A collaborative approach to develop indigenous specific parenting education.

Discrimination against Indigenous peoples is ongoing and perpetuated by systemic structures such as Eurocentric educational systems that often require learners to suppress their Indigeneity and conform to the dominant culture. Previous attempts at incorporating Indigenous cultures and values into education have often perpetuated harmful and negative stereotypes to the detriment of Indigenous learners. Parenting education courses for separating or divorcing parents are designed to support emotional wellbeing and promote positive co‐parenting relationships. While it is widely known that Indigenous worldviews vary from Western worldviews, there is little research on parenting education courses for Indigenous families and few culturally responsive programs designed for non‐dominant cultures or offered in other languages. Walking in two worlds is a reality for Indigenous peoples; needing to conform to the dominant systems in society while also honoring their teachings and ways of being. This article describes how a parenting education course for Indigenous families was created by employing the principle of collaboration with full involvement of all participants resulting in a course that bridges the gap between two different worldviews. Key points for the Family Court Community: Globally, Indigenous peoples continue to face discrimination. It is essential that family court professionals develop an understanding of systemic barriers that Indigenous communities face.It is essential for culturally responsive parenting education courses to exist. These courses should be developed and informed by the communities for which they are intended so the course content can be responsive to community needs and reflect community knowledge. Indigenous families will be more likely to engage with the course material and the content will have a greater impact if it reflects Indigenous worldviews and cultures.Engaging in collaborative practices when creating courses or content for Indigenous peoples is vital (requiring full involvement and cooperation of community members). Collaboration includes the bringing together of various Indigenous community members, informed through both life and educational/vocational experience. Collaboration means community members are full and equal partners in all aspects of development, where there is conscientiously shared power.Incorporating Indigenous worldviews is possible and should be done as Indigenous peoples have diverse needs and ways of knowing that are not met through Western worldviews. One way that family court officials can demonstrate responsiveness to Indigenous worldviews is by recognizing the privilege they hold by the very fact they occupy a role that is based in Western ways of knowing and being. The legal system has a colonial history, and this can only be interrupted by those who work within the system being willing to expand their understanding of worldviews, engage in critical thinking for all decisions they participate in, and challenge the status quo where necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]