Award Category: Community Award

Coralie Nairn’s 35-year tenure with Search and Rescue has been defined by her role in advancing the organization to become one of BC’s leading Search and Rescue groups. Starting as a Ground Search Team Member with Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, Coralie’s journey eventually led her to become a Senior Search Manager at Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) and the team’s Safety Officer and Media Liaison. Her extensive training in various rescue techniques has earned her recognition as a respected leader and mentor within the Search and Rescue community.

As a Level II Search and Rescue Manager, Coralie has overseen numerous large-scale operations. Her 11 years of experience with the Canadian Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and maintenance as a Search and Rescue Master with the Canadian Military further attest to her commitment and expertise in the field. In addition to her role at VSAR, Coralie is a program instructor for the Justice Institute of British Columbia and volunteers for the Adventure Smart Program. Through this initiative, she has trained over 1000 children and 500 adults, emphasizing the importance of safety during outdoor exploration.

Alison O’Toole stands as a pillar in the Prince Rupert arts community. A teacher for School District 52 since 1993, Alison’s commitment to education and the arts earned her the prestigious title of Drama Teacher of the Year by the BC Drama Educators Association. Alison has directed over 30 high school musicals and major theatrical productions, advocating for student recognition, and leading the charge to make these annual performances count for school credits.

Alison’s passion for theatre extends to the broader community, where she directs productions that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. As the Drama Representative for the region and a board member of the Lester Centre of the Arts, she mentors aspiring artists and champions the importance of the performing arts. Alison’s legacy is measured in the countless students she has educated and in the many who have pursued careers in the arts, inspired by her guidance and mentorship.

Jazz Pabla, former Chief Information Officer & Director of Information Services for the City of Kelowna, leverages technology to improve citizens’ lives and inspire innovation nationwide. Recognized for pioneering AI and cloud solutions, Jazz’s leadership has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in city services. Under Jazz’s guidance, his team developed ground-breaking projects and solutions for snow removal optimization and smart waste management systems. He also drove initiatives addressing homelessness, including a real-time Outdoor Sheltering Dashboard, and created a chatbot for citizen queries.

During the recent wildfires, Jazz led a team that deployed drones and satellite technology to detect hotspots and assess damage, facilitating swift response efforts. Jazz and his team also developed a digital twin called Model City, empowering transparent and informed decision-making. Jazz’s vision for AI-driven solutions extends to housing crises, with plans to expedite building permits. As an active member of Municipal Information Systems Association of BC, Jazz shares expertise and drives advancements, positioning Kelowna as a trailblazer in municipal technology adoption.

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.

 

 

As Art Director for the Papal Visit and Creative Director for Parades, Ceremonies and National Days, Sam also served on the Planning and Permits Board for the City of Vancouver. He assisted with the siting of Expo 86 Public Art legacies and coordinated students, artists, designers and craftspeople to produce the Gateway to the Canada pavilion at Yokohama’s Expo 89. He was a founding member of the Vancouver Public Art Committee and has produced numerous events and fundraisers highlighting BC artists and designers. He was one of the founding members of the Canadian Craft Museum. Sam has worked with Emily Carr graduates from throughout the province who not only have selected young artists to mentor, but also to produce artwork for the Spirit of Place Culture, Sport and Sustainability BC Young Artists Exhibition for the Cultural Olympiad, 2008. This exhibition travelled to the Governor General’s residence, Rideau Hall, in Ottawa during the spring and summer of 2009.