In collaboration, Garden River Wellness Centre (GRWC) and Algoma Family Services (AFS) identified a need to co-create an approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment respecting “two-eyed seeing” by blending Indigenous and Western worldviews. Through an OAP Innovation Grant, a working group (Maamwimadibiwag) was formed.  The working group included Indigenous families with lived experience, Knowledge Keepers, GRWC staff (e.g., service providers, family support worker), and AFS staff (e.g., psychologist, counsellors) and guided project activities to ensure meaning for First Nations families. This workshop will include members of the working group, as we share our experience and recommendations for building collaborative partnerships to advance the blending of Indigenous and Western approaches to mental health. A Knowledge Keeper will share an Indigenous teaching and guide a culturally relevant art-based activity. Our goal is to highlight an approach to collaboration that values Indigeneity as a source of health, wellbeing, and healing.

Learning Objectives

1. Introduction to the foundations of two-eyed seeing and building cultural safety.
2. An overview of the Maamwimadibiwage pilot project, an innovative approach to blending Indigenous and Western approaches to the assessment and diagnosis of ASD.
3. Provision of recommendations for engaging in collaborations to enhance and blend Indigenous and Western approaches to children’s mental health.