Case study:

David and Cindy moved to Toronto with their five children Cara, Kendall, Shayla, Cody, and Tyler. They are an Indigenous family that have a house on the reserves. Due to their son Kendall’s heart issues, they moved to Toronto. David and Cindy believe that coming to Toronto reminds them of their schooling which was not a good experience. Having been raised in nature and involved in their community back home, they feel it’s tough to transition living in the city. Kendall’s need for another surgery and rehabilitation had a huge impact on the whole family. In their meeting with the social worker, the parents learned that Cara was struggling to adjust in school. During a session with a child life specialist, David and Cindy discuss how they feel and the changes they have noticed in their children. A new environment is proving difficult for all of their children. Cindy is concerned about Cara isolating herself and having difficulty expressing her feelings. Kendall also exhibits difficult behaviors, such as crying a lot, wetting the bed at night, and warning to be held constantly. Their relationship is difficult to redevelop their relationships with their children. The parents and children are making slow progress as they are passive and reserved, according to the child life specialist. During the meeting the parents don’t communicate properly, make eye contact and don’t open up. Generational trauma might be preventing them from connecting with the community here. The child life specialist believes they need to adapt activities to support the parents as well. Cara’s child life specialist suggests that she join the indigenous community in Toronto so she can reconnect with her culture.

Preventative Strategies at Home

• Based on the information in your summary, what are the short term and long-term goals for the child/family?
• What are some preventative strategies to be implemented in the child’s home?
• These strategies should be in response to the challenges the child faces, but also to support his/her strengths and interests.
• Think about the routine, set up of the environment, relationships with parents and siblings, specific activities that should be implemented and why (consider materials, time of day, set up, location, etc.).

ANSWER

Culturally Responsive Preventative Strategies for Indigenous Family’s Transition

The situation involving David and Cindy, an Indigenous family, and their children Cara, Kendall, Shayla, Cody, and Tyler, highlights the challenges they are facing in transitioning to a new environment and dealing with their son Kendall’s health issues. To address their immediate and long-term needs, several culturally responsive preventative strategies can be implemented at home to support the children’s adjustment and strengthen family bonds.

Short-Term Goals

Emotional Expression: Help the children, especially Cara and Kendall, express their emotions and concerns in a safe and supportive environment.

Cultural Reconnection: Facilitate opportunities for the family to engage with their Indigenous culture, community, and values.

Siblings’ Bond: Foster healthy relationships among siblings to provide emotional support and companionship during the transition.

Long-Term Goals

Educational Success: Ensure that all children are able to adapt well to their new school environment, particularly Cara who is struggling with adjustment.

Family Connection: Strengthen the parent-child relationships and improve communication between David and Cindy to create a supportive family environment.

Cultural Continuity: Help the family maintain their Indigenous identity and connections despite the urban setting.

Preventative Strategies

Emotional Expression Space: Create a designated space within the home where each child can openly express their feelings through art, writing, or talking. This space can serve as a way for Cara and Kendall to process their emotions without feeling isolated.

Daily Family Sharing Time: Implement a daily routine where each family member shares one positive aspect of their day during dinner or before bedtime. This encourages open communication and highlights the good moments, promoting positivity.

Cultural Activities Corner: Designate an area in the home for cultural artifacts, stories, and crafts that remind the family of their Indigenous heritage. This space will serve as a connection to their roots and provide a sense of belonging.

Sibling Team-Building Activities: Organize regular family activities that involve siblings working together to complete tasks or projects. This will promote bonding, collaboration, and teamwork among them.

Bedtime Routine: Develop a calming bedtime routine involving storytelling or sharing about their day. This can help Kendall feel secure and reduce nighttime anxieties like bedwetting.

Community Reconnection: Encourage the family to attend Indigenous community events, workshops, or gatherings in Toronto. These events will offer opportunities for cultural reconnection, support, and friendship.

Indigenous Arts and Crafts: Engage the children in creating Indigenous arts and crafts that reflect their heritage. This hands-on activity can serve as a bridge to their culture and provide a sense of accomplishment.

By implementing these preventative strategies, the family can work towards achieving their short-term and long-term goals. These strategies focus on emotional expression, strengthening family bonds, maintaining cultural connections, and providing a supportive environment for each family member’s unique needs. The goal is to help them navigate the challenges of transition while honoring their Indigenous identity and values.