Tamara (Margaret) Dicks

Education

  • PhD Candidate (Social Work) - University of Manitoba, 2020-2026
  • Master of Arts in the Indigenous Governance Program - University of Winnipeg, 2015
  • Master of Social Work - University of Manitoba, 1997
  • Bachelor of Social Work - University of British Columbia, 1995  
  • Bachelor of Music Therapy-Open Learning - University/Capilano College, BC, 1992 

Research

Tamara’s interdisciplinary research focuses on a commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems in teaching and research, and is informed by a background in music therapy. Her research interests include:

  • Indigenous social work education, praxis and research
  • Critical theories, Indigenous feminisms
  • Allyship 2SLGBTQ+
  • Health and wellness and expressive arts-based practices
  • Trauma
  • Aging

Teaching and supervision

Tamara's teaching and professional practice reflect over two decades of experience in social work, mental health, and post-secondary education. She has taught in the Faculty of Social Work and Aboriginal Focus Programs and has worked as a mental health therapist in First Nations communities. Her teaching emphasizes creativity, expressive arts-based approaches, trauma-informed practice, and relationship-centred learning.

Examples of courses taught: 

  • SWRK 4268 - Creativity and arts-based methods for social work practice. Distance Education (April-August 2025).
  • Advanced Counseling Skills-Trauma Focus (2011). 
     

Service and membership

  • Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers
  • Canadian Association of Music Therapy (MTA) 

Fellowship and awards

  • Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Completion Scholarship, 2024-2025
  • Fellow in Equity, Anti-Oppression, and Social Justice Program, 2025-26 Cohort 3
  • Doctoral Scholarship for Indigenous Students, 2022/2023, 2025/2026
  • University of Manitoba Fellowship Award, 2020
  • Graduate Student of Highest Distinction Award, University of Winnipeg, 2015

Publications

Dicks, M., Montesino, S., Yellow Bird, M. (2023). Manual for Engaged Presence: Two Eyed Seeing in Seeking Mino-Pimatisiwin (Good Life).

Dicks and Halonen, (2019).  Singing, Drumming, and Song Stories: Seeking mino-pimatisiwin through music. Expressive Arts for Social Work and Social Change, Editors, Heinonen, Halonen and Krahn.  pp. 105-129. Oxford Press.

Sinclair, N., Dicks, T., Maton, T. (2016). Reconciliation lives here: The 2016 state of the inner-city report. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba.