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1. What is it that inspires you about this person?

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1. What is it that inspires you about this person?

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Cindy Blackstock inspires me because of her unshakable commitment to fighting for the rights of Indigenous First Nations children. A member of the Gitksan First Nation, she was born in Burns Lake, British Columbia, and her journey as a passionate advocate for social justice began early in life. As a First Nations activist, Cindy faced significant discrimination and cultural disconnection, constantly battling harmful stereotypes about Indigenous people while enduring systemic racism. These early challenges sparked her deep dedication to advocating for social justice, particularly for Indigenous children, who have historically been denied equal treatment and access to services (Boyko, 2023).

Cindy’s work is inspiring because she continuously takes on powerful institutions, including the Canadian government, with unwavering bravery and persistence. Her ability to challenge systemic racism, even when facing opposition, demonstrates her courage and dedication to ensuring Indigenous children receive the same rights and opportunities as others. Her advocacy has not only impacted policy but also provided a platform for countless Indigenous voices to be heard.

Boyko, J. (2023, October 25). Cindy Blackstock. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cindy-blackstock

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At the age of 21, Cindy became a child protection worker and began her lifelong commitment to child protection and Indigenous child welfare. Through her work, she uncovered the harsh realities faced by Indigenous children and families. She realized that many of the struggles, such as addiction, trauma, and poverty, were directly linked to government policies that prevented on-reserve families from accessing the same social services and opportunities as others. This systemic inequality was a major driver of the inequities Indigenous families experienced, and it further motivated Cindy to fight for change (Ben & Jerry's, 2022).

With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Registered Social Worker (RSW), and a Ph.D., Cindy’s education and professional experience have provided her with the tools to confront these challenges head-on (Blackstock, n.d.). Her academic background, combined with her lived experience as an Indigenous person, has given her the unique perspective and strength to challenge the federal government on the policies and practices that continue to harm Indigenous communities.

One of Cindy Blackstock’s most significant victories was her legal battle following the tragic death of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child who was denied proper care due to disputes over funding. Cindy’s fight to hold the government accountable led to greater awareness of the systemic neglect of First Nations children and the policies that contributed to it. Her work also contributed to the establishment of Jordan’s Principle, which ensures that First Nations children receive equal access to services like healthcare, education, and social support services that were previously denied (Boyko, 2023).

In addition to her work advocating for policy change, Cindy carries the Spirit Bear teddy bear, symbolizing the 165,000 First Nations children impacted by the child welfare case and representing those who continue to fight for reconciliation and equity (First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, n.d.). Her bravery in taking on such powerful institutions, especially the federal government, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Ben & Jerry's. (2022, September). Cindy Blackstock. Retrieved from https://www.benandjerrys.ca/en/whats-new/2022/09/cindy-blackstock

Blackstock, C. (n.d.). Cindy Blackstock. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cindy-blackstock

Boyko, J. (2023, October 25). Cindy Blackstock. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cindy-blackstock

First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. (n.d.). Cindy Blackstock and the Spirit Bear. Retrieved from https://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/day-12-meet-cindy-blackstock-canada#:~:text=She%20recalls%20a%20childhood%20of,Nations%20children%20requiring%20social%20services.

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3. What form of oppression did they fight for?

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3. What form of oppression did they fight for?

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One course that I am studying is Finding Resiliency in an Anti-Oppressive Practice, where we were assigned to find a social justice icon and to explain oppression. According to Bishop (2002), oppression is deeply built into systems where wealth and power are controlled by a few, allowing them to make decisions that benefit themselves. This keeps many communities at a disadvantage, and activists fighting for social justice often face threats and intimidation. Cindy Blackstock, a social worker, has spent years standing up for the rights of Indigenous First Nations children, challenging unfair practices in Canada’s child welfare system.

Despite facing strong resistance from the government, Blackstock won several important legal cases, including a major class-action lawsuit. Her work continues to fight oppression, making sure Indigenous children’s voices are heard and their rights are protected. Cindy Blackstock has dedicated her life to challenging the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous children in Canada. Through her advocacy, legal work, and public awareness efforts, she aims to secure equal rights and opportunities for Indigenous children, especially in areas like child welfare and education (Children's World Prize, n.d.). Despite facing resistance from the government, Blackstock remains committed to her mission of ensuring fairness and justice for Indigenous children.

