This fall, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers will be conducting a video interview with Cheryl McPherson, RSW, which will cover the intersection of social work and social service work and Reconciliation.
McPherson is a proud Haudenosaunee woman who currently teaches at Centennial College’s Addiction and Mental Health Workers Program. She has been a practising social worker since 2005, primarily working with Indigenous clients and women who have been trafficked.
“Indigenous communities have faced extreme negative impacts as a result of colonization, and social work has been a key agent in that process,” said McPherson. “Everything I do is about advocating and transforming social work and social service work practice.”
The College’s conversation with McPherson will use a spoken-word format inspired by the rich storytelling traditions of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. “The oral traditions and storytelling are important to me,” said McPherson. “I believe using this format helps decolonize the College’s practice resources.”
As part of its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, the College is committed to developing partnerships with Indigenous communities in order to begin to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action within the regulatory context. Please visit the College website to learn more.
The video interview with McPherson will be conducted by Christina Van Sickle, RSW, the College’s Director of Professional Practice.
“We look forward to this important and necessary discussion,” said Van Sickle. “We hope it will lead to thoughtful reflection and serve as a helpful resource for social workers and social service workers in Ontario.”
The College will inform members when the video discussion with Cheryl McPherson has been published on the College website and YouTube channel. For additional information, contact communications@ocswssw.org.