This course builds on prior foundational sessions and learning to provide a deeper, practice-based exploration of decolonizing social work. Using case studies, participants will learn how to apply key concepts such as cultural safety, relational accountability, and Two-Eyed Seeing in both direct practice and organizational contexts. Attendees will leave with concrete tools, strategies and reflective prompts to strengthen their everyday work with clients and communities.
Please note: This material was adapted from a 2025 OLC Webinar in collaboration with the presenter.
Learning Objective 1: Apply decolonizing and anti-oppressive frameworks to real-world case scenarios in social work practice.
Learning Objective 2: Identify practical tools and strategies for empowering Indigenous and marginalized clients/ communities at both micro and macro levels.
Learning Objective 3:
Critically reflect on personal and organizational practice to strengthen cultural safety, relational accountability and equity in service delivery.
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Dr. Shane Young is a multidisciplinary researcher, activist-scholar, and creative thinker. He is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the Academic Coordinator for the Indigenous Knowledge and Experiences Certificate at Toronto Metropolitan University.
His research focuses on critical Indigenous studies, urban Indigenous identities, and theories of colonialism and decolonization, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous methodologies. Shane’s doctoral work examined how digital platforms such as Instagram and TikTok shape Indigenous identity formation, resurgence, and futures.
With a background in social work, he has extensive experience in educational and community settings, working alongside populations facing systemic marginalization, including Deaf communities, people experiencing homelessness, and Indigenous youth.
Shane has Mi’kmaw and Newfoundland settler ancestry and was raised on Newfoundland’s southwest coast.