Cindy is fighting against oppression by challenging systemic injustices that have affected Indigenous children and their families. This aligns with the core principles of social justice in social work. As outlined by the Social Work Graduate (2023), social workers must advocate for oppressed groups and challenge the structures that perpetuate inequalities. Social workers use anti-oppressive practice to identify and address the power imbalances and inequalities embedded in systems that affect marginalized communities, including Indigenous populations. This practice aims to dismantle these structures and promote fairness, equality, and justice.

Bishop, A. (2002). Becoming an ally: Breaking the cycle of oppression in people. Fernwood Publishing. Retrieved from https://d2l.bowvalleycollege.ca/d2l/le/content/423654/viewContent/6435561/View

Children’s World Prize. (n.d.). Cindy Blackstock: Advocate for Indigenous children. World’s Children’s Prize. https://worldschildrensprize.org/cindy-blackstock

The Social Work Graduate. (2023, December 7). Anti-oppressive practice: A foundational framework for social workers. https://www.thesocialworkgraduate.com/post/anti-oppressive-practice

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4. What did they identify as needing to change for social justice to occur? 

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4. What did they identify as needing to change for social justice to occur? 

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One course I am studying is Finding Resiliency in an Anti-Oppressive Practice, where we were assigned to find a social justice icon and explain oppression. According to Bishop (2002), oppression is deeply ingrained in systems where wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few, allowing them to make decisions that benefit themselves, often at the expense of marginalized communities. As a result, many groups are disadvantaged, and activists fighting for social justice frequently face threats and intimidation.

Cindy Blackstock, a social worker, has dedicated years to standing up for the rights of Indigenous First Nations children, challenging unfair practices in Canada’s child welfare system. Despite strong government resistance, Blackstock won several important legal cases, including a major class action lawsuit. Her work continues to fight oppression by ensuring that Indigenous children's voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Blackstock’s efforts align with the core principles of social justice in social work. She works to dismantle harmful systems of inequality and racism, advocating for marginalized groups and promoting equality. In collaboration with the Canadian federal government, Cindy helped develop solutions to address the urgent need for social services for First Nations children. However, when the government failed to implement these solutions, more children entered the system unnecessarily (Nobel Women’s Initiative, n.d.).

In 2007, Cindy Blackstock, alongside the Assembly of First Nations and the Caring Society, filed a human rights complaint against the Canadian government, accusing it of racial discrimination. The complaint focused on the government’s unequal funding for child welfare services on reserves compared to non-Indigenous children. The hearings, initially set to conclude in 2014, helped bring attention to the ongoing systemic inequalities that continue to affect First Nations children. Cindy Blackstock’s advocacy efforts have been widely recognized, including in an interview with Chatelaine (2019), which highlights her role in addressing these disparities. Similarly, the Nobel Women’s Initiative (n.d.) recognizes her commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous children in Canada.

Following the complaint, the Auditor General of Canada conducted an audit that revealed significant flaws in the funding system for First Nations child and family services. The audit found that the government’s outdated funding formula created major disparities. Despite the government acknowledging that unequal access to services contributes to the over-representation of First Nations children in care, it has yet to fully address or resolve the funding issues.

Bishop, A. (2002). Becoming an ally: Breaking the cycle of oppression in people. [PDF file]. Bow Valley College. Retrieved from https://d2l.bowvalleycollege.ca/d2l/le/content/423654/viewContent/6435561/View

Nobel Women's Initiative. (n.d.). Day 12: Meet Cindy Blackstock, Canada. Nobel Women’s Initiative. https://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/day-12-meet-cindy-blackstock-canada#:~:text=She%20recalls%20a%20childhood%20of,Nations%20children%20requiring%20social%20services.

Chatelaine. (2019, December 17). Cindy Blackstock: Fighting for First Nations children’s rights. Chatelaine. https://chatelaine.com/living/politics/cindy-blackstock-q-and-a/

Nobel Women’s Initiative. (n.d.). Day 12: Meet Cindy Blackstock, Canada. Nobel Women’s Initiative. https://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/day-12-meet-cindy-blackstock-canada

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5. What tactics did they use that were successful? (This can be micro, mezzo, or macro)

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5. What tactics did they use that were successful? (This can be micro, mezzo, or macro)

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Cindy Blackstock's legal battle following the tragic story of Jordan Anderson is a prime example of a successful tactic she used to create change. Jordan, a First Nations child, was denied proper out-of-home care due to disputes between the federal government and medical professionals over funding, despite his medical team’s recommendation for discharge. Tragically, he remained in the hospital and passed away. Cindy took up his cause, challenging the government and exposing its negligence. Through her tireless efforts, she won the case, which sparked greater awareness of how First Nations children were being mistreated in medical care and led to improvements in how they are treated and compensated (Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal, 2020; Jordan's Principle, n.d.).

As a result of Cindy’s work, Jordan’s Principle was implemented, ensuring that First Nations children gained access to vital services such as dental care, physiotherapy, and counseling, which were previously denied. These services are life-saving, marking a major victory for Indigenous children and their families (Jordan's Principle, n.d.).

Cindy also carries a teddy bear named Spirit Bear, symbolizing the 165,000 First Nations children impacted by the First Nations child welfare case. Spirit Bear represents these children and the many individuals and organizations fighting for reconciliation and equity (First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, n.d.).

Cindy Blackstock’s efforts exemplify macro-level social work, as she fought for systemic change and policy reform. By filing a lawsuit against the federal government for its discriminatory practices, particularly within child welfare services, she aimed to address harmful policies affecting Indigenous communities. Social workers at the macro level focus on influencing policy, advocating for systemic change, and addressing social justice issues through program evaluation and research (Baylor University, 2025).

Her work can also be categorized as policy advocacy, as she lobbied for changes in social welfare policies to improve healthcare and child protection laws for Indigenous children. Cindy conducted research on social programs and their impacts on Indigenous communities, and through legal challenges, she held the federal government accountable for perpetuating systemic harm to Indigenous children (First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, 2024).

Cindy's efforts spanned both legal challenges against government policies and leadership within the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, working to create lasting social change. These actions are central to macro-level social work, which seeks to challenge and change systemic inequalities within government institutions and policies.

Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal. (2020). Jordan’s Principle: Background information sheet. Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal. https://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/jordans_principle_background_info_sheet.pdf

Jordan's Principle. (n.d.). Jordan’s Principle: Background Information Sheet. Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal. https://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/jordans_principle_background_info_sheet.pdf

First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. (n.d.). Spirit Bear and the children. https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear

Baylor University. (2025). The 3 levels of social work explained. https://gsswstories.baylor.edu/blog/the-3-levels-of-social-work-explained

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. (2024). A reformed approach to child and family services. https://fncaringsociety.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/38504%20Reformed%20Approach%20to%20CFS%20v12f.pdf

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7. What will you take from this information to ensure you are working from an anti-oppressive stance?

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7. What will you take from this information to ensure you are working from an anti-oppressive stance?

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As a first-year social work student raised in an Indigenous community, I’ve personally witnessed the devastating effects of issues like alcohol abuse on families, which often leads to their involvement in the social work system. These challenges are deeply rooted in intergenerational trauma, where the effects of past struggles continue to impact future generations. In my coursework, I’m learning about the importance of adopting an anti-oppressive approach to social work. This means that, as I continue to develop as a social worker, I must acknowledge and respect the unique experiences of Indigenous families and communities.

I understand the importance of listening to their stories with empathy, without judgment, and recognizing the historical and cultural context that shapes their experiences.

Anti-oppressive practice (AOP) is crucial in social work as it emphasizes recognizing and challenging systemic inequalities and power imbalances that impact marginalized groups. As a first-year social work student, it is vital for me to incorporate this approach in my practice to ensure that I am not perpetuating any form of discrimination. One of the key aspects of anti-oppressive practice is recognizing the intersectionality of oppression, where factors such as race, class, and gender combine to create unique challenges for individuals (GSSW Stories, 2023).

This is especially significant in the context of Cindy Blackstock’s advocacy work, where she has tirelessly fought against the Canadian federal government’s discriminatory practices, particularly those affecting Indigenous First Nations children and families. Her work underscores the importance of recognizing systemic racism and its impact on children, especially in child welfare services (Chatelaine, 2025).

Social workers have a responsibility to challenge these inequities, as Blackstock does, by advocating for policies and practices that support social justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals, particularly marginalized communities. By adopting anti-oppressive practices, social workers can better support clients in overcoming systemic barriers, promoting healing, and achieving social justice (GSSW Stories, 2023).

