On behalf of the University of Victoria and the Faculty of Human and Social Development, I would like to welcome you to the Indigenous Child Welfare Research Network! My name is Mary Ellen Purkis and I am the Dean of the Faculty of Human and Social Development. I have been a visitor on Coast Salish territory since 1993 when I came to join the School of Nursing as a teacher and researcher.

As teachers, students and researchers in this Faculty we all share a common concern for social justice and for promoting health in the very broadest sense of that word. The focus of teaching in this Faculty complements the work of this research network by contributing knowledge that is respectful of traditions, the importance of family and community, and building research-informed practices that support the health and development of children in strong communities.

It is my hope that you will take the opportunity of exploring our website to learn more about the people who are leading and contributing to this important work – and that you will find ways to join with us to support and extend the work of the Indigenous Child Welfare Research Network.

Backgrounder - Jacquie Green, Project Manager

In February of 2008, the Faculty of Human and Social Development within the University of Victoria hosted a one-day forum including Indigenous faculty from Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Indigenous communities, agencies and educational institutions to collect ideas about developing an Indigenous Child Welfare Institute in British Columbia. The response was exciting and since July 1, 2008 we have received funds from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to strategize an Indigenous Network, develop two Indigenous Research Training modules, deliver community Indigenous Child Welfare Research training and host a provincial Child Welfare Research Conference.

The creation and maintenance of a research network is a collaborative process between universities, agencies and communities. People are keen to keep the conversation going, expand the circle and continue to work collaboratively. Ultimately, our vision is to establish a Research Institute in the province of British Columbia to ensure our children and families are nurtured with stories, traditional teachings and practices relevant to our diverse territories, languages and teachings. Research agendas include methods and analysis relevant to our diverse Indigenous traditional teachings, communities, and agencies. Ultimately, our goal is to re-claim re-search to provide our communities a space to re-story child rearing practices and re-generate traditional teachings for the next seven generations.

At this time we invite you to join our network and register online as a member.

This is a very exciting project. Please do not hesitate to contact me at icwr@uvic.ca or 250-721-6453 if you have any questions or comments.
In spirit,

Jacquie Green,
Project Manager, Indigenous Child Welfare Research Network
Human and Social Development, University of Victoria