Psychologist receives award

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It is no surprise that Deborah Pace was chosen as a Woman of Distinction by the Lethbridge and District YWCA for southern Alberta.

"I have always looked up to others as mentors," said the soft-spoken Pace. "I've always thought some day I would like to mentor others."

That "some day" has arrived.

Pace is charting new ground with her work to develop assessment and diagnostic techniques for mental health disorders in First Nations people.

Pace graduated from Utah State University, in Logan, Utah, in 1995, with a PhD in clinical psychology. She was recruited by Utah to complete her master's degree after university representatives heard her presentation on Native special education.

Pace's desire to pursue her master's and doctorate was a result of spending time as a special education teacher in First Nations' schools.

"It was a combination of frustration and curiosity," she said. "I was determined to find out how I could help these children more and to understand mental health more."

After graduating from Utah State, Pace worked as a professor at the University of Montana, in Missoula. Last year she returned to the Blood First Nation in southwestern Alberta, where she was raised.

"I was dying to get home," said Pace.

Pace splits her clinic hours between the Siksika First Nation and her practice in Lethbridge. She does therapy, primarily with First Nations people, and research.

"I'm still very active in trying to develop a First Nations' approach to mental health therapy," said Pace.

Her nomination for the award came from Blood Chief Chris Shade.

"It was even more honorable," said Pace. "(The nomination and award) forced me to look back and take stock. Sometimes you forget to look back and see the trail you've blazed."