For example, inspired by advocates like Cindy Blackstock, I see how pushing for systemic change, challenging harmful policies, and advocating for equal access to resources and services are crucial steps in addressing oppression. I am learning how these principles can be applied to the work I’ll do with clients in the future. I understand that creating safe spaces for clients to share their experiences and empowering them to make decisions are essential to healing and change. As I continue my studies in social work, I am focusing on incorporating the lessons learned from advocates like Cindy Blackstock into my practice. These lessons include the importance of persistence in the face of systemic injustice, the need to understand clients' lived experiences, and the value of working to ensure that families' dignity and rights are preserved.

As future social workers, it's essential to understand that oppression is pervasive across all levels of society, including within the field itself. According to the Garland School of Social Work (2025), recognizing the intersectionality of identities, such as race, gender, and ability, helps identify unique experiences of marginalization. Social workers must engage in continuous self-reflection to identify and challenge personal biases, striving to empower clients by highlighting their strengths and fostering their advocacy. Additionally, activism plays a crucial role in anti-oppressive practice, urging social workers to challenge oppressive systems both within and outside the profession. By prioritizing these principles, social workers contribute to meaningful change in their communities, working toward equity and inclusion.

Chatelaine. (2025). Cindy Blackstock speaks about redressing wrongs. Chatelaine. Retrieved from https://chatelaine.com/living/politics/cindy-blackstock-q-and-a/

Garland School of Social Work. (2025). 5 things to know about anti-oppressive practice in social work. Baylor University. Retrieved from https://gsswstories.baylor.edu/blog/5-things-to-know-about-anti-oppressive-practice-in-social-work

GSSW Stories. (2023). 5 things to know about anti-oppressive practice in social work. Baylor University. Retrieved from https://gsswstories.baylor.edu/blog/5-things-to-know-about-anti-oppressive-practice-in-social-work

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6. What tactics were not successful and why? Remove the blindfold

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6. What tactics were not successful and why? Remove the blindfold

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One strategy that did not work for Cindy Blackstock was her initial belief that the federal government would take action to address the inequalities affecting First Nations families if she could present documented evidence of the issues (Ben & Jerry's, 2022). She spent many years compiling reports to show the lack of essential services, hoping the government would respond. However, over time, Blackstock realized that the government was already aware of these problems but had not made any effort to resolve them.

Ben & Jerry's. (2022, September). Cindy Blackstock: Fighting for First Nations children. Ben & Jerry's. https://www.benandjerrys.ca/en/whats-new/2022/09/cindy-blackstock

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Trauma-Informed Practice and Advocating for Healing and Justice

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Trauma-Informed Practice and Advocating for Healing and Justice

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As a first-year social work student working for child and family services and living in northern Indigenous communities, I have witnessed firsthand how many families go through domestic violence. Through my work, I began to see how trauma impacts not only the individuals involved but the entire family system. The systems meant to protect these families often perpetuate harm, further complicating their healing process. This realization drove me to pursue a trauma-informed practice that respects the unique needs of each individual while also challenging the larger structures that enable trauma.

One policy I aim to challenge is the unequal access to mental health and social services for marginalized families, particularly those impacted by domestic violence or historical trauma. Families in these situations often face delays in accessing the help they need, which only further perpetuates their struggles. I want to advocate for timely and equitable access to services that are tailored to the unique needs of these families.

Much like Cindy Blackstock’s advocacy for reform in child welfare, I see a need for changes in how healthcare systems address trauma. Families affected by domestic violence or intergenerational trauma often face barriers in receiving holistic care that includes both physical and mental health support. I hope to be part of a movement advocating for systemic reforms, ensuring that families receive comprehensive care that addresses both their immediate and long-term healing needs (Nobel Women's Initiative, 2025).

True healing involves more than just addressing immediate needs; it’s about rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and providing families with the tools to thrive despite their past trauma. I aim to support families not only in navigating healthcare systems but also in accessing community resources, creating safe spaces for healing, and empowering them to advocate for themselves. Long-term well-being, for me, means helping families break free from cycles of harm and providing them with the opportunity to live fulfilling, empowered lives.

Nobel Women's Initiative. (2025, March 12). Day 12: Meet Cindy Blackstock, Canada. Nobel Women’s Initiative. https://www.nobelwomensinitiative.org/day-12-meet-cindy-blackstock-canada