Award Category: Community Award

Phyllis Simon is the founder and driving force behind Vancouver Kidsbooks, a nationally recognized specialty bookseller. She has spread the joy of reading quality children’s literature among two generations of young Lower Mainland readers. She is involved in numerous literacy programs and freely shares her knowledge and expertise with educators and librarians.

Over the past 25 years, Jim Taylor has worked diligently and with integrity towards the preservation and restoration of Mission’s watercourses and wetlands. His leadership and broad visionary skills were important in the area’s recent purchase of the Silverdale Creek Estuary Wetlands. As a teacher, he has introduced the salmonid enhancement program to elementary students in his district and raised awareness of environmental stewardship.

Steve Tuck gets involved, shows leadership and inspires others in his community. Steve has played a vital role in the creation of the Okanagan University College Foundation, serving as the founding president and overseeing the building of a $6.5-million endowment. As well, Steve is actively involved as a director and former president of the Sunshine Dreams for Kids, BC Interior Chapter, delivering dreams to sick children.

For over 30 years, Reverend Al Tysick has been a frontline advocate for those in need throughout his community. Through his organization, the Open Door, he provides over 600 homeless individuals with daily food, shelter and support services. He has recently collaborated with other social agencies to build Our Place, a new $12-million social services facility.

Ellen White, ‘Kwulasulwut’ from the Snuneymuxw First Nation is a strong voice for issues affecting her community, province and country. She promotes cross-cultural relations and is an advocate for education. She is a teacher, author, activist, language specialist, storyteller, herbalist and elder. Ellen has served as ‘Elder-in-residence’ at Malaspina University College and also at UBC’s high school youth programs.

For the past 29 years, Liza Wolf has served the Prophet River First Nation. Chief Wolf has delivered stable government, been instrumental in the successful relocation of her community, and under her leadership, provided steady improvement of the welfare of her people. Chief Wolf is active in the regional governance of six northeastern BC First Nations through the Treaty 8 Tribal Association.

Garry Anderson has shown outstanding commitment to heritage projects and the arts and culture in the City of Cranbrook. Under his direction, the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel has developed into one of the world’s finest collections of passenger rail cars. Garry has been instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown area, the restoration of many Cranbrook heritage homes and the restoration of the Royal Alexandra Hall.

A renowned carver, Wayne Carlick, Yaandak’in Y’il, is an inspirational role model for his community. He encourages the Taku River Tlingit First Nation to be proud of their culture and language. He is a respected artist who has used his talents around the world and at home to tell the stories of his culture. Wayne returned to Atlin in 2006 and is teaching others to carve, paint, dance and create. For 13 years, Wayne worked enthusiastically at the Capilano Suspension Bridge showcasing First Nations culture.

Isabelle Diamond is a generous philanthropist and an extraordinary volunteer who has contributed to arts, education, her faith and especially children’s healthcare. Isabelle has changed the face of philanthropy for the British Columbia Children’s Hospital Foundation, where she has inspired others with her diligent efforts and innovative leadership in board, event and fundraising activities.