Since 1993, Cedar Root Gallery has promoted Aboriginal artists and their work by offering an array of First Nations art, craft and products in a unique location at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Haida artist and matriarch of the family-owned business, Mona Moreno, has been integral to the operation and success of the gallery. Cedar Root Gallery has a strong commitment to its clientele and actively supports its urban Aboriginal Community.
Award Year: 2011
Debra Arnott
Debra Arnott is a community leader and role model who promotes business and community economic development in the Central Interior as general manager of Community Futures Sun Country. Debra also supports a wide range of community initiatives as a volunteer including the Regional Literacy group, Thompson Rivers University, Regional Welcoming Communities, and the Historic Hat Creek Ranch to name a few.
John Jennings
John Jennings demonstrates an unwavering commitment to British Columbia health care. He served for eight years on the board of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, including two years as chair, raising funds to enhance the delivery of patient care. He is currently chair of the BC Cancer Foundation, where he supports its fundraising efforts on behalf of the BC Cancer Agency.
Tom Weegar
The impact of Tom Weegar’s volunteer leadership of the Literacy Alberni Society is significant. He has established funding, a group of volunteers to serve on the board and tutors to support its many literacy programs. The results of his work are measurable: many new Canadians and literacy-challenged individuals are receiving much needed help in reading and writing, therefore improving their opportunities for employment and further education.
BC Achievement Applied Art + Design 2011
Duz Cho Construction Ltd.
Duz Cho Construction Ltd., owned by the McLeod Lake Indian Band is a contracting business, located in the Tse’khene territory, in northeastern BC. It clears and develops land, builds roads and dams and performs other earthmoving construction. With strong leadership and perseverance, the business has diversified, creating separate divisions in oil and gas, mining and alternate energy. Partnerships with Ledcor, Thompson Creek Metals, Dunn-za Ventures, Capital Power Corporation, Walter Energy Inc, the Duz Cho management team has seen an employment growth of over 400%, leading to a solid future for this community owned business. They are a clear leader and represent a strong model for economic development.
Peter Ash
Peter Ash is a philanthropist and entrepreneur who reaches out to the less fortunate in the community and encourages his companies and staff to do the same. His contributions include supporting a shelter for homeless women in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, the first homeless shelter in Langley and the new Canuck Place in Abbotsford. Of particular note is his dedication to Under the Same Sun, an international NGO he founded in Tanzania to support persons with albinism.
Tewanee Joseph
A member of the Squamish First Nation, Tewanee Joseph is an extraordinary leader. His work as a councillor supported positive development and change in his community. As CEO of the Four Host First Nations Secretariat, he focused a tremendous spotlight on B.C.’s and Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Sheryl Williamson
Sheryl Williamson works to improve the downtown neighbourhood of Vancouver’s West End. As chair of the West End Citizens’ Action Network (WECAN), Sheryl seeks solutions to social and neighbourhood issues through problem solving and community cohesion. She has also worked with Our House West Coast Society, Friends of St. Paul’s Hospital and currently serves on the Vancouver Police Board.