Marianne Nicolson is a well-known mixed media artist who utilizes painting, photography, mixed-media, sculpture, and installation to create modern depictions of traditional Kwakwaka’wakw concepts.
As an artist of Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw First Nations descent, Marianne’s training encompasses both traditional Kwakwaka’wakw forms and culture and Western European based art practice. She has exhibited widely in Canada and throughout the world since 1992 and has been vocal on issues of Aboriginal histories and politics arising from a passionate involvement in cultural revitalization and sustainability. Her work, A Lament for National Histories, questions the status of international agreements/treaties and the land jurisdiction these agreements reflect.
Owner of the Common Loaf Bake Shop, Maureen Fraser is a dedicated community leader. A two-term councillor, Maureen has served on the board of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and Tofino Arts Council. She played an important role as a provincial member of the Clayoquot Sound Central Region board for seven years and was instrumental in securing a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation for Clayoquot Sound. A true trailblazer in reconciliation, Maureen’s proven ability to bridge divides between diverse interests is legendary in the region.
Vivian Trethewey is a devoted philanthropist whose generous support of the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, its Cancer Clinic and Hospice has made an enormous impact. A founding donor of the Abbotsford Foundation, along with a recent major gift to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, together exemplify Vivian’s extensive and long-time community engagement. An advocate for Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford Museum Society, Abbotsford Recreation Commission, and the Reach to name a few of her interests, Vivian aspires to ignite the passion for philanthropy in others to ensure the sustainability of a strong community.
Mustimuhw (Moo-stee-moo)Information Solutions Inc. is a software and services company that focuses primarily in the health and social services sector for Indigenous-run service organizations. Mustimuhw software is currently operating in seven provinces supporting over 274 First Nations. Additionally, their Technology for Maternal Child and Health initiative is being implemented in two clinics in Northern Ghana. Mustimuhw’s goal is to develop tools that meet the needs of Indigenous Service organizations, and secondly to create a source revenue stream for Cowichan Tribes to invest back into social priorities.
Jessie Ann Gamble leads the crusade to preserve her community’s history. A founding member of the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Museum & Arts Society, she has served as its president and become the “go-to-person” for local historical information. Armstrong- Spallumcheen’s 2003 Citizen of the Year, Jessie Ann is a life member of the Okanagan Historical Society ensuring that future generations do not lose the treasures and stories of the past. Her efforts to educate all community members are an extension of her teaching career and reflect her passion for documenting history.
A Flying Officer and Flight Instructor in the RCAF during WWII, Arnold Trewhitt is one of Lake Country’s most devoted and inspirational volunteers. During his 94-year residency, Arnold’s contributions include being a School District Trustee, the first Chairman of the Oyama Parent Teacher Association, a Boy Scout and Venture Leader, to name a few of his many activities. A founding member of both the Western Canada Wilderness Committee and Walk Around Lake Country, Arnold continues to be actively involved in both trail development and maintenance groups.
The Stz’uminus First Nation (SFN) set up Coast Salish Group (CSG) as an independent corporation to support its economic development and to create local job opportunities for Stz’uminus members. Twenty percent of its annual profit is given back to the community. Ten years ago, Coast Salish Group started out with one business entity and has since incorporated four additional businesses and set up several partnerships. In the last five years Coast Salish Group has succeeded in creating over 100 jobs.
