Ontario Association of Social Workers

On June 21, OASW honours National Indigenous Peoples Day!
We celebrate the traditions, cultures, languages and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people here in the land now known as Ontario and all of Turtle Island.

We're also inspired by the Indigenous social work leaders providing culturally responsive care and mental health supports to Indigenous individuals and communities.

Social workers have a responsibility to continue learning, reflecting and taking action to challenge the colonial systems and prejudices that continue to cause harm to Indigenous communities. OASW remains committed to the work of reconciliation and decolonization.

Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day and events in your area: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967

Nearly one in seven adults are affected by social anxiety disorder (SAD), according to a new study from the University of Toronto. The study also found that rates of SAD are up 71 per cent since 2002 and that SAD was significantly more prevalent in younger people, with numbers decreasing as age increased. Read more:

How common is social anxiety disorder? A recent study looked at who is most affected. Nearly 1 in 7 adults are affected by social anxiety disorder (SAD), a new study, published June 1, from the University of Toronto has found.

On Juneteenth, OASW joins Black communities across Ontario, Canada, and the broader African diaspora in recognizing a significant milestone in the long history of the struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice.

While Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States, its significance extends beyond national borders. The histories of Black people in Canada and the United States are deeply connected through shared legacies of enslavement, migration, resistance, community-building, and advocacy. These histories continue to shape the lived realities of Black individuals, families, and communities across Ontario today.

As social workers, we recognize both the resilience and the ongoing challenges experienced by Black communities. We acknowledge the enduring impacts of systemic anti-Black racism and reaffirm our commitment to equity, anti-oppressive practice, and social justice in the services we provide and the systems we seek to influence.

Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of Black communities, celebrate their contributions, and recommit ourselves to advancing a more equitable and inclusive society.

Earlier this year, OASW shared resources for social workers seeking to deepen their understanding of anti-Black racism and strengthen their anti-oppressive practice. We invite members and social workers across Ontario to explore these resources and reflect on the important role our profession plays in challenging inequity and supporting Black communities.

The findings of this research study from Australia can also inform our understanding of Ontario's child protection system: it argues for an "Aboriginal-specific testing of attachment theory as a foundation for culturally informed child protection practice." As social workers, we know that providing equitable health services to Indigenous peoples requires decolonizing our systems of care and the decision-making systems that underpin it. Read more here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/BBRMBRHRVQD3HAIIKPRZ/full?target=10.1080/13284207.2026.2682255

At OASW, we value bringing our Board of Directors and staff team together each year to connect and learn about the ways in which we provide value to our members and advocate on behalf of the social work profession.

We were grateful to welcome and learn more about our newest board members: Ann Seymour, Lisa Mishibinijima, Kelly McNaughton, and Jocelyn Hunt. Their diverse expertise and lived experiences will strengthen and expand OASW's leadership team.

OASW's Board of Directors, which began its new term in May, is energized for the year ahead and equipped to engage in important conversations about the future of social work in Ontario.

Learn more about OASW's Board of Directors: https://oasw.org/EN/Web/About-OASW/Board-of-Directors.aspx?hkey=45b51108-244b-4d99-bdf5-f1ae4329e8a3