Making a difference

HSD supports strengthening our education based on our Taow (spirit) teachings - Cyndi Pallen

Cyndi Pallen (Social Work) is making a difference in her community. While working on her Master of Social Work (Indigenous specialization), she's working as a counsellor with the Tla'Amin Community Health Service's addictions program in Powell River.

Distance (online) learning made it possible for Cyndi to stay in her community, where she's initiated a drug awareness walk, jog or run to encourage Powell River-area Indigenous people to stay off drugs and alcohol.

The Master of Social Work (Indigenous specialization) gives social workers working in Indigenous communities the opportunity to reflect on their practice experience. They develop critical skills and their application to practice and research.

Cyndi explains, "The curriculum gives students the opportunity to build bridges utilizing teaching of our ancestors based on our "Taow." Taow means "spirit" in our language."

"The program has been very interesting because we work with people who have been at one time or another experienced social contributing factors which caused many losses -- identity crisis, family fragmentation, violence, illness, unemployment. As social workers we had the opportunity to revisit and research the social conditions our children and families are facing."

"It's important to understand and learn about Taow, the teachings and way of life. What I got from all these courses is that we are in a transition. By incorporating knowledge and strength from both worlds we can work towards supporting all the children and families we work with."

Learn more about our community initiatives.