Fu Hui Foundation and FIFSW strengthen community bonds

On September 25th, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work was pleased to host a dinner for representatives from the Fu Hui Education Foundation and current students from the Master of Social Work – Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (ITR) field of study. 

The annual appreciation event is just one of the ways for FIFSW to celebrate the generosity of the Foundation, which has supported ITR students pursuing their studies in the Faculty’s one-of-a-kind program since 2018. The dinner also offers an opportunity to recognize the exceptional students in this field of study. 

The MSW-ITR program was created by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Middelton-Moz Institute and FIFSW in 2016. Grounded in North American Indigenous values and inspired by Indigenous traditions from around the globe, its curriculum combines evidence-based practice with healing and ceremony drawn from Indigenous Traditions. 

This year marks a milestone for the ITR field of study: in the fall FIFSW welcomed the 10th cohort of students to the program.  

Last year, the Fu Hui Education Foundation celebrated a notable anniversary of its own, marking 20 years since its establishment. The Foundation first launched as a registered charitable organization in 2004 to support the education of children growing up in impoverished areas of China. In 2015, it expanded its work further, by providing support to Indigenous communities in Canada, through nutrition programs in schools and, later, by building libraries in First Nations communities across the country.  

At FIFSW, the Fu Hui Education Foundation has helped make the ITR field of study accessible to Indigenous students from across the country – including those from remote communities — and has been essential to the students’ success. 

Current student Charisse Cyr shared remarks from the student community, followed by Jane Middelton–Moz one of the founders of the program and a core member of its teaching team.  

Judy San, President of the Fu Hui Education Foundation, and Foundation Chair Stanley Kwan also addressed those in attendance and presented the Faculty with beautiful pieces of art. Board Member Diana offered the dinner guests with moon cakes, a traditional Chinese delicacy typically offered to friends and family during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

FIFSW is grateful for the Fu Hui Foundations continued friendship and support.