Social worker a bridge between communities

By Vanessa Ciccone

As a Métis woman, Kerrie Moore, BSW ’03, MSW’04, has faced racial and gender barriers. Since Métis people are part of both aboriginal and mainstream communities, they can be segregated in each, she says. However, they can also be the bridge that connects the two. That is how Moore sees her role.

A social worker who focuses on healing trauma in aboriginal communities and raising awareness about women’s issues, Moore is this year’s winner of the University of Calgary Women’s Resource Centre Distinguished Alumna Award.

“I’ve never been more surprised about anything as I was to win this award,” she says. “It was a shock because I work with so many women who have such strength, but I do not think of myself in that way. As a social worker, I feel like I’m just doing what needs to be done. I am honored and humbled.”

Moore considers herself an “integrative psychotherapist” because she uses mind-body therapies to work on emotional well-being and spiritual reconnection.

In combining spiritual and alternative healing practices with academic methods, she has created a holistic approach to her social work practice. She views spirituality as a key aspect of healing, and uses culturally relevant methods with her clients.

Moore has previously won awards as a volunteer, employee and student.

Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes and Inés Sametband worked with Moore at the Native Centre and nominated her for the WRC award.

Chagnon-Greyeyes refers to Moore as “an embodiment of love” and notes that she initiated the Cree tea ceremony and annual sage picking which are now held at the centre, and offers free counseling sessions to students once a week. “Kerrie has brought so much positive feedback to the Native Centre,” says Chagnon-Greyeyes. “Healing is part of her methodology—she listens to people and hears what they’re saying.”

Adds Sametband: “Usually awards go to people who have knowledge that’s recognized only by western society. The fact that Kerrie is also being recognized for alternative knowledge is very important.”