A collaborative approach to develop indigenous specific parenting education

Abstract

Discrimination against Indigenous peoples is ongoing and perpetuated by systemic structures such as Eurocentric educational systems that often require learners to suppress their Indigeneity and conform to the dominant culture. Previous attempts at incorporating Indigenous cultures and values into education have often perpetuated harmful and negative stereotypes to the detriment of Indigenous learners. Parenting education courses for separating or divorcing parents are designed to support emotional wellbeing and promote positive co-parenting relationships. While it is widely known that Indigenous worldviews vary from Western worldviews, there is little research on parenting education courses for Indigenous families and few culturally responsive programs designed for non-dominant cultures or offered in other languages. Walking in two worlds is a reality for Indigenous peoples; needing to conform to the dominant systems in society while also honoring their teachings and ways of being. This article describes how a parenting education course for Indigenous families was created by employing the principle of collaboration with full involvement of all participants resulting in a course that bridges the gap between two different worldviews.