Using a Resilience Framework to Understand Aboriginal Parenting Practices in an Urban Aboriginal Community

Aboriginal communities in Canada have been portrayed as showing maladaptive parenting practices. Urban Aboriginal women now make up the majority of Aboriginal women in Canada, and research shows that they may face additional challenges, yet there is little understanding of the risk and protective factors at play. This exploratory study examined the parenting styles of urban Aboriginal women with the aim of gaining a better understanding of culturally determined protective factors. Eighteen Aboriginal mothers provided qualitative and quantitative data. Results suggest that being strongly affiliated with the Aboriginal culture can act as a protective factor. A greater connection to the Aboriginal culture was associated with lower levels of stress, higher levels of perceived social support and increased positive parenting practices. Cultural affiliation was also associated with more optimal childhood outcomes. Further research needs to replicate these findings and investigate cultural traditions, and how they positively influence Aboriginal parenting.