SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife resident Dawn McInnes has been honoured for her accomplishments in the field of social work in the NWT.

Dawn McInnes was given the National Social Work Month Distinguished Service Award last Thursday for her outstanding work in the Territory. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) awarded McInnes their National Social Work Month Distinguished Service Award.

"I knew I was nominated but I didn't think I would get it, I was surprised," said McInnes, manager of the NWT Victim Services with the Department of Justice.

"I'm honoured to be among the other nine across the country."

Since moving to the territory as a social worker from Northern Saskatchewan in 1977, she has worked as a enumerator, probation officer, family services worker, figure skating teacher and an alcohol and drug program co-ordinator.

"Social workers are promoters for social justice," said McInnes. "We work long and hard for social change because that change doesn't curve as fast as we'd like."

She said her passion is working with people in the North to establish victim services, which provide assistance and support for victims of crime and tragedy. Part of her responsibilities provide funding to community based victim services programs to different communities throughout the territory including Inuvik, Fort Good Hope, Behchoko, Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson.

"Across Canada victim services are different, and one size doesn't fit all," said McInnes.

"We're quite unique in the NWT, we support a community base model for victim services."

Some of the new initiatives that McInnes has created are enhanced services for victims of crime or witnesses such as children or persons with disabilities. She was also involved in the creation of two co-located victims services and restorative justice programs based in Fort Smith and Inuvik.

The root of her values and beliefs in social justice were inspired from her parents, she said, who grew up poor in Saskatchewan.

"They worked hard to support my education" said McInnes.

Her current work involves collaborating with partners from various jurisdictions, including the federal government and aboriginal organizations.

"This award warms my heart on this cold day in March," said McInnes. "And it fires my desire to continue the good fight for social justice for all."