International Study on the Development of Indigenous Social Work Models

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This research studies indigenous social work internationally. Indigenous people like the Ainu in Japan face various social problems. The purpose of the research is to examine and compare the historical and theoretical evolution of indigenous knowledge-based models of social work around the globe.While literature review is being carried out, field surveys were not possible as planned during the academic/fiscal year of 2022. This was due to continuing travel restrictions to Japanese immigration with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time such restrictions were lifted in late fall (early winter), seasonally it became difficult to visit the Arctic regions of Nordic countries that are main targets of the research in terms of studying social work with Northern indigenous people who share commonalities with the Ainu in Japan.Preparations were made for an online symposium on social work with Northern indigenous people in Canada with a special focus on indigenous knowledge-based mental health approaches. Also, relationships were being nurtured with potential contact persons for a field survey through various international platforms. An especially important point of contact is the Indigenous Commission of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), namely its European and Asia-Pacific members. Such networks are to be utilized in the next phase of the study during the 2023 academic/fiscal year.