Social Worker Program To Benefit North

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

The first class of students in a new Aboriginal Social Worker Program at UNBC

                                                                     -- photo courtesy of UNBC

With First Nations children making up 76-percent of northern children in care, the Ministry of Children and Family Development has announced a new program underway at UNBC aimed at recruiting and retaining Aboriginal Child Protection workers in the north.

In making the announcement, Tom Christensen says, "We are committed to providing safe and appropriate care for Aboriginal children and youth, while honouring the richness of tradition and culture in their communities."

The 10 students in this inaugural program already have a degree in social work and, once they complete their classes in May, will hold a certificate in child welfare specialization.  Christensen says the graduates will go on to work in a ministry of agency office in northern B.C., including:  Prince George, Quesnel, Fort St. John, Smithers and Terrace.

"This initiative is much-needed and we want to welcome the students to our communities," says Mary Teegee, Director of Child and Family Services for Carrier Sekani.  "We look forward to the students providing best practises and culturally appropriate services for our children and youth."

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