Award Year: 2006

A resident of Prince George for almost 60 years, Noreen Rustad is a proud advocate for her community and its issues. Among her many achievements, Noreen is a founding director of the Prince George Community Foundation, an organization which fosters philanthropy to build permanent endowment funds to support community projects. An original supporter of UNBC, Noreen also played an integral role in helping to establish the University and providing students in the North better access to education. Through her generous, community minded citizen, Noreen puts endless energy, enthusiasm and organization into projects and turns them into brilliant successes that improve opportunities for Prince George and the North.

As a business leader in his community, John Ryan’s strong vision has led to the revitalization of the Terrace economy and has provided a significant boost to its citizens. After a four-year mill closure in Terrace, morale in the community and employment were very low. Through his vision and belief in Terrace, John was able to inspire a plan to purchase the sawmill. John was successful in uniting former employees and business investors, developing a working relationship with First Nations neighbours, and rejuvenating an entire economy. He is today recognized for his tenacity, vision and sincere desire to see the citizens of the Northern communities proper and grow.

Geordie Salle serves her community in creative and caring ways. Geordie provided volunteer medical support for the region of Barriere for 23 years – treating everything from pneumonia to infections, delivering babies and buying a station wagon which she and her husband used as a local ambulance service. As a charter member of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, Geordie has dedicated thousands of hours over the past 56 years to ensuring its success. She has helped to build homes for people in the area, has organized and fundraised at the Chinook Cove Hall, volunteered for the Barriere Curling Club and tutored in a Children’s Literacy Program. She is a role model for future generations of her community.

David Lamson is an activist who wants the best for his community, specifically involving the river and fish habitat. Following the Chilliwack River floods in 1989/90 and the disputes that followed, David demonstrated an ability to see the situation from all sides. He helped bridge the gap by forming the Chilliwack River Action Committee, which enabled the concerned community groups to work together. Through his resourcefulness, inclusiveness, integrity and plain dogged persistence, David encourages his community to find common goals towards a happier, healthier and safer place to live, work and enjoy recreationally.

For over 30 years, Linda Tanaka has promoted arts and culture in the community of Salmon Arm. Under her guidance, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival has expanded from a five- act show in a concert hall to the largest multicultural festival in the interior, fostering tourism and providing tremendous economic opportunities for local business. Linda has also participated in the Salmon Arm Spinners and Weavers Club, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society and the Salmon Arm Children’s Festival. Linda’s singularly strong vision has enriched not only the cultural but also the economic fabric of her community.

In 1990, at age 29, Jim Terrion walked across Canada to raise money and awareness for the deaf and hearing-impaired, specifically to help stage the 12th World Winter Games for the Deaf to be held in Calgary. Now, 16 years later, Jim is still raising money and awareness. Each year, he personally visits every business and residence in Prince George to collect pledges for the Terry Fox Run. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious and he has raised almost $400,000 in support of cancer research. Jim is a loved and respected member of the Prince Rupert community and has come to be expected knocking on doors with a “big smile and pledge sheet in hand”.

Mr. Varshney is a businessman and philanthropist who has contributed to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, to the University of British Columbia and to the India Club. He is known as someone who understands how communities can be helped at both the strategic and the grassroots level. As a Director of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Hari’s fundraising efforts have benefited maternity and children’s programs. The Varshney’s have funded an endowment at UBC to support the Centre for Indian and South Asian Research, and more recently a lecture series and scholarships at the Sauder School of Business. He is a volunteer leader who not only supports a cause, but also exhibits the passion and energy that stimulate others to give.

Grace has demonstrated outstanding service in both the course of her work and as a volunteer, contributing in significant ways to international business and multiculturalism in her community. As the Assistant Dean and Director of International Programs at The Sauder School of Business at UBC, Grace develops academic and professional programs with the international community that are committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and business norms. Grace extends her commitment to multiculturalism through involvement in important community organizations such as SUCCESS and as a member of the Premier’s Asia Pacific Trade Council for BC.

Edmond Wright is an inspiring community leader in New Aiyansh, formerly the Gitlakdamix Band. First as Band manager, then Executive Director, Edmond oversaw all aspects of the band’s development, delivery of services and the construction of the new village. He worked with the Nisga’a Nation’s Land Claims negotiation process and was instrumental in bringing the negotiation of the Nisga’a Nation Final Agreement to a conclusion in 2000. Edmond is currently serving his second term as Secretary/Treasurer of Nisga’a Lisims Government. His leadership and sound administrative skills have provided overwhelming benefits to his community.