination and First Nations child welfare. It aims to increase awareness of disabilities which are often ignored, identify and close service gaps to address these disabilities, and provide resources and training for those who work with individuals affected by these disabilities.
Autism Disorder
SFNFCI created and delivered an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Knowledge Sharing Series in 2021, and an ASD Resource guide was created and shared with the Agencies in October 2023. The Guide responds to what was heard in the Knowledge Sharing Series, specifically that workers wanted more information on ASD.
Invisible Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ ADHD)
- Children Who Experience Anxiety
- Children Who Experience Depression
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Conduct Disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Protecting the Mental Health of Families/Caregivers/Individuals Impacted by
Picture Exchange Communication
Created in 1985, PECS® is a unique communication system that uses images to communicate with students diagnosed with autism. PECS has been implemented worldwide with thousands of learners of all ages who have various cognitive, physical and communication challenges.
SFNFCI hosts PECS training led by Pyramid Educational Consultants of Canada. The training provides information on strategies to improve communication and to help children in settings like group homes, schools, and shelters communicate using images.
The goal of the Disability Initiatives Research Project is to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling related to discrimination and First Nations child and family services. It aims to increase awareness of disabilities which are often ignored, identify and close service gaps to address these disabilities, and provide resources and training for those who work with individuals affected by these disabilities.
Starting in 2016, SFNFCI has been carrying out research with various Frist Nations Tribal councils and Child and Family agencies (CFS). These projects are often guided by representatives from each year’s partnerships
In 2023-2024 Research staff created an advisory committee made up of SFNFCI researchers and Senior Directors and Management from Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) to embark on an initiative to help identify the gaps in services between jurisdictions to provide better support to people in the Medow Lake Nine Nations (MLFN) who are experiencing a disability.
That Disability Initiatives Research Project included an analysis of existing services for people with disabilities to identify gaps in services between jurisdictions that affect access to services for Indigenous people living on reserve. Once these obstacles to services are identified, initiatives will be developed to address them. Culturally relevant practices and resources were used to engage community members and service providers, and research methods that align with practices of the Cree and Dene communities and their cultures were used.
From November 2023 to January 2024, a research survey was conducted, and interviews and discussions took place. In March 2024, SFNFCI and MLTC partnered to provide a training session on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The session provided information on what ASD is, communication strategies in working with individuals with ASD, and methods to address stigma and prejudices related to ASD. The training also included information on ASD after childhood, social skills, and art therapy. SFNFCI looks forward to continuing work on this project in 2024.
