Award Year: 2005

For over 40 years, Frazer Smith has made significant contributions to the Tsartlip First Nations Band and to the development of renewed relations between first nations and the non-aboriginal community. Frazer actively promotes his culture on behalf of numerous local and provincial First Nations programs. Frazer is a gifted organizer whose energy and leadership lay behind the immensely successful BC Aboriginal Elders’ conference in 2002 at which some 5000 people were present. He encourages people to come together to learn and share what is good and valuable. He works to draw on the efforts, skills and talents of others, regardless of race or creed for the betterment of his people and the good of us all.

Kiran Aujlay is an example of determination and spirit. As a successful athlete, Kiran has turned her adversity into a passion, helping bring exposure to the sport of wheelchair racing. The Vancouver Optimist Club has noted that ‘it is her enthusiastic and positive approach to volunteerism that is her strength and that helps helps many youth with physical and mental challenges enjoy their life to the fullest’. Through her work leading educational seminars and as a peer mentor at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Kiran provides encouragement and hope to youth with special disabilities.

Dr. LaVerne Kindree has lived and worked in Squamish for over 50 years. Not only has Dr. Kindree been instrumental in meeting the community’s evolving healthcare needs, he has been integral in the development of the community. Dr. Kindree has served Squamish as a chamber of commerce member, a municipal council alderman and director of the Squamish Regional District. Dr.Kindree has chosen to live his life with integrity and as inspiration to others, whether its chairing a board, sitting as a member of a committee or relentless fund raising efforts for the Squamish General Hospital and its extended care facility.

Chris Taulu is a respected, determined leader in the Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver. Through her work with the Joyce Station Area Planning Association and as a founder of the Collingwood Community Policing Centre and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Society, Chris has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to the betterment of her community. Chris speaks with passion and integrity about ensuring that her neighbourhood is safe and secure from crime. Chris is a role model for other volunteers in her community and is considered a community icon as she strives to make Joyce-Collingwood a better place for all.

Donna Barnett is a tremendous advocate for her community of 100 Mile House and the South Cariboo region. Mayor since 1996, Donna has overseen many initiatives which have benefited her area. In addition, she has given thousands of volunteer hours to community organizations and charities including South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, South Cariboo Health Council and other civic, educational and recreational groups. Mayor Donna Barnett is tireless in her efforts to better the lives of the people of the South Cariboo.

Magdalen R. Leung demonstrates an enormous enthusiasm and love for Richmond, chairing fundraising initiatives and community events, acting as an advocate for the arts, and promoting volunteerism. A resident for 32 years, Magdalen promotes multiculturalism to ensure full community support for causes that improve the lives of all residents. Magdalen works with organizations ranging from the Richmond Community Arts Council and the Richmond Hospital Foundation to her current roles on the board of the Richmond Community Foundation and the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club.

Mary Toynbee has devoted many volunteer hours to improving life for seniors on Salt Spring Island. She volunteered initially with the Salt Spring Island Community Centre and helped established a senior’s drop-in centre. In answer to the concerns that senior members of the Salt Spring Island community that had to leave the Island as they could not continue to maintain their home, Mary challenged her fellow seniors to join with her to create the Gulf Island Seniors Residence Association. Over the next 6 years, the Association conceived, developed and constructed Meadowbrook, a non-profit seniors’ supportive living facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Gulf Islands.

Gordon Bell’s imagination and determination has resulted in the building of the Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town located between Revelstoke and Sicamous. Gordon and his wife Ethel have devoted 45 years to establishing this major heritage attraction which provides employment and economic benefit to their community. Whether it’s saving a turn-of-the-century church from Field or the Craigallachie schoolhouse or collecting and restoring railroad artifacts, Gordon has built a legacy to showcase and preserve BC’s history. Further, Gordon has distinguished himself as one of BC’s most effective advocates for the importance of tourism in the province.

Artist Michelle Loughery designed and painted 26 historical murals in downtown Vernon, a project which is an outstanding success not only as it celebrates the area’s heritage and culture but it is also a major tourism draw. Michelle’s talent is unquestionable but it was her creation of this art on the street that was so significant in her community. It mobilized citizens to work together with a sense of pride. Most importantly, Michelle involved 75 youth at risk on the project. Michelle is more than an artist, but rather a mentor to the community’s youth and a public relations ambassador for Vernon.

In the late 80’s, John Van Spronsen determined that the youth of Dawson Creek needed a recreational facility. He took it upon himself to make this a reality and now ‘the Ark Christian Youth Centre’ provides leisure opportunities to all youth regardless of financial situation, ethnicity or religion. The Centre has become a valuable amenity, fostering understanding and tolerance and providing a refuge for the community’s youth. John continues to fund the Arc personally. He is described as an “inspiration to his community” and one whose vision and commitment has made Dawson Creek a better place to live.