Susan Point, O.C., RCA., DFA., D.Litt. (1952–) is a descendant of the Musqueam, Coast Salish peoples; she is the daughter of Edna Grant and Anthony Point. Susan inherited the beliefs of her culture and ancestral traditions of her people from her mother Edna – who learned from her mother, Mary Charlie-Grant. Susan’s distinct style has inspired a movement in Coast Salish art. She draws creativity from the stories of her ancestors and forged the use of non-traditional materials and techniques, therefore inspiring a whole new generation of artists. Susan is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and has been presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canada. She has been recognized with an Indspire Achievement Award, a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, a B.C. Creative Achievement Award, appointed lifetime member to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, was listed one of B.C’s 100 Most Influential Women, and was named one of Vancouver’s 2012 Remarkable Women. Susan has Honorary Doctorates from the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, the University of B.C. and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. In 2016, Susan was a recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Civic Merit Award.
Award Year: 2016
Shelagh Turner
As Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kelowna branch, Shelagh Turner consistently brings remarkable commitment to her role. She transformed the organization over the course of 11 years through strong leadership and dedication to making significant changes in the community. Known for her ability to ignite a shared compassion in others by addressing mental health issues, Shelagh builds strength in those she leads. Her efforts through staff engagement and raising awareness are pulling the right people together to deliver what the community needs to ensure that Kelowna strives to be a mentally healthy city.
Dr. Harold (Hal) Siden
Twenty years ago, Dr. Hal Siden joined Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, where he’s been its medical director since 2001. Leading innovative research, developing new clinical practices, educating medical students and residents while advocating for care of terminally ill children are all part of his committed career. Hal’s work has made BC the nation’s leader in paediatric palliative care, which in turn, provides a unique model followed throughout the world. His efforts have undeniably improved the lives of many children and their families. A devoted educator in the specialty he pioneered, Hal continues his work as a compassionate and involved clinician.
David Young
As Chief Executive Officer of Sources, David Young is being honoured as a vocal and compassionate advocate for society’s most vulnerable people. Under David’s guidance, Sources promotes social wellness in Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Langley, Prince George and beyond. The agency delivers support to all levels of society — people coping with isolation, addiction, poverty and conflict. David’s leadership is never far from the people he serves and his creative vision will leave a lasting legacy for both those in need and those who contribute. Through his mentorship, David has developed a team of ambitious and dedicated individuals who have passionately promoted the collective vision of work, shelter, food, help and hope for all.
Dr. Jay Yule
Since 1999, Dr. Jay Yule has had a profound impact on education, engagement and economic development in Powell River. Inspired by his own childhood experiences as a student who required extra learning support, Dr. Yule’s innovative approach has been a platform for progress. Programs for Aboriginal youth under his direction have led to improved graduation rates and he’s helped create pathways to academic success for all students. Dr. Yule has championed the needs of unique learners with creative initiatives and strong partnerships between Vancouver Island University and the Powell River School District. He has built numerous relationships and led the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society to ensure a sustainable future for his community.
Mel Munsen
Mel Munsen is a master of fused glass, a technique demanding artistic sensitivity, painstaking work and a thorough understanding of his chosen material. Over the past 20 years, Munsen’s exceptional art glass has been shown in Victoria galleries. He also has an international profile abroad where he has exhibited and sold work in museums and galleries in Canada, the United States, Italy, Japan and Korea.
Form3 Design Inc.
Form3’s goal is to create products of substance that are more desirable, useful, and sustainable. Since 1997, this Vancouver based company’s teamwork and attention to detail have contributed to getting products successfully into production and reaching the marketplace. Several high technology companies and adventure sports manufacturers that Form3 has worked with have evolved into market leaders with strong, internationally recognized, visual brands.
Lukas Peet
Since 2009, Peet has been practicing his craft with an aesthetic maturity and fluidity that has commanded attention. As owner of Lukas Peet design studio and co-founder of ANDlight, a Vancouver-based decorative lighting company, his work has been recognized with a number of awards. Peet brings a vast curiosity about objects, processes, materials and production techniques to his work while supporting his desire to challenge the familiar and the normative, and everything in between.
Corey W. Moraes
Corey Moraes is of Tsimshian heritage (Lax Kw’alaams Band) and belongs to the Raven Clan. His work can be seen in many publications, museums, galleries and private collections in North America, England and Japan and his designs have gained international recognition. In 2010, Moraes was the recipient of the Aboriginal Traditional Visual Art Award from the Canada Council for the Arts. A largely self-taught artist, he explains, in his own words: “As far as I know, there weren’t any artists in my family. When I was about twenty-five, I started to look back at my own culture, in an exploration of who I was. So I did research in museums, galleries, and books and I had a moment of epiphany — the old pieces spoke to me in a certain way. It’s my hope that every time I create a piece, it will live on long after I’m gone from this earth.”
Corrine Hunt
Born in Alert Bay, Corrine Hunt has been creating contemporary art that reflects the themes and traditions of her First Nations Komoyue and Tlingit heritage for more than 24 years. Corrine’s works include engraved gold and sterling silver jewellery and accessories, custom furnishings in carved stainless steel and reclaimed wood, modern totem poles, and other sculptural installations. A member of the Raven Gwa’wina clan from Ts’akis, a Komoyue village on Vancouver Island, Corrine’s rich family history includes internationally renowned First Nations artists Henry, Richard and Tony Hunt, all of whom have influenced her art. Uncle Norman Brotchie was also an early teacher and mentor. Corrine too has mentored First Nations and other artists and continues to be a strong and vocal supporter of the arts in British Columbia.