"Circle of caring": a First Nations worldview of child rearing.

BACKGROUND

For occupational therapy to be meaningful for all families who have a child with a developmental disability, the profession needs to consider and integrate into practice alternative and more inclusive epistemologies. A greater understanding and respect of a First Nations worldview may help reduce the risk of inadvertently perpetuating oppression and assimilation.

PURPOSE

To describe raising a child with a developmental disability from the perspective of five members of the Lil'wat Nation.

METHODS

Data were obtained from in-depth interviews and analysed using a constant comparative approach.

FINDINGS

Within the category of family the subcategories identified were extensive support network, intergenerational learning and doing, and influence of the residential school system. Within the category of raising a child the subcategories identified were health and spirituality, causation beliefs, and a sense of knowing.

IMPLICATIONS

Occupational therapists need to be cognizant of alternative worldviews on child rearing, family, and health that may differ significantly from their own personal and professional beliefs and practices.