Reviewing the artifacts I chose, I think it showcases I want to understand information on a deeper level, rather than the surface level provided in most courses from school. I wholeheartedly believe connecting with Indigenous communities, learning the teachings, hearing from Indigenous perspectives the obstacles they continue to face, and actively pushing past stereotypes in practical ways makes the difference. As a social work student, I do not want to sit by and decide to do the bare minimum with supporting people, nor stay complacent in systems that cause harm. As a critical thinker I recognize most narratives we are fed are missing key information, irrelevant, or downright harmful, and the importance of challenging what we are told or taught beyond first layer. I was fortunate to have a chance to hear directly from different individuals at the Hide Tanning event. I spoke to a woman about the ways the welfare system is systematically created to keep people poor and is intentionally oppressive and discriminatory. I spoke with someone else who talked about her experience as a parole officer with Indigenous Peoples and how it can bring up trauma for the worker and key pieces of information, I should be aware of in the field. Immersive experiences, pushing against stereotypes, and looking past what meets the eye is showcased in my artifacts and I believe reveals parts of who I am and want to be. 

Something I continue to find difficult about my learning journey on these topics is the uncomfortable emotions that I feel when hearing more detailed information about harm done at residential schools and the 60’s scoop. I am not uncomfortable learning more about it, in fact I want to learn more, rather I experience waves of shame and despair about the evil acts Indigenous peoples had to endure. I feel ashamed about being white and part of the dominant group that caused so much harm. Despite this, I am working on using those emotions to push myself because most of what I am feeling is not about me, it is about Indigenous children and unjust actions. I need to use my privilege to be an active ally to the community, support and advocate without overstepping Indigenous voices, and continue having the uncomfortable conversations. I will continue sharing what I learn, furthering my education through Indigenous podcast, and directly interact with Indigenous communities.

I understand more of the culture and the way that culture can heal Indigenous Peoples. Prior to this course I knew culture was both important and part of healing, and I knew a small piece of what that entailed, yet I did not know the depth of the necessity for connecting with culture. Learning these things throughout the semester and portfolio has been instrumental in how I will approach Indigenous clients, using the medicine wheel and holistic/culturally appropriate approaches whenever possible because that is what heals and helps; after all I am there to walk alongside not to run the show on their journey. I have also grown more confident in my ability to contribute to conversations that I feel uncertain about or less educated in. Rather than shying away I have slowly moved closer to leaning into that comfortability. I see growth within and have learned more by speaking up even when unsure. This is something I want to carry with my not just in academic or professional life but personal as well.