Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) administration have more understanding of how to bridge divides for Indigenous students living with autism and neurodiversities.
Dr. Grant Bruno, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the U of A, and member of the Samson Cree Nation, spoke to school administration, educators, and Division staff at the WCPS Administration Association monthly meeting on Oct. 21.
As a father of five children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, Bruno has first-hand knowledge of some of the challenges that Indigenous families encounter when seeking neuro-affirming practices that weave modern medicine and Indigenous ways of knowing alongside traditional practices.
He says that to improve the health of First Nations children, the relationship between western institutions and Indigenous communities needs to change.
Bruno outlined a series of barriers that Indigenous families face when it comes to seeking care for their autistic or neurodivergent children that stem from cultural differences, severe lack of resources, differing governance systems and child developmental perspectives, trauma, and western hierarchical ways of working. Diagnosing and labeling were not a part of indigenous traditions, Bruno said.
He told attendees that the traditional ways of working are to "fix the child."
"Autisum is a gift, it's a teacher."
"Start with acceptance, don't go straight to intervention," he said, adding that western perspectives are more "linear," while the Cree development model is a circle that centers the child.
The Cree "understandings" of autism, Bruno says, translates to; "given the gift of moving and being different."
For the health of Indigenous children, Bruno explained that changes are needed that "honour diverse ways of being."
"Establish relationships with communities, reflect and challenge ableism, encourage diagnosis for families, provide neuro-affirming practices which weave Indigenous ways of knowing."
Administrators were directed to share the documentary called, They Are Sacred, with their Schools' teachers and staff. The film speaks to the reclamation of traditional knowledge and practices and features Bruno and his family. It can be found on Youtube.
