Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledges, M.S.W.
Social Work
Dean: Dr. Michael Yellow Bird
Associate Dean(s): Dr. David Delay (Graduate Programs & Research)
Acting Director: Dr. David Delay
Campus Address/General Office: 521 Tier Building
Telephone: 204-474-6663
Fax: 204-474-7594
Email Address: mswik@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/social-work/
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Social Work website for Faculty information.
Master of Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledges Program Information
The Master of Social Work degree based in Indigenous Knowledges (M.S.W.- I.K.) is an advanced degree built on an Indigenous foundation, and the B.S.W. degree. While the program focuses on preparing graduates to work in Indigenous organizations and/or with Indigenous peoples, and to confront the structural barriers Indigenous peoples face, it will also prepare graduates with skills transferable to a wider range of organizations and peoples. A range of positions within the human services are open to graduates, such as family therapists, case managers, group workers, community developers, policy analysts, and administrators. In addition, graduates may be active as scholars, politicians, senior civil servants, private consultants, and international development.
The objectives of the program are to support students to:
- work from Indigenous perspectives;
- understand the colonial history of events which have led to present circumstances;
- understand social justice, anti-oppressive practices, anti-colonialism, and Indigenism;
- explore Indigenous forms of helping and support(s) applicable to social work;
- recover and support Indigenous values, practices, and structures;
- empower Indigenous identities;
- maintain a close connection with Indigenous communities and agencies, and
- develop as advanced social work practitioners.
The foundational material of this program gives particular attention to knowledges, perspectives, values, and practices of Indigenous peoples that will support graduates to work from both Indigenous and critical social work theory perspectives. This material is relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons in their personal and professional development as social workers with advanced training. The degree is designated as Master of Social Work degree.
Considerable attention is given to issues of educational equity. Like the M.S.W. program, these matters are included within the M.S.W. based in Indigenous Knowledges program’s curriculum, and every effort is made to ensure that people from marginalized groups have access to the M.S.W. based in Indigenous Knowledges program. The purpose of this initiative is to achieve equity in professional education so that no person shall be denied educational opportunities to benefits for reasons unrelated to ability. In fulfillment of this goal the aim is to correct the conditions of disadvantage in professional education experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples in Canada, persons with disabilities, immigrants and refugees to Canada, LGBTTQ and persons who are members of a visible minority in Canada. Educational equity does not mean treating people in the same way. It requires overt measures and the accommodation of difference while maintaining a particular focus on the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Admission Information
Admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Application and Admission Procedures are found in the Academic Guide.
Admission requirements for Master’s students are found in the Master’s Degrees General Regulations section of the Guide.
M.S.W.-I.K. Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Possession of a B.S.W. degree (by June 30th of the application year) from an accredited university or a four-year degree other than a B.S.W. degree from an accredited program which is recognized by the University of Manitoba.
- Participation in an admissions interview process
- Participation in a program orientation
- A well developed statement of intent
- Three letters of reference from academic, employment, and Indigenous community sources
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) is required in the last sixty credit hours of university study
- If courses have been taken subsequent to the degree as a Special Student and/or Occasional Student and/or in a subsequent degree or a Pre-Masters program, they will be calculated into the grade point average as part of the last 60 credit hours
- Applicants who self-identify as members of one or more of the Educational Equity priority groups, and who possess a grade point average between 2.5 and 2.99 will be reviewed for special consideration. Applicants with a grade point average below 2.5 will not be considered.
Application Information
Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the M.S.W.-I.K. program of study page.
Degree Requirements
The total credit hours required for the program are 27 credits in the project based option plus the zero credit courses. The thesis option is 24 credit hours plus the zero credit courses. Students must successfully complete all courses in the program in order to graduate.
Students choose either the project-based option, which includes the completion of SWRK 7760 and SWRK 7790, and SWRK 7820, or the thesis option, which includes completion of SWRK 7760, and SWRK 7790. Students choosing the thesis option must register for GRAD 7000.
