Award Category: Community Award

Wenonah North Peigan is an advocate for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and policy reform. A proud member of the Piikani Nation, Blackfoot Confederacy and Anishinaabe Odawa from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, she works to advance Indigenous governance and self-determination. As a Policy Analyst with the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Wenonah works to bridge Indigenous voices into decision-making processes, driving systemic change. Her leadership in repatriation efforts, particularly through the Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL Youth Policy Program, led to the creation of a comprehensive policy framework on repatriation and cultural sovereignty, advocating for legislative changes aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 
 
Committed to mentoring and empowering Indigenous youth, Wenonah ensures they are equipped with the tools to continue advancing Indigenous rights. As an emerging leader, she has already made significant contributions to policy and community transformation, bringing a much-needed, community-driven approach to repatriation and governance. Her work continues to shape policy on Indigenous rights and governance at the provincial level, making her a trailblazer in advancing Indigenous voices and justice. 

Susan Scott Gabe’s exceptional leadership in diversity and equity and helping those impacted by disabilities and life-limiting illnesses have significantly influenced healthcare policies and efforts across British Columbia and beyond. Having served as Vice-Chair of the City of Vancouver’s Older Persons and Elders Advisory Committee (OPEAC), Susan was responsible for conducting a pan-Canadian jurisdictional scan across Canada examining best practices for seniors’ community care. This published document will advise City Council and staff on enhancing access and inclusion for older persons and elders in Vancouver. In addition, Susan sits on the national Board of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, advocating for those with vision loss, including the recent passing of federal Bill C-284, which will significantly impact the care of all Canadians. 

For over a decade, Susan has held numerous leadership roles within the Vancouver chapter of the Sovereign Order of St. John (SOSJ), where her work has been integral to the success of SOSJ’s mission—Making Lives Better.  Most recently, Susan’s advocacy played a pivotal role in securing appropriate palliative care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, leading to the creation of the Compassionate Palliative Care for People Living with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CPC-NDD) initiative. Her strategic efforts have also resulted in a White Paper addressing critical gaps in palliative care, influencing government policy. 

Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour, a member of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, is a teacher, spiritual helper, and knowledge holder whose lifelong work uplifts Indigenous education, health, and reconciliation. Dedicated to the reclamation of traditional knowledge, Colleen guides numerous healing ceremonies, land-based wellness initiatives, and cultural teachings across generations—from newborns to Elders—nurturing belonging and cultural revitalization in her community and beyond. Colleen’s leadership is grounded in love for the people, the land, and Secwepemctsín, the language she is reclaiming through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Language Revitalization program. 

As one of the founding members of the BC-Indigenous Health Nursing Research Chair Program and the Rainbow Healing Society, Colleen champions self-determination and cultural resurgence. She sits on advisory bodies including the Sewépemc Child and Family Services Agency and the Grandmothers’ Council for the BC Indigenous Health Nursing Research Chair. Her guidance shapes projects like the Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing (I-GEN) Initiative—delivered across five BC universities (UVic, UBC-Vancouver, UBC-Okanagan, TRU, and TWU). Known for sharing her wisdom, Colleen offers immersive learning experiences grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being. Her lifelong dedication builds pathways toward equity, wellness, and true reconciliation. 

Glen McCall has been a dedicated community leader in Zeballos for over 30 years, contributing to the safety, well-being, and spirit of this small, remote town. As the owner of Totem Bar Contracting, he has played a vital role in maintaining and improving the 42 km gravel road connecting Zeballos—ensuring safe, reliable access for residents and the forestry industry. Glen is known for stepping up in times of need. During a seven-day power outage in 2022, he donated diesel to keep the emergency generator running, allowing essential services like the warming centre, fire hall, and internet to remain operational. 
 
His undertakings extend to numerous other acts of service, from reporting a trapped orca and aiding in her rescue, to quickly responding to a forest fire near Ehattesaht First Nation. He has also supported local events like the baseball tournament dance and helped with cleanup after disasters. Whether it’s providing equipment for the community greenhouse or organizing a Christmas parade, Glen’s quiet leadership and community spirit make him a true pillar of Zeballos. 

Dr. Sabeen Tiwana is a mentor, educator, and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. Since 2017, she has provided high school students—particularly young women—with hands-on research opportunities at her dental clinic, helping close the gender gap in dentistry. Her academic publications often feature student co-authors, highlighting her commitment to uplifting emerging voices. Dr. Tiwana’s mentorship extends beyond the clinic through co-developing and delivering equity workshops at Vancouver Coastal Health and the Canadian Conference for Physician Leadership. She equips underrepresented youth with practical skills, leadership experience, and the confidence to influence healthcare’s future. At UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry, she champions academic success for minority students through inclusive teaching and advocacy. 

Her landmark book, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Healthcare: From Knowledge to Practice, offers a roadmap for rethinking leadership, training, and accountability in healthcare. Her research on systemic racism—echoed by findings from Statistics Canada and BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner—calls for urgent reform in healthcare governance and policy. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, Dr. Tiwana transforms individual lives while driving institutional change, inspiring the next generation to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. 

