Maamwimadibiwag (They Sit Together): An Application of Two-Eyed Seeing to Weave Indigenous and Western Approaches to Autism Assessment.

Event description:
In North America, many Indigenous communities face barriers when trying to access developmental and mental health services and supports, including assessment and diagnostic services. For example, psychologists typically apply a uniquely Western perspective, are not a part of the local community, and may not include cultural support or practices in the clinical process. As such, this innovative project piloted a new approach based on “two-eyed seeing” to weave Indigenous worldviews with Western practices in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a First Nations Community in Ontario, Canada.
Through an Ontario Autism Program Innovation Grant, a collaboration between Garden River Wellness Centre (GRWC) and Algoma Family Services (AFS) was formed and a working group (Maamwimadibiwag – They Sit Together) was established. 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. Together we piloted a new way of engaging families in relevant and meaningful assessment, and created a project guided by Indigenous ways of knowing. We also co-developed workshops and community stakeholder events to build stronger relationships between families, service providers, and local Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Our work highlights the importance of including and integrating Indigenous perspectives, teachings, and practices directly into psychological assessment, and we acknowledge Indigeneity and culture as a meaningful source of health, wellness, and healing.