Several Northerners To Receive B.C. Achievement Award

By 250 News

A  Prince George woman and a Quesnel man are among 45 British Columbians to  be named recipients of the BC Community Achievement Awards by
Premier Gordon Campbell and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

The  two are among several northerners who will be heading to Victoria next month to receive their award.

The   regional recipients are:

Vanessa West, Prince George
Vanessa West is a role model and a leader in the Lheidli T’enneh Band. A Band Councillor who was employed as the Lheidli T’enneh Treaty office
manager, Vanessa ensured the youth perspective was represented at the recent treaty table. She has been active in the Northern Native Family
Services, Prince George Native Friendship Centre and the Mission Indian Friendship Centre. 

Ron Silver, Quesnel
Ron Silver is an extraordinary volunteer in Quesnel. From the Economic Development Committee to the Downtown Association, Meals on Wheels and
seniors’ well-being, Silver has willingly served to better the community. He recently chaired the committee raising funds for a CT Scanner for the G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital.

Leo Sabulsky, Chetwynd
Leo Sabulsky has developed unique opportunities for youth, many of which have been adopted district and provincewide. He established an entrepreneurship program at a local thrift shop and a community radio station that provides students with broadcasting training. A volunteer
firefighter for 30 years, Sabulsky has been fire chief and emergency coordinator since 1998.

Ella Fraser, Fort St. John
Ella Fraser has served as the president of the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, a city councillor, a member of the Celebrate Canada Committee, and has been instrumental in the ongoing success of the Salvation Army homeless shelter and the implementation of senior’s housing. Her commitment to her region and country is inspirational.

Theresa Gladue, Dawson Creek
Theresa Gladue is an outstanding volunteer in Dawson Creek and an advocate for the Aboriginal people in her community. She co-founded the Dawson Creek Aboriginal Women’s Awareness Society and, as a playwright, has produced and directed public entertainment that enhances cultural diversity and dialogue.

 Lynn Newbery, New Hazelton
Lynn Newbery is widely known as a dedicated teacher and vice-principal. From the development of unique programs such as First Nations studies and peer counseling programs to coaching and supervising student teachers, she has been an important contributor in New Hazelton. Now retired, Newbery is active in cancer counseling and elder education.

"AsBritish Columbia celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, we recognize the strength of our province is founded in the spirit, ideas and passion of our people," said Campbell. "It is a privilege to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals who work for the betterment of our communities and our entire province."

"These individuals have shared the most valuable of today’s commodities, their time and compassion and, in doing so, have positively contributed
to their communities," added Mitchell. "We’re honoured to celebrate the contributions of these exceptional British Columbians."


The recipients of the 2008 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 23, 2008. Each individual will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

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