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New award recognizes cultural diversity
Wally Opal, Attorney General of B.C |
Wally Oppal says the Nesika Awards — winners will receive $5,000 to donate to a non-profit organization of their choice — will highlight B.C.'s strength in cultural diversity and recognize excellence among individuals, organizations and communities, including indigenous communities.
“Multiculturalism is key in building welcoming and inclusive communities that honour the past and build positive, new relationships with local citizens and new immigrants to British Columbia,” said Oppal of the Neskika's, a component of BC150, a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.
"Our province is building on the strength of cultural diversity by linking creativity, talent and technology," he added. "The awards will encourage all British Columbians, newcomers and those who have been here for generations alike, to realize their full potential by reaffirming the importance of inclusiveness and respect for each other."
Also on hand at the launch this week was provincial Multicultural Advisory Council chair John Halani.
"We urge British Columbians to nominate worthy individuals, communities and organizations — our champions of cultural diversity," Halani said. "These awards will spotlight the phenomenal work we know is occurring in our communities."
Nesika (Ne-SAY-ka) is Chinook jargon for "we, us, our." It comes from a trade language used by many different Aboriginal linguistic groups along the west coast of North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries to facilitate trade with European newcomers.
Award nominees are required to demonstrate exceptional work in creating welcoming environments in one of three categories: individuals, organizations and communities. Awards of $5,000 will be provided to winners to donate to a non-profit organization of their choice.
Nominations for the Nesika Awards close Sept. 15, 2008. Information about nominations is available at: www.WelcomeBC.ca. Selected nominees will receive their awards in fall 2008.
"We're honoured to have the Nesika Awards as a part of British Columbia's special year of celebration, BC150," said Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. "These new awards acknowledge the important contributions of First Nations and other cultural groups to building our richly diverse province. What better way to recognize their efforts than by celebrating the leadership they have brought to promoting cultural diversity?"
Added Dave hayer, parliamentary secretary for multiculturalism: "Multiculturalism week is a time to take stock and celebrate our commitments to safe, secure and economically vibrant communities for newcomers and to break down barriers to equal opportunities for immigrants"
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