Dr. Shane N. Young

Dr. Shane Young, PhD, MSW, RSW

Educator · Facilitator · Organizational Consultant · Registered Social Worker

Curriculum Vitae

Assistant Professor / Community Engagement / Registered Social Worker (Ontario)

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Below is a summary of Shane's academic appointments, leadership roles, and professional experience.

Academic Appointments

Administrative Appointments

2022-Present: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Tenure Track

Faculty of Community Services

Toronto Metropolitan University

2019-Present: Academic Coordinator

Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences

Chang School, Toronto Metropolitan University

Previous Academic Appointments

2018-2022: Assistant Professor of Social Work, Limited Term Faculty

Faculty of Community Services

Toronto Metropolitan University

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Trent University (2022)

Master of Social Work, York University (2015)

Bachelor of Social Work, York University (2011)

Teaching

Faculty Bio (TMU)

Shane's teaching is grounded in Indigenous pedagogies that emphasize relational accountability, reflection, and community-based learning. Drawing on teachings such as Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) and circle-based dialogue, his work is to create learning environments that connect intellectual inquiry with emotional, cultural, and relational understanding.

In his classrooms, students are encouraged to critically examine systems of power, colonialism, and social inequality while also exploring possibilities for healing, resurgence, and transformation. He integrates storytelling, experiential learning, and community-engaged practices that invite students to examine their own positionality and responsibilities as practitioners.

Shane’s teaching spans social work, Indigenous studies, and interdisciplinary programs, with courses focusing on topics such as:

Indigenous approaches to social work
Decolonizing and anti-oppressive practice
Indigenous health and well-being
Social work research methods
Power, resistance, and social change
Indigenous knowledges in practice
Substance use, mental health, and community care

At Toronto Metropolitan University, Shane has taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including:

FCS 200 – Indigenous Relations in Practice
SWP 301 – Decolonizing Anti-Oppression Social Work
SWP 435 – Indigenous Approaches to Social Work
SWP 335 – Power, Resistance, and Change
SWP 538 / 638 – Social Work Research
SWP 933 – Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
SK 8104 – Practice Research Seminar (MSW, Graduate)
SK 8208 – Indigenous Knowledges in Social Work (MSW, Graduate)

Shane has also taught courses in Indigenous Studies and community education through continuing education and partner institutions, including:

Indigenous Peoples, Politics, and Reconciliation
Indigenous Knowledges in Practice
Introduction to Indigenous Worldviews

Teaching Approach

Shane’s courses often incorporate sharing circles, reflective practice, and land- or community-informed perspectives to support students in developing ethical, relational, and culturally grounded approaches to practice. He aims to foster spaces where difficult conversations can occur with care, humility, and respect.

Teaching Philosophy (PDF)

What Are People Saying?

“Shane is a lovely instructor who wants all his students to succeed in his class. He is more than helpful when explaining expectations from the class on assignments. He provides constructive feedback that can be used to better ourselves when the next assignment becomes due. This course [SWP435: Indigenous Approaches to Social Work Practice] is a perfect way to integrate other knowledges into the social work profession and prepares students to work in the field with clients who identify as Indigenous”

Undergraduate Student

shane.young@torontomu.ca