Laura Paquette: Indigenous and community-based perspectives on social work

In honour of March being Social Work Month, we wanted to share the amazing and diverse placement experiences of some of our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students, in order to highlight the fact that social work is an incredibly wide-ranging field that extends into all areas of the community.

Meet Laura, an MSW student currently completing her placement at Shkaabe Makwa at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Here's what she had to say about her experience at her placement, studying at Renison's School of Social Work, and the broader field of social work.

I am an Indigenous Kwe from Kebaowek First Nation, currently living and working in Toronto, ON. After spending 28 years working in the community, I returned to academics to pursue a BSW at TMU, with the goal of eventually earning my master’s degree. At the age of 51, I began studying in Renison’s MSW program. I chose Renison’s MSW program because it aligns with both my professional experience and my long-term aspirations. What truly sets Renison apart from other programs is its focus on health, which I believe will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed for clinical practice in my community. Additionally, the program will equip me with the tools necessary to address healthcare inequities and the social determinants of health in Indigenous communities.

In my practicum at Shkaabe Makwa, I have gained valuable experience in a culturally responsive and community-centered setting. My general responsibilities include providing systems support to the research team and assisting with program evaluations. I work closely with the team to ensure that the programs are effective and meet the needs of the community. This experience has allowed me to apply my skills in a meaningful way while learning more about the intersection of research, program development, and community well-being.

I have gained invaluable insights into Indigenous approaches to research. One of the most significant learnings has been the importance of community-based, holistic perspectives in the research process. Rather than focusing solely on data collection, Indigenous research methodologies emphasize the relationships and context surrounding the individuals and communities involved. I have learned that these approaches prioritize respect, reciprocity, and collaboration with the community, ensuring that research is conducted in a way that honors cultural values and traditions. This includes understanding the significance of storytelling and oral histories as valid forms of knowledge, and recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and environment in assessing community health and wellness.

I have also learned the importance of research being driven by the needs and priorities of the community, rather than external agendas. This has fostered a deeper sense of cultural humility in my work and helped me to understand how research can be a powerful tool for empowerment, advocacy, and positive change when it is conducted in a respectful, ethical, and community-centered manner.

My studies at Renison’s School of Social Work have been instrumental in shaping my approach to my practicum placement, particularly through an Indigenous worldview. The curriculum has provided a strong foundation in social work theory, ethics, and practice, but it is the integration of cultural awareness and community-centered principles that has been most meaningful to me in my work at Shkaabe Makwa. For example, the course material on trauma-informed care has deepened my understanding of the intergenerational impacts of colonization and the importance of healing through culturally relevant practices and community support. Similarly, the emphasis on cultural competency has helped me recognize the need to approach my work with humility, respect, and an understanding of the distinct needs and strengths within Indigenous communities.

The strength-based, community-driven approaches emphasized at Renison have resonated with me on a personal level, as they align with traditional Indigenous values of interconnectedness, resilience, and collective well-being. These teachings have reinforced my ability to support and empower individuals and families in ways that respect their cultural identity while also fostering healing and growth. Furthermore, Renison’s focus on critical thinking has been crucial in evaluating programs through an Indigenous lens, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also rooted in respect for the community’s traditional knowledge and values. Ultimately, my studies at Renison have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to navigate my practicum with both academic rigor and cultural sensitivity, allowing me to make a meaningful and respectful contribution to my community.

My placement at Shkaabe Makwa is providing me with the practical experience and insights necessary to build a strong foundation for my future career in social work. Working in a culturally responsive and community-centered environment has deepened my understanding of how to integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary social work practice. This unique setting has equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of supporting individuals and families within Indigenous communities, while also respecting and honoring cultural values and practices.

Through my work with the research team and involvement in program evaluation, I have gained a greater understanding of how to assess and develop programs that are not only effective but also rooted in the needs and strengths of the community. This experience is teaching me the importance of collaboration, cultural humility, and community empowerment, all of which are critical to ethical and meaningful social work practice. Additionally, being exposed to trauma-informed care and healing practices specific to Indigenous communities is preparing me to work with populations that have been impacted by historical and intergenerational trauma.

Overall, my placement has helped me develop the practical skills and cultural competencies needed to work effectively in diverse settings, and it is reinforcing my commitment to supporting community-driven solutions in my future social work practice.

The most surprising aspect of my placement has been how much more engaging and fulfilling 'doing' research is compared to just 'learning' about research. In the classroom, research often feels abstract, theoretical, and distant, but in my placement, I’ve had the opportunity to actively contribute to the research process. Being involved in data collection, program evaluation, and seeing firsthand how research can impact real-world outcomes for the community has been both eye-opening and inspiring. It’s shown me the power of research in creating meaningful change, especially when it’s rooted in the needs and values of the community. This hands-on experience has deepened my appreciation for research as an essential tool in social work, and it’s made me eager to continue integrating it into my future practice.

I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about social workers is that we only deal with crisis situations or provide immediate solutions to problems. Many people think that social workers are primarily involved in emergency interventions or that we simply provide services like child protection or welfare checks. In reality, social work is a diverse and multifaceted field that goes far beyond these areas. Social workers are advocates, community builders, and facilitators of long-term change. We work on prevention, empowerment, and creating sustainable support systems. Our role often involves helping individuals and communities navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and promote social justice through advocacy, policy development, and education. The work is not just about addressing immediate needs but about fostering healing, growth, and well-being in a holistic, culturally sensitive, and sustainable manner.

My advice to someone considering studying social work would be to approach it with an open heart and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives. Social work is a field that requires empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support others, but it’s also important to recognize that it can be challenging and emotionally demanding. It’s crucial to be self-reflective and to continuously develop cultural humility, especially if you’re working with diverse populations or marginalized communities.

I would also encourage prospective students to explore different areas of social work, whether it's clinical practice, policy work, community organizing, or research, because the field offers a variety of paths. Finally, understand that social work is not just a profession, but a commitment to social justice, empowerment, and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities, then social work can be a deeply fulfilling and impactful career.

Want to learn more about social work? Check out Renison's School of Social Work! 

This is our last feature for Social Work Month 2025 - we hope you all enjoyed reading about the diverse experiences of our BSW and MSW students!

We also hope these features have been educational in some way, or have helped overcome any preconceived biases about the field of social work.