This forward-looking, community-minded leader has done much to promote the long-term economic and social development of Prince George. Bill played an important role in encouraging the establishment of a medical health initiative at UNBC and in the formation of Initiatives Prince George. He also helped secure funding to establish a $30-million major sports facility for the university and the city.
Award Year: 2007
BC Achievement Applied Art + Design 2007
Christian White
Christian was born on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) and began to carve argillite at fourteen under the direction of his father, Morris White. When he was only twenty-two years old, his sculpture titled Raven Dancer was purchased for the permanent collection of the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. His work is now in collections at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Seattle Art Museum and is featured in Totems to Turquoise. Christian’s style has influenced many emerging Haida artists, and his efforts have helped to establish an apprenticeship program and the future direction for Haida and northwest coast art. (photo: Spirit Wrestler Gallery)
Chuck Bailey
Chuck Bailey is an outstanding volunteer for youth baseball. He has been a passionate leader and coach in the Whalley Little League for more than 46 years and has helped thousands of young people enjoy the game. Under Chuck’s guidance, the Challenger Baseball Program was established which provides children and youth with special needs the opportunity to play baseball with their peers.
Gordon Mackie
Through a lifetime of public service, Gordon Mackie has contributed to the overall prosperity and well-being of Sicamous and Eagle Valley. Gordon’s remarkable civic involvement includes participation in the Sicamous Chamber of Commerce, the Sicamous Waterworks District, the Eagle Valley Arts Council and Citizens on Patrol. Gordon served with distinction as the first mayor of the District of Sicamous after its incorporation.
BC Achievement First Nations Art Award 2007
Kuldeep Bains
Kuldeep Bains has made a significant contribution to the Indo-Canadian community as well as to British Columbia through outstanding service in the areas of multiculturalism, civic duty and community volunteerism. From his pioneering efforts to change federal immigration policies in the 1950s to his leadership of the Khalsa Diwan Society, Kuldeep has always led by example.
Sharon McCoubrey
Dr. Sharon McCoubrey has enthusiastically spearheaded the appreciation, promotion and enjoyment of public art in the District of Lake Country. Since its inception in 1995, Sharon has chaired the Public Art Advisory Commission and has been instrumental in the commission’s art fairs, symposia, events and ArtWalk, one of B.C.’s largest art shows.
Wayne Carlick
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.
Edward (Ted) Barsby
For more than 60 years, Ted Barsby has worked for the benefit of the citizens of the City of Nanaimo through participation on civic, education and healthcare boards. His environmental stewardship has made a positive difference throughout B.C. as he championed major conservation projects. Ted served as the founding President of the BC Wildlife Federation where he continues to be active as well as in the Nanaimo & District Fish and Game Protective Association.