Award Year: 2007

Lily La Mer

Lily La Mer’s determination to raise the image of PADS, the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, is remarkable. Now able to use her camera because of her own PADS-trained service dog, she works selflessly on behalf of PADS raising funds by producing calendars, brochures, newsletters and preparing successful grant proposals. It was Lily who approached her MLA to have 2006 proclaimed The Year of the Working Dog.

Garry Anderson

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.

Barbara Marchand

Barbara has demonstrated a deep understanding of the history of the Syilx (Okanagan Nation) in both contemporary and traditional works. Stone, sand, paint and other natural and contemporary materials are combined to create works that are tactile and present an overwhelming sensory experience for the viewer. She is presently creating a body of work to visually portray how traditional stories and language connect, overlap, and remind us of our responsibility to take care of the land. Barbara is an instructor in the En’owkin Centre’s Visual Arts Program and is also enrolled as a student in the Okanagan Native Language Program. Her work has been exhibited throughout British Columbia and in 2000, she received the BC2000 Book Award for her illustrations in Kou-Skelowh.

Darian Arman

Darian Arman is an exemplary youth leader at Handsworth Secondary School and in district and provincial student organizations such as the District Student Council and Student Voice. Darian initiated a district bullying forum, volunteers for a local seniors’ program, and is the sole student representative on the Provincial Science Committee.

Ben Wah Lee

Ben Lee has served the city of Kelowna and the community of Rutland for more than 34 years. Ben served 12 terms as a Kelowna city councillor; he founded the Kelowna Multicultural Society and the Kelowna Folkfest, and is a champion of heritage preservation, regional parks development and health care.

Chester Patrick

In 1974 Chester (Chaz) began his training at the prestigious Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Arts at ‘Ksan. Chaz excels at painting, carving and designing, working primarily in yellow cedar that allows him to make clean, well-defined cuts to highlight his design work. Design is the most fundamental element in all of his work, whether carving or painting. As the artist-in-residence, he was hired to build two ceremonial panels for the front of the Hill’s Indian Crafts Gallery in Gastown. His work can be found in private collections, galleries, and public institutions throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.

Pauline Arnouse

Pauline Arnouse is an inspiring role model to her community not only through her work with the Beacon Community Services and the Aboriginal Nation Educational Services, but also, through her extensive volunteer work. Pauline is an active and dedicated member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Kwagiutl Urban Society Prevention Program and Compassionate Friends.