Social Services Sector Training & Education Plan

This important survey is the result of a collaboration between the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and the Federation of Community Social Services of BC (FCSSBC), who have partnered to lead the development of a training and education plan that will feed into the labour market strategy for the community social services sector in the province.

This survey focuses on enhancing cultural safety, anti-racism and decolonizing post-secondary education and training resources. We are particularly interested in the experiences of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students currently enrolled in human services post-secondary programs in British Columbia; this includes certificates and diploma programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Our work is guided by the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and the expertise of Indigenous social services practitioners and scholars. As such, we openly name colonialism and racism, as both a historical and ongoing component of human services programs and practice in Canada. With this truth in mind, this survey asks students to reflect on what makes decolonial and culturally safe learning and practices more accessible.

We want to know: what is working for you? What resources do you need in order to put your knowledge into practice? Which existing initiatives need further support? What needs to change in order for human services education and training to produce meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities? What, if any, barriers are you experiencing?

The feedback you provide will help shape actionable changes around cultural safety and decolonization in social services education and training. Completing the survey gives you a chance to win one of two $75 Save-on-Foods gift cards. You will have the opportunity to submit your email at the end of the survey, and your data will be anonymized from your survey results. We are most grateful for your time and input.