Rik Valentine is a pillar of the Argenta community, whose decades-long commitment to public safety, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness have made a lasting impact. As a leader with the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society and the Argenta Cemetery Society, Rik has dedicated over 20 years to wildfire readiness—training hundreds of residents, establishing a fully equipped fire shed, and creating a mapping system for essential water sources, now adopted by several first responder agencies. These efforts were put to the test in 2024, when wildfires threatened the area. Under Rik’s leadership, the Argenta Fire Brigade successfully protected every structure in the community. 
 
Rik also played a pivotal role in designing and restoring Johnson’s Landing’s water system after a devastating landslide, leading a volunteer-driven, 7-year project that secured federal funding, passed engineering standards, and was completed under budget. Rik continues to maintain the system that ensures reliable water access for residents. In between these community projects, he found time over the years to do volunteer work on water and construction projects in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Haiti. His leadership, generosity, and technical expertise have strengthened his own community and have become a model for rural resilience throughout the region. 

Photo credit: Bill Metcalfe, Nelson Star

Margaux Wosk is an advocate, artist, designer, and entrepreneur who champions disability justice and neurodivergent inclusion. As President of BC People First, Margaux provides leadership to elevate disabled voices and advocate for meaningful change across the province. Their work breaks down barriers, fosters pride, and amplifies underrepresented perspectives through creativity, advocacy, and education. Through their business, Retrophiliac, Margaux designs bold communication tools and products by and for disabled, LGBTQIA2+, and neurodivergent individuals—empowering others to express themselves, reduce stigma, and build community. They also founded the We Belong market, which highlighted neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs, and were featured on AMI’s Our Community Episode for their advocacy and small business endeavours. 

An emerging leader, Margaux spoke on Parliament Hill at the Disability Without Poverty rally and has collaborated with People First of Canada, McMaster University, and Curiko on accessibility, education, and small business development.  Their artwork—featured in York University’s Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, to which they also contributed—reflects their commitment to advocacy through creativity. Several of their products are available in the Museum of Vancouver on their open MOV platform. Through every initiative, Margaux remains to be a strong voice for inclusion, pride and important systemic change.

Serving as an advocate, leader, and mentor for artists from diverse backgrounds, Amarjeet Singh Vabhana has contributed to the arts and culture scene in Surrey.  He founded the Naad Arts Festival in 2006 which has become a cornerstone cultural event and an essential platform for local talent—helping to elevate Surrey’s cultural profile and foster greater community engagement through the arts. 
 
Through the Naad Arts Centre, Amarjeet promotes local arts, organizes large-scale events like the Naad Festival of Music & Dance, and forges connections between local and international artists, strengthening community ties and pride. His mentorship inspires many aspiring artists, with several going on to successful music careers, and his creation of two widely used Tabla syllabus books ensures the continuity of cultural education. 
 
Amarjeet’s leadership has helped to transform Surrey into a vibrant cultural hub, fostering collaboration across artistic disciplines. His online teaching programs expand access to music education internationally, creating sustainable pathways for future cultural development. Amarjeet continues to celebrate and amplify cultural diversity through his work, ensuring the arts remain central to his community’s identity. 

In 2025, Rob Olson marks his 25th year of teaching, a career defined by his commitment to fostering growth, equity, and community service. A multifaceted educator, with a background as a tree planter, carpenter, and former Navy Reserve member, Rob applies his diverse experiences to create impactful programs. As a new teacher, he developed the North Vancouver School District’s high school engineering courses, focusing on gender equity, and has inspired many students to pursue engineering at top universities such as MIT, UC Berkeley, and UBC among many. In addition to his academic leadership, Rob has launched programs like Community and Global Initiatives, where students serve monthly dinners for food-insecure community members and build infrastructure in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. 
 
Rob’s efforts extend to extracurricular activities, founding the Robotics Academy and volunteering for  the Boys Club Network, which mentors at-risk boys. His commitment to service also includes volunteering with the North Vancouver District Heritage Committee, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Rob’s advocacy for both education and community engagement has transformed the lives of students, instilling values of empathy, leadership, and global citizenship. 

A trailblazer in advancing women in the fire service across British Columbia, Debra Rogers is the Acting Captain and Fire Investigator with the Campbell River Fire Department (CRFD). She began her fire service career as a fire dispatcher at CRFD in 2009 and transitioned to firefighter in 2017 at the age of 47, becoming the first professional female in the CRFD suppression division. A key figure in the execution of several Camp Ignite youth camps, she has helped empower young women by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to female role models in firefighting. This program has been crucial in breaking down barriers and offering pathways for young women to pursue careers in this traditionally male-dominated field. This experience led to her role as the founding President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society, which extends similar opportunities on Vancouver Island—further engaging, encouraging, and empowering young women through firefighting within a safe and supportive community.

As the Project Manager of Fire Service Women BC, Debra continues to advocate for gender equity, providing resources and networking opportunities for women in the fire service by overseeing the application of their Women and Gender Equality grant funding initiatives. Through her leadership, she has created avenues for women to enter the field while ensuring they have the support needed to thrive in their careers. Debra’s dedication has impacted the fire service, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in British Columbia