If you know someone who is a champion for multiculturalism on the Sunshine Coast then nominate them for a 2011 provincial Nesika Award.
Nominations are now open for the awards, which recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that make outstanding contributions to promoting cultural diversity and Aboriginal heritage in B.C.
Winners in each of the three categories receive $5,000 to acknowledge and support their achievements, to be donated to an organizational program of their choice. The awards - now in their third year - promote the inclusion of people of all cultures, and honour and respect the role that diverse families play in holding our communities together and keeping our province strong and vibrant.
This year, the province has added a business category to the awards. This will recognize corporations, credit unions and small and mid-sized businesses that incorporate respect for diverse cultures into their business philosophy.
Nominations close Monday, Sept. 19.
"Cultural diversity is a cornerstone of British Columbia's identity, playing an important role in strengthening families, businesses and communities," said Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Harry Bloy in a news release. "The Provincial Nesika Awards are an important way to celebrate the exceptional work done throughout the province to respect and embrace British Columbia's diverse cultures."
Nesika (pronounced 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.
Nomination forms and previous winners and nominees can be found at
www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/community/nesika_awards/index.page?WT.svl=LeftNav.
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