Barb Ward Burkitt to Receive Order of B.C.

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.  The Executive Director of the Native Friendship Cente in Prince George is one of 15 British Columbians who will be awarded the Order of British Columbia announced Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point, Chancellor of the Order. 

Barb Ward Burkitt has dedicated almost 40 years to the Aboriginal Friendship Centre movement in B.C., advancing many issues that impact Aboriginal people.

She is being recognized for finding long term solutions to homelessness. Her efforts resulted in the establishment of T'se Koo Huba Yoh, an Aboriginal women's housing program and Friendship Lodge,
resulting in a 30 unit housing project for people with barriers to attaining safe and affordable housing. Her engagement style with the community often led to mutual learning experiences and brought peaceful
consultation to mitigate issues.

She currently serves on the Northern HIV Task Force and is president of the Prince George Metis Housing Society, as well her involvement with literary endeavours, Elder functions and cultural events. She is devoted to seeking out individual learning opportunities for others and herself which included obtaining her Master of Education degree in 2001. She leads a womens' traditional hand drum group, Grandmothers of the Four Winds, and shares her traditional knowledge with respect and humility as taught to her by many elders and cultural teachers.

"The Order of British Columbia recognizes the excellence and achievements of our citizens. It is the highest honour we can bestow on individuals in our province," Point said.

"The Order of British Columbia recognizes the remarkable accomplishments achieved by extraordinary British Columbians," said Premier Gordon Campbell. "This year's recipients have made exceptional contributions to their communities and to the province. On behalf of all British Columbians, I'd like to thank each recipient for everything they have done for the province."

The other recipents this year are:

* The Honourable Jacob "Jack" Austin, P.C., Q.C., of Vancouver - lawyer, Senator emeritus
* Brad Bennett of Kelowna - businessman, community volunteer and board member
* Dr. Robert Conrad Brunham of Vancouver - professor and infectious disease specialist
* Dan Doyle of Vancouver - provincial public servant, transportation engineer
* Jeneece Edroff of Victoria - youth active in community service
* John Furlong, O.C. of Vancouver - chief executive officer, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
* Robert (Bob) George Hindmarch of Vancouver - amateur sports leader
* Chief Tony Hunt of Victoria - First Nations artist and leader
* Milan Ilich of Richmond - philanthropist, businessman
* Patricia Anna Mildred Leigh of Vancouver - educator, Science Fair advocate
* Marco A. Marra of Vancouver - genome scientist
* Dr. Julio S.G. Montaner of Vancouver - HIV clinician and researcher
* Christopher Duncan Rose of Kamloops - educator focusing on children with autism
* Pauline (Hilistis) Waterfall of Bella Bella - educator focusing on adult learning opportunities for First Nations

The Order of B.C. investiture ceremony will be held for recipients and invited guests at Government House in Victoria on Oct. 21, 2010. Since the Order was first introduced in 1989, 287 people have received the
honour.

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