Northern Social Workers to Gather in Whitehorse

The Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada and the Yukon College Bachelor of Social Work Program have partnered to host a day of presentations and the Association�s Annual General Assembly on November 6th and 7th at Yukon College.

Twenty-five BSW students, 20 social workers and over 35 representatives from Yukon First Nations will gather for the event, where Cindy Blackstock will make a series of presentations. Blackstock is the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and has worked in the field of social work for over 20 years. One of the topics she will speak about is the inequality experienced by First Nations children and she will suggest ways social workers can help address the issue. Blackstock�s presentations on November 6th will be followed by facilitated discussions.

Dana Jennejohn is the President of the Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada and an instructor in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at the College. �ASWNC strives to create opportunities for northern social workers and helps professionals learn more about and develop skills to address social issues that are present in the North,� she says. �This event is designed to improve connectivity among students, social workers and helping professionals in the North.�

BSW students in the communications course have been asked to review some of Blackstock�s articles ahead of the event to familiarize themselves with the issues she will speak about. Students in their final year of social work studies will also attend as part of their practicum.

The Association will hold their Annual General Meeting on November 7th at 8:30 a.m. in room C1440 and will be welcoming new members. Individuals can become members simply to show their support or there are opportunities to sit on the board and other working committees.

The Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada focuses on the promotion of the social work profession and provides advocacy and professional development opportunities for social workers in the North.