Award Year: 2024

Len Pierre, Owner & CEO of Len Pierre Consulting (LPC), stands as a leader in Indigenous cultural consult and education, guiding seminars and workshops province-wide with a diverse team comprising youth, educators, and elders. Offering over 20 workshops and courses, Len’s team delivers education on Indigenous cultural safety, reconciliation, decolonization, lateral violence, and motivational speaking for youth. Moreover, LPC has curated an extensive online educational resource across YouTube, Spotify, and its website, addressing evolving reconciliation topics. Len’s approach creates understanding and tangible action towards reconciliation, challenging norms in a culturally safe and respectful manner.

As a member of the Katzie First Nation and former Indigenous Education Assistant for the Surrey School District, Len serves as a role model both in and out of the classroom, leaving an enduring impact on communities. His efforts inspire individuals and organizations across BC and Canada to become genuine allies in the journey of reconciliation.

Rishika Selvakumar is dedicated to making a positive impact through her various volunteer and work commitments. Passionate about mental health and sustainability, Rishika has contributed to numerous organizations, such as the Acne Education Project UBC and Mentoring the Stars Foundation, where she supported tutoring and volunteer recruitment. Her involvement extends to other community outreach efforts, including educational panels and donation drives with Ignite the Warmth Society, volunteering with the Richmond Olympic Oval, and designing accessibility resources for the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.

During her time pursuing a Bachelor of Science at UBC, she immersed herself in various volunteer initiatives, including World Vision UBC, Right to Play UBC, and serving as Campus Director for the first UBC Chapter of the United Nations’ Millennium Fellowship program. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at UBC, Rishika continues to prioritize her volunteer work while also working at UBC currently as a Graduate Academic Assistant in climate research.

Wendy Toyer dedicated 19 years to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia (ALSBC) serving as its Executive Director. Under her leadership, ALSBC established innovative programs that have positioned the Society as a recognized role model across Canada. Her notable achievements include the development of the Equipment Loan Program, a partnership with Communication for Youth and Adults and the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program to ensure people living with ALS were given priority attention and care. In addition, Wendy coordinated and administered the ALS training for a team of volunteer psychologists and registered clinical counsellors to support patients throughout British Columbia.

Wendy also conceived an annual summer camp for youths aged 8 to 17, offering a safe and supportive environment for young people affected by ALS to connect and form a circle of support. Her latest initiative, “Project Hope,” is a ground-breaking collaboration between ALSBC, the University of British Columbia, and the Provincial Government aimed at advancing ALS research and clinical care. Through her advocacy and strategic partnerships, Wendy’s efforts have improved the lives of ALS patients in BC and advancing research to find a cure.

Mary Trentadue’s impact as a city councillor for New Westminster continues to resonate throughout the community following her tenure. An advocate for arts and childcare, Mary challenged developers to incorporate non-profit daycare facilities into new developments, ensuring accessibility for families. She also played a role in simplifying processes to attract daycare providers, recognizing the importance of childcare for working parents. Her contributions to improving housing policies to protect tenants and supporting local women-owned businesses underscores her legacy.

Mary’s strategic efforts to bring people together through the arts led to the initiation of the multi-year community mural project, Paint New West Beautiful. Additionally, her leadership as chair of various arts committees significantly contributed to the advancement of cultural policy and the production of cultural celebrations in New Westminster. Her mentorship to women aspiring to serve in government, advocacy for childcare, arts, and diversity, equity and inclusion in government and community exemplifies her dedication to making New Westminster a more vibrant and equitable city for all residents.

Janna Wale (Gitxsan/Cree-Métis), serves as a policy advisor for the newly established Indigenous research stream at the Canadian Climate Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (Hons.) and a Master of Science in Sustainability, where her research focused on climate resilience in Indigenous communities. Her commitment to improving the world for the next seven generations is evident through her impactful work and research projects. She has represented Indigenous youth on a global stage, speaking at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai with SevenGen, a collective of Indigenous Youth Energy Leaders. Janna participates in various climate change advisory committees, volunteering her time with non-profit organizations and encouraging youth to pursue research in this field.

Throughout her studies and career, Janna integrates Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to build resilience to climate change in Indigenous communities. She serves as a role model and mentor for young people, inspiring them to speak out and take action on issues affecting their communities. Janna’s commitment to inclusive climate action has made her a sought-after speaker, ensuring that Indigenous voices and knowledge are central in shaping policies and solutions for a sustainable future.