Province honors women

Page 16

In honor of Women's History Month (October), Aboriginal women in B.C. were recognized Oct. 18, and celebrated for their contributions to the province by Community Services Minister Ida Chong, representatives of the First Nations Leadership Council and the Metis Nation-BC.

First established by Canada in 1992, Women's History Month is an opportunity to learn about women's contributions, past and present, to Canadian society and to recognize the achievements of women from all walks of life. This year, the theme for Women's History Month was Aboriginal Women: The Journey Forward.

"Today we're highlighting the accomplishments of 10 remarkable women," said Chong. "As minister responsible for women's issues, I am pleased there are opportunities to celebrate women who are role models and leaders. The women receiving these awards were selected because they play a prominent role in the political and cultural life of their communities, and we recognize and honor their place in the history of women in British Columbia."

A panel selected five women honorees and five women for honorable mention awards. Nominees were Aboriginal women who have contributed to their communities in one or more of the following categories: Language, culture and the arts; family and community; health, sports and science; education; and public service, business and entrepreneurship.

In language, culture and the arts the honoree is Sophie Thomas, a Carrier Elder in her nineties. She is the mother of 15 children, 35 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Taught by her grandmother about natural medicines and care of the land, Thomas has been an environmental activist and a sought-after speaker in schools, universities and international conferences for more than 20 years. A former chief of the Stoney Creek Band and founding member of the Stoney Creek Child Welfare Committee, Thomas was awarded 1993 Woman of the Year by the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and is the subject of a Terry Jacks video documentary called The Warmth of Love.

Honorable mention goes to Jessie Hamilton, 83, who has spent her life serving the Hupacasath community. Currently she is documenting the Hupacasath language, and has over the years contributed to language books, tapes, CDs and DVDs to help preserve the dialect for future generations. She also put together a curriculum for the Nuu-chah-nulth language.

In the family and community category, the honoree is Gertrude Guerin (posthumous award). She was born into the Squamish Nation in the village of Mission, B.C. in 1917. The first woman to be elected chief of the First Nation, Guerin's nickname, "old war horse," stuck with her, even 20 years after she left politics. In 1936, Guerin married Victor Guerin of Musqueam and together they raised four children in North Vancouver before moving to Musqueam Nation in 1954. There, she became an advocate for the Musqueam people, especially around issues of fairness and non- discrimination in the school system. She was the founder of the Vancouver Friendship Centre and played key roles in founding the Vancouver Police Liaison Society and the Native Education Centre.

Honorable Mention goes to Jackie Finnie, a Metis Elder who is active in many community programs, including Friday's Child, a program for parents of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome children; Aboriginal Head Start; and the Na'aaltasi school. A former board Elder for the Wachiay Friendship Centre, Jackie serves on the board for the Courtenay Legion Auxiliary and also helps promote healthy living for the Korean Veterans.

In health, sports and science the honoree is Rose Johnston, born into the Nak'azdli Band in 1936. She graduated from the St. Paul's Nursing Program in 1950, married Len Johnston of the Squamish Nation in 1959 and retired at age 68 from a 45-year career as a registered nurse.

Honorable mention goes to Rose Bortolon, a resident of Prince George and minister of Health for the Metis Nation-BC. She has worked with the Metis s a volunteer since the 1970s.

In education the honoree is Christa Williams of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. Williams achieved a bachelor of science degree, with honors, from Queen's University. He ongoing commitment to Aboriginal education is reflected by her active involvement and leadership in the First Nations Education Steering Committee; the BC Aboriginal Education Partners Group; the National Indian Education Committee of the Assembly of First Nations and the national Education Policy Framework. Recently she played a key role in the negotiations of the agreement in First Nations Education in B.C. signed by First Nations, provincial and federal representatives, which recognizes the right of First Nations peoples to make decisions about the education of their learners.

Honourable mention goes to Kim Hodgson, a teacher and advocate for children in need of special education. She is president of the Tri-River Metis Association and volunteers many hours promoting Metis culture and wellness.

In the public service, business and entrepreneurship category the honoree is Jean Peerless, a community leader and Metis politician in the Peace Region for many years. One of the first women elected as a Metis leader, Peerless is a tenacious and vocal advocate for Metis rights and recognition, a generous volunteer, a creative problem-solver and inspiration to all in her community.

Honorable mention goes to Geri Collins, who has dedicated her life work to many whom she does not even know. She is committed to ensuring programs and services are available and accessible to all with Aboriginal ancestry. Collins has worked with Community Futures Development Corp. of Central Interior First Nations for 16 years.