Two of Ranch Ehrlo’s employees – speech-language pathologist Terrea Wooodward-Friesen and Ehrlo Counselling psychologist Shelley Tamaki – have been nominated for Women of Distinction Awards.
When Terrea talks about the work she does as a speech language pathologist, her passion is clear in her words, her tone, and her facial expression. The love of what she does is written all over her.
Shelley
Shelley was nominated by Doris Wesequate, director of Wellness on Wheels, in the category of community leadership and enhancement. Doris wanted to recognize Shelley’s contributions toward building positive relationships between Aboriginals and non-aboriginals through her work. Shelley counsels both urban and rural Aboriginal clients and spends one day every two weeks on reserve.
Shelley is working to solve the lack of understanding of issues such as intergenerational trauma resulting from residential schools. Often, she explained, counsellors – and other people – who are not aboriginal simply can’t comprehend the lasting effects and how that trauma carries over and affects later generations.
“I’m really fortunate to be working at an agency that understands and values the importance of increasing the capacity of non-indigenous people to grow relationships with Indigenous people which are rooted in justice,” Shelley said.
Winning the award this year would mean recognition that her work is important and that she is making a difference in the lives of her clients and society in general.
The awards ceremony is on April 28th at the Conexus Art Centre.
