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Fathering in the Shadows: Indigenous Fathers and Canada's Colonial Legacies

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Ball

    (University of Victoria, jball@uvic.ca)

Abstract

A study of Canadian Indigenous fathers' involvement conceptualized a temporal horizon within which to situate challenges and opportunities for caring for children following decades of colonial interventions that have diminished men's roles. Through five community-university partnerships, conversational interviews were held with eighty First Nations and Métis fathers in British Columbia, Canada. Using a grounded theory approach, a conceptual model was constructed identifying six key ecological and psychological factors that combine to account for Indigenous men's experiences of fatherhood: personal wellness, learning fathering, socioeconomic inclusion, social support, legislative and policy support, and cultural continuity. Indigenous fathers' accounts bring into focus systemic barriers to positive fathers' involvement, including socioeconomic exclusion due to failures of the educational system, ongoing colonization through Canada's Indian Act, and mother-centrism in parenting programs and child welfare practices. Policy and program reforms are suggested to increase Indigenous fathers' positive and sustained engagement with their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Ball, 2009. "Fathering in the Shadows: Indigenous Fathers and Canada's Colonial Legacies," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 624(1), pages 29-48, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:624:y:2009:i:1:p:29-48
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716209334181
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. H. Elizabeth Peters & Laura M. Argys, 2001. "Interactions between Unmarried Fathers and Their Children: The Role of Paternity Establishment and Child-Support Policies," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(2), pages 125-129, May.
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