The program requires at least 12 months of full time study. Students who choose the thesis option are likely to require more time depending on the nature of their research. Students may take the M.S.W. based in Indigenous Knowledges program on a full time or part time basis.
Students have a limit of four years to complete the full time program and a limit of six years to complete the part time program.
Note: The M.S.W.-I.K. program is not offered through distance delivery. The MSW-IK program will incorporate Blended Learning that includes one-week intensive courses, face-to-face interactions, and the use of Educational Technology.
Expected Time to Graduate: 2 years
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SWRK 7700 | Grounding Our Foundation in Indigenous Knowledges and Social Work | 0 |
| SWRK 7710 | Remembering Our Histories | 3 |
| SWRK 7720 | Critical Theory and Indigenous Peoples | 3 |
| SWRK 7730 | Indigenous Research Methodologies and Knowledge Development | 3 |
| SWRK 7740 | Indigenous Peoples, Identity, and Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 7750 | Indigeneity, Power, Privilege, and Social Work | 3 |
| SWRK 7760 | Project/Thesis Seminar 1 | 0 |
| SWRK 7770 | Social Challenges and Indigenous Helping Practices | 3 |
| SWRK 7780 | Social Work, Social Challenges, and Indigenous Peoples | 3 |
| SWRK 7790 | Project/Thesis Seminar 2 | 0 |
| SWRK 7800 | Indigenism | 3 |
| SWRK 7810 | Anti-Colonial Social Work | 3 |
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| Select one of the following options: | 0-3 | |
| Project Based Route: | ||
| Project Seminar 3 | ||
| Thesis Based Route: | ||
| Master's Thesis | ||
| Total Hours | 27-30 | |
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
Students must meet with their faculty advisor to select and approve the courses before registering.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Academic Schedule
Dates applicable to Social Work
Orientation
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fort Garry, Inner City Field Instruction Orientation | September 3, 2024 |
Start and End Dates
Field Instruction
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | September 3 to December 13, 2024 |
| Winter Term | January 6 to April 18, 2025 |
Dates applicable to Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledge
ORIENTATION
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Orientation Date | May 15, 2024 |
START AND END DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | August 21, 2023 to December 8, 2023 |
| Winter Term | January 8, 2024 to April 15, 2024 |
| Summer Term | April 22, 2024 to June 24, 2024 |
TERM BREAK
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Term Break | November 27, 2023 to December 1, 2023 |
| Winter Term Break | February 19, 2024 to February 23, 2024 |
Courses
An examination of the elements of ideology, and the application of competing ideological systems in the study of social welfare policy. This course also examines the history of Canadian social welfare from European contact to contemporary developments.
Situates the social work profession within the context of a settler colonial state and examines the intersection of knowledge, theory, values, ethics, and power relations that form the foundation of the profession and shape interventions and norms within social service agencies. Restricted to MSW Foundation Year Program Students only.
Introduces students to ecological and other generalist practice models in the provision of social services. Attention is given to key contextual aspects of social work practice such as gender, poverty, and culture in the study of professional roles and ethics. Intervention modalities considered range from direct practice with individuals to strategies of community change. Restricted to MSW Foundation Year Program students only. May not be held with former SWRK 6020. Pre- or Co-requisite SWRK 7002 (C+) for fall/winter registrations. Pre-requisite SWRK 7002 (C+) for summer term registrations.
Equiv To: SWRK 6020
An educationally focused practice experience where the student carries a sustained professional role as a beginning practitioner. Requires 450 hours of time including an orientation program, engagement in practicum activities under supervision, educational contact time with the field instructor and evaluation of performance. Subject to satisfactory completion and reports, students will be graded on a pass/fail basis. May not be held with the former SWRK 6050.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Co-requisite: SWRK 7004 (C+). Pre-requisite for summer term registrations: SWRK 7002 (C+).
Equiv To: SWRK 6050
Focuses on the analysis of social welfare policy and social work practice from an Indigenous perspective. The influence of colonization as an attribute of oppression is examined along with an exploration of developments oriented to the goal of decolonization and empowerment. Restricted to MSW Foundation Year students only. May not be held with the former SWRK 6060.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre- or co-requisite: SWRK 7002 (C+).
