l-r  Roseanne Moran  presents award to  Deborah (Lunden) Pedersen- photo submitted

Prince George, B.C.-  Social Work Week in Prince George wrapped up with the presentation of the Bridget Moran Advancement of Social Work in Northern Communities Award.

Moran  was a social worker who was  a powerful voice for the rights of those in need as well as an acclaimed author publishing books such as Little Rebellions and Stoney Creek Woman.

Long-time northern social worker, Deborah (Lunden) Pedersen,  is the recipient of the award this year,  an honour made  extra special  in that  the award was presented by Bridget Moran’s daughter, Roseanne Moran.

Pedersen, was born and raised in Prince George “It’s particularly meaningful to me because I knew Bridget who was a friend of my family. At the time Bridget was involved in her more public efforts I didn’t really understand their importance in the way I appreciate them now. I’m grateful to have been influenced by Bridget and by some of her colleagues at the school district, (some of you may remember Judy Kennedy and Eileen Temperley) who demonstrated compassion for people and commitment to the work that I can only hope to emulate”

Pedersen’s career has covered many areas, including working with the provincial children and families ministry, running a group home for teenagers, serving as counsellor and program coordinator for a women’s sexual assault centre and team lead for the North Cariboo Aboriginal Family Program Society, and currently works as a Northern Health social worker in Quesnel with a focus on older adults.

Pedersen has also been a valued social work instructor at UNBC and CNC as well as mentoring many social work students in field education.