Award Category: Community Award

For 25 years, Domingo (Dom) Bautista has trained members of the legal profession in litigation procedures. In 2010, Dom launched Amici Curiae Friendship Society to provide legal services to help vulnerable individuals, including Indigenous neighbours and victims of gendered violence, obtain access to the justice system regardless of their means. Dom leads a formidable team of paralegals, lawyers, law students and others, all working on a pro bono basis to deliver access to justice throughout BC communities.    

Dom Bautista was named the 2020 Mitchell Award recipient. Named in honour of Keith Mitchell QC, the Mitchell Award recognizes an individual who, through his or her work and volunteer activities, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to elevating the community in which they live, and those who serve it. The recipient has a unique and selfless leadership style that encourages and inspires the full participation of those he or she leads. Keith Mitchell served as the BC Achievement Foundation’s Founding Chair and guiding light for 13 years. A leader by example and a mentor at heart, Keith brought clarity to the role of the Foundation in its mission to celebrate excellence in British Columbia.

As the founder of the Scientist in Residence Program, Dr. Paige Axelrood developed and built an educational program to support teachers and help students discover their inner scientist. Elementary students across the Vancouver School District have experienced real science and discovered the natural world through the Scientist in Residence Program. Paige’s vision to partner teachers with scientists to facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based lessons has helped change the delivery of science education.   

 

Aisha Amijee is an advocate for women’s empowerment, social justice and reformative community-based education. As executive director of Voices of Muslim Women, Aisha’s leadership has provided women with the tools to lead effectively and feel empowered from within their communities. Her initiatives have addressed gaps in education for marginalized youth of colour, and Muslim girls and women, while challenging existing stereotypes.   

 

Art Skipsey was a member of Qualicum Beach town council for 15 years, serving 12 years as mayor. Art forged vital partnerships between local government and volunteer organizations to provide important infrastructure and recreational legacies, including the purchase of the Memorial golf course and the adoption of the first community plan. Art initiated the establishment of the Parksville-Qualicum community foundation and served as its first president. A longtime Scout leader, Art currently volunteers as president of the Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society. The community of Qualicum Beach has truly benefited from Art Skipsey’s strong sense of commitment.

As founder of the first Secondary Black Student Committee in western Canada, Beth Applewhite promotes awareness and understanding amongst all students while fostering pride, dignity and inspiration in those who directly identify with Black/African heritage. As Vice-Principal at Pine Tree Secondary, Beth builds strong, strategic relationships with other community-based groups and coordinates annual youth events that have a profound impact on the lives of those she touches. Her energy and passion have reshaped cultural and racial understanding in her community.

Don Bassermann is a dedicated leader and an active member of the Prince George community. An educator and school administrator, Don served six terms as a city councillor, retiring from office in 2011. During his tenure, Don’s committee work oversaw construction of many important civic facilities including the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, the CN Centre Arena and the Two Rivers Art Gallery. An avid gardener, outdoorsman, and advocate for sustainability and food security, Don is known for his enthusiastic commitment to his community.

For nearly three decades, Neil Brewer has gone beyond the call of duty as a member of the Kent Harrison Search and Rescue (SAR) team. Known throughout the province by other SAR teams for his determination, skill and exemplary leadership, Neil has been involved in more than 600 SAR tasks. As a board member of the BC SAR Association, Neil volunteers his time helping secure vital funding for essential equipment for provincial SAR groups. His efforts led to the establishment of the new Kent Harrison SAR headquarters in Agassiz.

Evelyn (Eve) Corlett has cared for children on the Sunshine Coast for almost 40 years, providing around-the-clock childcare services to families over multiple generations. As owner of a family-run daycare, Eve has significantly contributed to the “quality of life” for hundreds of people in the community, and created an extended family by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. The essential service Eve provides has enabled many community members to continue to live and raise their family on the coast while handling the daily demands of work and family life.