Equiv To: SWRK 6060
An intermediate course in the analysis of quantitative social work data. The course will emphasize application and interpretation of analytical techniques useful in the pursuit of social justice through social work. Priority registration given to MSW students. May not be held with the former SWRK 6010.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre- or co-requisite: SWRK 7620 (C+) or instructor approval.
Equiv To: SWRK 6010
An intermediate course in qualitative approaches for research for the pursuit of social justice through social work. It will examine various approaches to the design and analysis of qualitative social work research. Priority registration given to MSW students. May not be held with the former SWRK 6070.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre- or co-requisite: SWRK 7620 (C+) or instructor approval.
Equiv To: SWRK 6070
A student directed specialized practice experience where the focus is on the integration of theory, research and practice. Requires 450 hours of supervised, advanced practice following approval of a proposal developed by the student. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Pre or Co Requisite: SWRK 7190.
Requires application of theory and research to analysis of selected activities undertaken in Advanced Field Practice. Pre or Co- requisite: SWRK 7180.
A tutorial approach which permits the graduate student to develop an area of concentration independently but with assistance and mutual work with a faculty member.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: written permission of instructor.
Students focus on the theory, social policy and social work practice implications of a given social problem area.
A tutorial in specialized research methodology to be offered only to students who have highly specialized research interests which are not commonly offered in other courses.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: an introductory research course and consent of the instructor.
This course examines methods of evaluating clinical social work interventions with individuals, couples, families, and other small groups.
A course focused on the development of knowledge and skills in applying methods of evaluation to policies and programs in the human services. Analytical and practice skills in program evaluation are developed through an examination of theories, models, and case study applications.
A course focused on the development of knowledge and skills for planning social policies and social programs with special attention to the importance of policy analysis. Analytical and practice skills are developed through case studies and a critical review of theories and models.
An overview of design and methodology options in quantitative and qualitative social work research, with special emphasis on practice in community settings.
Advanced quantitative analysis of social work policy and practice, with emphasis on multivariate analysis techniques.
Advanced qualitative analysis of social work policy and practice, with emphasis on analyzing appropriate case studies, and interview and documentary information.
A required non-credit course on special issues to support students in preparing their formal dissertation proposals. Topics include scholarly findings, research methodology, and data analysis. Graded as P/F.
An opportunity for students to engage in the study of a specific field or topic in social work. Taken as a course, tutorial or offered as a special Ph.D. seminar when numbers permit.
This course focuses on exploring the relationship between critical social theories and social work. Students will examine social work theory and practice from critical theoretical perspectives and analyze their current and past policy and practice experiences from these perspectives. Priority to be provided to MSW students in course registration.
Mutually Exclusive: SWRK 7720
An intermediate course that provides an overview of research paradigms, methodologies, and methods. Students will be prepared to employ research as critical consumers, mobilizers, and producers of knowledge to further social work based on social justice. Priority to be provided to MSW students in course registration.
This course provides the foundation for advanced social work practice with individuals and families in their social contexts. Perspectives for intervention are examined and critiqued including ecological, systems, postmodern, indigenous, and structural approaches.
Using supervised practice experiences, this course develops advanced skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation of direct practice with individuals and families within the context of social work's commitment to addressing social injustice.
This course will increase students' knowledge and skill in reflexive social work practice with groups in a broad range of health and social service settings.
This course aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in reflexive social work practice with networks, neighbourhoods and communities.
This course integrates theories about community with practical application. Students will also gain knowledge of agencies based in community practice. This course will extend over two terms.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre or co-requisite: SWRK 7660.
This course provides a general overview of Indigenous approaches to healing and helping. Connections to social work practice/policy are identified. The course is focused on experiential and participatory learning and involves a 5-day intensive retreat. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
This course will set a foundation for understanding historical perspectives of Indigenous knowledges in relation to social work. Raise awareness of traditional and spiritual; connections to languages, families, communities, nations, and lands to establish an understanding of "relationship" in Indigenous ways of being. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7700 (P).
