Organizer / Institue
BC Association of Social Workers
Attendance Type
Virtual
Delivery Type
Webinar
Start Date
Sep 28, 2026
Event Link
Additional Information
In recognition of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the BC Association of Social Workers invites members, practitioners, and allied human service professionals to a focused 90-minute webinar exploring Indigenous social work practice and social work practice within Indigenous communities. This informal discussion-based session moves beyond theoretical awareness into actionable, culturally grounded practice. Participants will explore how social workers can actively work within and deconstruct colonial frameworks, uphold Indigenous self-determination, and embed relational, trauma-informed practices into their daily work across urban, rural, and remote settings in British Columbia.
Panelists
Melanie Lansall, MSW, RSW is the Director of Field Education, School of Social Work, University of British Columbia. Melanie is from the Tsay Keh Dene, Tskehene Nation. Her areas of expertise include Indigenous mental health, therapeutic art in mental health and building resiliency, crisis response and trauma, and land-based healing in social work.
Ferne Strain, MSW, RSW Ferne's indigenous ancestors come from Lac La Biche, Alberta and non-Indigenous ancestors from England and Quebec. Her private practice, Compassionate Counselling, that is located in the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people’s territory. Ferne was honoured as the recipient of the Janusz Korczak Award for Distinguished Social Work Practice Protecting the Rights of Children in 2022.
Danielle Bergevin, MSW, RSW Danielle is a proud Michif person and citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia. She is chair of Métis Youth BC and Minister of Youth for Metis Nation BC. Danielle also serves as Minister of Mental Health and Harm Reduction for Metis Nation BC.
Panelists
Melanie Lansall, MSW, RSW is the Director of Field Education, School of Social Work, University of British Columbia. Melanie is from the Tsay Keh Dene, Tskehene Nation. Her areas of expertise include Indigenous mental health, therapeutic art in mental health and building resiliency, crisis response and trauma, and land-based healing in social work.
Ferne Strain, MSW, RSW Ferne's indigenous ancestors come from Lac La Biche, Alberta and non-Indigenous ancestors from England and Quebec. Her private practice, Compassionate Counselling, that is located in the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people’s territory. Ferne was honoured as the recipient of the Janusz Korczak Award for Distinguished Social Work Practice Protecting the Rights of Children in 2022.
Danielle Bergevin, MSW, RSW Danielle is a proud Michif person and citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia. She is chair of Métis Youth BC and Minister of Youth for Metis Nation BC. Danielle also serves as Minister of Mental Health and Harm Reduction for Metis Nation BC.
Country
Canada
Province
British Columbia
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