Virgil BraveRock The Social Work field education director, Virgil Brave Rock, received his MSW June 1999 from Eastern Washington University School of Social Work. He has two years post-masters practice experience. Most recently Virgil has been teaching at Kicking Horse College, an adjunct/satellite program of Salish Kootenai College, where he developed a college accredited class and organized culturally related activities for students. He has extensive practice experience working with troubled youth, particularly Native Americans, serving as a case manager, therapist and program developer. Virgil has worked collaboratively with numerous community businesses and labor unions and served on the Blood Reserve Tribal Council. He lives in Ronan and has an excellent working relationship with the social work agencies and professionals in the community. He is familiar with social work services and Native American programs in the surrounding community and in the state. Virgil has in depth knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act and is well versed in other policies which impact Native Americans. A strong practice background, the ability to develop strong collaborative relationship with professionals and community leaders, knowledge of public policy (particularly as this relates to Native Americans), and excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are the attributes needed for the successful development of the Social Work field work program. Virgil Brave Rock exemplifies these attributes. Virgil Brave Rock has a strong interest in Native American ethics and values, particularly as these relates to family values, family roles, and community responsibilities. While in Canada, Virgil participated in research project focused on the traditional care techniques of local tribes. The results of this project were used as an orientation-training tool for social workers recently entering the field of Indian Child Welfare. He has integrated his knowledge of and research on traditional Native American child rearing methods and cultural understanding into his SKC social work courses. Currently Virgil is researching education scholarships and alternative financial sources that may be available to assist Native American Students, who often have limited financial resources, complete their studies at SKC. |