Award Year: 2012

E & K Construction

E & K Construction is a family-owned business that provides renovation, vegetation management and other restorative services throughout the Fraser Valley. Ever expanding, Evert and Kathy Hope and their daughter Jolena have added the Yale Fisheries processing plant and Hope River General Store and adjoining RV Park to their operations.

Dr. Roger H. Barnsley

British Columbia and the city of Kamloops owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Roger Barnsley, retired President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. Dr. Barnsley oversaw the transformation of the institution known as Cariboo College into a university for the 21st century. With its Open Learning Division, international partnerships, innovative Aboriginal learning program, and its positive impact on the social and economic development of the Kamloops region, Thompson Rivers University under Dr. Barnsley’s leadership, has attracted students locally, from across Canada and from 85 countries worldwide. His tremendous contributions are based on his belief that education is fundamental to hope and progress – for students, parents, communities and nation. We honour Dr. Barnsley, today, for the legacy he has created for our Province.

Debra Hewson

Communities depend on business leaders like Debra Hewson to take a significant role in the guidance of the United Way campaign, such an important vehicle for supporting so many community causes. Debra served as Co-Chair of the Lower Mainland’s 2011 United Way Campaign that raised over 30 million dollars. Her community award today is in response to her volunteer efforts for United Way and other community organizations such as Music Fest Vancouver, an annual ten-day summer musical festival. An industry leader as President and CEO of investment firm Odlum Brown, Debra is also recognized for her encouragement of the company’s philanthropic endeavours. Her generosity of time, expertise and leadership is creating a brighter and stronger future for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Catherine Regehr

Catherine Regehr is a Vancouver-based internationally acclaimed fashion and home designer. Her work reflects her northern roots and her signature elegance. She studied fashion design in Paris and worked in fashion in New York before returning to British Columbia, where she launched her first couture collection in 1986. More recently, Catherine has created a home collection mirroring her connection to the outdoors and fascination with texture. Sumptuous fabrics, elegant, understated lines and timelessness characterize Catherine Regehr’s designs.

Falcon Contracting Ltd.

Falcon Contracting and its associated companies have been implementing major contracts in the oil and gas, mining and forestry industries over the past 16 years. Owners Zane and Diane Pickering create a positive working environment and are committed to safety, environmental sensitivity and social responsibility.

Catherine Belleau

“If children are our future, then we are in good hands with Catherine Belleau’s dedication,” says Esk’etemc Chief Fred Robbins. A First Nations elder, Cathy has enriched the lives of three generations of her First Nations community. It was thirty-five years ago that Cathy began her work with the daycare centre, serving the community’s infants, toddlers and youth with gentle loving care. She has been instrumental in keeping the Day Care Centre open in some of the most challenging times. She has mentored the child care workers who have followed in her footsteps. Cathy has supported her work with educational upgrades such as receiving her Infant and Toddler Certificate at the age of 60. When asked how long she will continue, she replies…”as long as I feel young, I’ll keep going”.

Larry Jorgenson

Progressive individuals like Larry Jorgenson recognize that people and place are intimately linked. For over thirty-three years, Larry’s focus has been the integration of economic, environmental and social development in Bella Bella. Founder and Executive Director of Qqs Project Society, Larry has spearheaded dozens of collaborative partnerships that promote the stewardship of the Heiltsuk traditional territories and empower youth to reconnect with their cultural identity. The Heiltsuk Cabins Project, the Koeye River Valley youth camps and field science internships, the first all-ages community library, the Koeye Café, are examples of Larry’s tremendous legacy. Everyday, Larry brings strength to the Heiltsuk community through his vision and ideas.