Jim McMynn served the Village of Midway with distinction as its mayor from its incorporation in 1967 to his retirement in 2005. His leadership contributed to the development of Midway’s economy and its necessary services and its amenities. His leadership and involvement in the well-being of the community set an example for others to follow and has made Midway a better place to live.
Award Year: 2007
Isabelle Diamond
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.
William White
William first learned weaving from his aunt, Betty Sampson, and later received formal training through the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. For the last ten years, he has focused on reviving ancient weaving techniques used in producing Chilkat. William has encouraged and trained many Tsimshian and other Northwest Coast First Nations in basketry, Raven’s Tail and Chilkat weaving. He is passionate about sharing the Tsimshian culture through his work. One of his Chilkat Robes is in the permanent collection at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology, and his work has been exhibited in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and throughout the United States.
Don Benson
Don Benson has given decades of service to New Westminster in sport, culture and leadership. Early on, he founded the Queens Park Youth Soccer Association and under his leadership the Royal City Minor Lacrosse Association flourished. He initiated the city’s successful bid for the Canada Summer Games, co-founded the Royal City Musical Theatre Society, and is currently the city’s Poet Laureate Emeritus and the chair of Royal City 2010 Sports Olympic Task Force.
Dr. John Nightingale
During his 13 years as president of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Dr. John Nightingale has moved the aquarium to a focus on conservation, increased attendance, advanced scientific research and embarked on a new expansion and revitalization while at the same time ensuring the aquarium’s self-sufficiency. As important, he has developed strong relationships between the business sector and the public, including serving as a member of the Board of the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Art Flaterud
Art Flaterud’s extensive volunteer efforts have impacted a wide range of community organizations in Vanderhoof. From spearheading seniors’ housing expansion to leadership in the local curling club, the credit union, the Vanderhoof Co-op, Crime Stoppers and Crime Watch, Art is an inspiration. He contributes his energy wherever he can as he makes a difference each day in the Vanderhoof community.
Jill Allan
Jill Allan explores repetition of form, pattern and the impact of light in her glass objects and unique jewelry. Her work is quiet, based in the craft tradition of vessel making and influenced by Scandinavian design. Jill is a graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design and recently completed an artists’ residency at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York State. She has received numerous awards including the Young Contemporaries Millennium Award 2001 and the Gold Medal for Excellence in Craft at the 2005 Circle Craft Christmas Market.
Lois Carson Boyce
Age is no barrier to Lois Carson Boyce, a vibrant and energetic 88-year-old whose community activism has benefited the people of Richmond for the past 40 years. She has been committed to meeting the challenges of social and environmental issues in her community through such organizations as the City Centre Community Association and the Safe Communities Alliance. Lois continues to work for the benefit of seniors’ health care, specifically in the area of falls prevention.
Doris Paul
Doris Paul, Xelem’th, is the founder and chair of Caring for Our Youth Committee, a community organization formed to protect youth from drug dealers, violence, and suffering and pain caused by addiction. Her undaunted spirit has brought together both native and non-native partners to achieve the restoration of a sense of safety, security, health and community pride.
Kerry Jang
Dr. Kerry Jang is a contributing resident of the Renfrew Collingwood community, a volunteer on harm reduction initiatives and former President and Board member of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Dr. Jang has shared his expertise as a professor and psychologist by helping his community effectively address issues of homelessness, addictions and mental health.