Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare

This study explored the effects of an Aboriginal cultural enrichment initiative on the self-concept of ten pregnant or parenting adolescent women, all but one of whom were of Aboriginal descent. The cultural enrichment activities were integrated into a program of support for adolescent mothers. Questionnaires were administered to the participants at the beginning and after six weeks of participating in the cultural enrichment component of the program. The Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, 1988) was used to measure global self-worth and self-perception across eight domains. Overall cultural identity, cultural identity achievement, cultural behaviours and sense of affirmation and belonging were measured using the 20-item Multigroup Ethnic Identity Questionnaire (Phinney, 1998b). Individual audio-taped interviews were also undertaken following completion of the post-tests. After six weeks of the cultural enrichment program, the participants ’ cultural identity achievement scores increased significantly, and participants who had achieved a strong cultural identity also had higher levels of global self-worth. Average self-concept became more positive in the specific domains of job competence and behavioural conduct. In the interviews, participants expressed positive reactions to the cultural component of the program, and attributed positive personal changes to the cultural experiences it provided. The results support the conclusion that it is highly beneficial to incorporate a cultural component into services for Aboriginal youth. The consequences of colonization and assimilation policies have included displacement, poverty, and disruption of families and communities among the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. Policies such as land expropriation, residential schooling, and child welfare based on assimilation into mainstream Canadian society have had direct and concrete effects on Aboriginal peoples ’ physical, emotional and financial well-being (e.g., Report of the Royal Commission o