Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) is set to receive a B.C. Reconciliation Award at Government House in Victoria.
The awards, which recognises those who have who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation, will be presented to both the 2021 and 2022 recipients during a formal ceremony on Thursday.
CSFS was one of the first recipients to be honoured with the award in 2021, its inaugural year.
The local organization received the award in recognition of the Nowh Guna "Our Way" Foot in Both Worlds Carrier Agility Training.
The Nowh Guna "Our Way" Foot in Both Worlds Carrier Agility Training started in 2017 as a program for all people to learn basic information on Carrier culture.
It also helps people to acquire some basic tenets of cultural awareness and humility to best support communities and provide culturally competent services and service delivery.
The program continues to be delivered to organizations, business and agencies from across the province, as recognition of the training is increased.
The B.C. Reconciliation Awards were created through a partnership between BC Achievement and The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of B.C.
On Nov. 22 the 2021 and 2022 Reconciliation Paddles were installed by the Honourable Janet Austin and T’esóts’en, Patrick Kelly at Government House to launch the 2023 call for nominations for the 2023 BC Reconciliation Award.
The 2022 paddle was also created by Prince George-based Dene and Carrier beader Crystal Behn. Behn’s paddle is crafted from moosehide and designed with intricate beadwork.
Nominations are open for the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award until Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.
"In its third year, the British Columbia Reconciliation Award continues to celebrate innovative and empowering ways to embark on this journey, designed and decided by Indigenous Peoples, allowing them to thrive while making the world a better place. We look forward to celebrating the 2023 award recipients,” said Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers (Hupacasath Nation), B.C. Achievement Foundation board member.
Nomination forms are available on the BC Achievement Foundation’s website.