This course will review critical social theories with primary focus on colonialism and social justice, in relation to social work. Anti-colonialism, anti-oppressive approaches, feminist approaches and other critical perspectives, in relation to Indigenous Peoples, will be examined from Indigenous perspectives. May not hold with SWRK 7600. Mutually Exclusive: SWRK 7600.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7700 (P).
Mutually Exclusive: SWRK 7600
This course will examine research epistemologies and methodologies based in Indigenous ontologies and social experiences in the context of social work research with Indigenous Peoples. The course will present the influences of colonization, Indigenism, and decolonization on knowledge development.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7700 (P).
This course will give students an understanding of how they see themselves and how their relationships at individual, family, clan, community, and nation levels contribute to identity development. It deepens understanding of how people view themselves and react in contemporary contexts. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7700 (P).
This course will examine identity development influenced by gender, ethnicity, Indigeneity, internalized oppression, aboriginalism, internalized domination, whiteness, white privilege, racism, and in relation to social policies and social work practice with individuals, families, communities, and nations.
This course will focus on initiating knowledge development in practice settings. Students will learn to apply Indigenous and critical social work epistemological and methodological concepts by finalizing their project/thesis proposal and beginning their projects. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7730 (C+).
This course will teach students how Indigenous Elders, traditional teachers and /or medicine people identify, interpret and meet current social challenges. The course looks at how positive identities and relationships are fostered through traditional Indigenous helping practices and how they currently inform social work. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7740 (P).
This course will focus on Indigenous knowledges shared through group participation in Indigenous helping practices. It looks at how these practices could be supported by social workers in communities and organizations for people facing social challenges. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7770 (P).
This course will continue to guide students on their application/research of Indigenous practice knowledges in their chosen projects/theses and to ensure the student is actively implementing the projects/theses as outlined in their approved proposals. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7760 (P).
This course will focus on Indigenous knowledges shared through group participation in Indigenous helping practices. It looks at how these practices could be supported by social workers in communities and organizations for people facing social challenges. Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
This course will focus on design and participation in community service and research projects. This course will challenge the student to include reflection, application, and evaluation of critical social work knowledge and research on how the student project (s) and/or action(s) contribute to development of anticolonialism, social justice, and Indigenism.
Students in this course will complete their major projects. Students will also complete a written paper and oral presentation addressing their respective projects.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: SWRK 7790 (P).
A seminar focusing on the definition, development, legitimization, and transmission of knowledge for social work practice. A range of approaches will be discussed including scientific approaches (logical positivism), post-modern approaches, indigenous and culturally based approaches, and critical approaches.
A seminar focusing on the development of social work from mainstream and marginalized people's perspectives (including Aboriginal people and women), and its relationship; to current professional issues. Histories, ideological, economic, theoretical, and political factors will be considered in examining selected fields of practice.
A seminar and laboratory course in the understanding and use of a wide range of epistemological and methodological approaches to research related to social work. This will include a focus on the views and practices of Aboriginal peoples, women, and other marginalized persons.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre-requisite: a Master's level qualitative research course (B) taken within five years or instructor approval.
A seminar and laboratory course in the use of multivariate statistics in analyzing experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and administrative data related to social policy, social services, and social work practice.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Pre-requisite: Master's level quantitative research course (B) taken within five years or instructor approval.
Development of Social Work in Canada, with international comparisons, through examination of social processes and intellectual trends shaping the profession, such as colonization, Indigenous issues, feminism, neoliberalism and globalization, and highlighting of practices, methods and models. Cannot be held with SWRK 8020.
Equiv To: SWRK 8020
This Seminar will provide a context for understanding the connections between colonization, education and Indigenous peoples around the world. It is designed to engage students in a deeper, critical and fuller discussion and understanding of the world (ontology) and beliefs about knowledge (epistemology), and values (axiology) with regards to Indigenization, colonization and decolonization of the academy of social work