Cultural Harmony Awards
Past Recipients
The following are past recipients of Cultural Harmony Awards, who have
trees planted in their names at the Cultural Harmony Grove:
1996|1997|1998|1999|2000|2001|2002|2003|2004|2005|2006|2007|2008|2009 l 2010|2011
2011
The Source/La Source Newspaper was the winner of 2011 Cultural Harmony Award in the organization category. The Source/La Source Newspaper has provided a dynamic platform for the celebration of multiculturalism and diversity in the city of Vancouver. It has devoted attention and space to the promotion and coverage of smaller grassroots community events and diversity issues. This bi-weekly, bilingual publication is staffed by volunteers whose backgrounds reflect the diversity of the city itself, in terms of race, culture, language and age. By bringing diverse events and issues into the public eye, The Source/La Source has played a significant role in enhancing cross-cultural understanding and relations in Vancouver.
Sadie Kuehn was the 2011 winner in the individual category in recognition of her long and distinguished history of service to the community. She is a writer, educator and lecturer who believes passionately in the work of empowering community and fostering inter-community understanding. For over 30 years, she has made significant contributions to the province and region in matters related to women, youth, multicultural, human rights and policy matters. Sadie’s tireless work and committment to advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized citizens has had a profound impact on the city and the community at large. Her broad achievement as a leader for social justice has deep influence on others and she is a great role model for the younger generation.
Eric Wong received an Honourable Mention in the 2011 Cultural Harmony Awards. As a long-time educator in diversity and human rights, he has contributed to many non-profit organizations as a volunteer. The array of community and private sector partners with whom Eric has worked reflects his deep commitment to diversity and to building an inclusive society.
2010
The winner of 2010 Cultural Harmony Awards in the organization category was South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH), a non-profit, volunteer-driven community service agency which began in 1970. For more than thirty years, SVNH has been serving and building connections between various groups in the community such as immigrants, refugees, low income families, seniors and youth to develop a caring, welcoming and inclusive neighbourhood. More than 100 programs are offered in various languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Spanish.
Recipient in the “Individual” category for 2010 was Leila El-Khatib. Leila has worked tirelessly against racial profiling, and has put together comprehensive educational sessions on Islam and Middle Eastern Awareness, and delivered the programs extensively to Border Security Forces, RCMP, Burnaby Police and Vancouver Police Department. Through her work, she showed tremendous courage at a time when it was difficult to speak up about the issues, and has systemically challenged practices which were discriminatory and unfair to members of the community.
2009
Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) was the winner of the 2009 Cultural Harmony Award in the ‘Organization' category. VAMS was founded in 1988, and has done excellent work in expanding awareness of, and appreciation for, the talents of musicians with disabilities; using music as a platform for inclusive participation, and enriching and improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Joy Manuel, recipient in the “Individual” category, was recognized for her long service to children and people in need; her ability to bring hope and opportunity to people facing obstacles and challenges; for being a role model to the community, and for her vision and selflessness in leading and motivating others to respond to ever-changing community needs.
2008
Vancouver Moving Theatre was chosen as the award recipient in the organization category for developing accessible interdisciplinary theatre, events and community art influenced by Vancouver's Pacific Rim culture. Since 1983, VMT has produced over 40 original works; received nine Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards; toured six productions nationally and internationally; produced four large multi-disciplinary Downtown Eastside festivals and six Strathcona Festivals; and originated four community residencies. Through its exceptional work, VMT has successfully created lasting connections among many communities, drawing upon the richness of traditions that exist among residents from diverse backgrounds.
Romi Chandra was selected as the recipient for the 2008 Cultural Harmony Award in the individual category for his long term commitment and involvement as a young person to anti-discrimination issues. He was recognized for his capacity to lead and motivate his peers and other youth to respond to issues of racism and homophobia, and for his ability and success to engage broad sectors and groups in dealing with social justice and equality issues.
2007
The Trout Lake Knitters Group received
the honour in the organization category. Based at Trout Lake Community
Centre, this group of seniors creates hats, mitts, socks, scarves
and blankets for the patrons of the Downtown Eastside’s Evelyn
Saller Centre. They are a culturally diverse group, hailing from
Canada, England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal. Their
hobby bridges the cultural boundaries and together they have made
a significant contribution toward community building and cross-cultural
caring in the city.
Norma Sanchez was recognized
as the recipient in the Individual category. Shortly after she arrived
in Canada from Argentina in 1987, she helped start a youth group for
refugees and volunteered as an educator and interpreter. In 1989, she
joined the Latin American Community Council. In 1990, she became one
of the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services’ first
mental health liaisons with a focus on the Latin American community.
She has been instrumental in organizing city-wide mental health symposia
for ethnic communities, health care providers and other groups. She
also continues her volunteer work, including helping new refugees,
setting up support groups for Latin American women, and participating
on various boards and committees.
2006
Creative Peace Network - Through its "Peace
it Together" summer camps, the Creative Peace Network has brought
together Canadian, Middle Eastern Arab and Jewish youth to participate
in arts, dialogue and team-building exercises. It also runs a year-round
outreach program that includes a monthly discussion group open to all
members of the community who want to seek out new view points and work
on peace-promoting initiatives.
Sherman Siu Man Chan was recognized in the individual
category for his work in assisting new citizens. Chan is currently
the Director of Settlement Services for MOSAIC, an immigrant service
agency in Vancouver. He has also worked at Surrey Delta Immigrant Services
Society and as a bilingual counsellor for MOSAIC. Throughout his career,
he has sought out new services for immigrants and refugees, including
low-income individuals and those in need of legal aid and advocacy
2005
Sadia Ramirez - Sadia moved to Vancouver in 1992
and started volunteering at the Carnegie Centre teaching ESL to Latin-American
immigrants and refugees. In 1994, she joined the Tenants Rights Action
Coalition (TRAC) as a Community Legal Worker. In her work, Sadia reached
out to and organized hundreds of workshops for immigrant and minority
communities and helped thousands of clients from various ethnic backgrounds
on issues concerning security of tenure and safe and secure housing.
Vancouver Native Health Society - Founded in 1990,
the Vancouver Native Health Society is a non-profit organization which
provides a range of health and social services to residents in the
downtown eastside, some of whom are among the poorest and most marginalized
members of society. Services of the Society include walk-in clinic,
HIV peer support, services for women, early childhood support to families,
and social enterprise initiatives.
2004
Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation took
the award in the organization category for the wide range of services
its volunteers provide across Vancouver, including preparing and serving
meals to the homeless in the Downtown Eastside; delivering meals to
seniors and the disabled; and fundraising for many causes. A national
organization, the Tzu Chi Foundation established its Vancouver chapter
in 1992.
Roz Davidson was recognized in the individual category.She's
been working with children for more than 50 years in Canada and the
U.S., teaching the value of multiculturalism in song, stories and actions.
She was dubbed The Granny Rapper after composing a rap song about youth
bullying.
2003
Sukhdev Grewal - Sukhdev has been an advocate for
women's health issues among the culturally diverse communities of Vancouver,
especially the South Asian community, since 1974. She has led the way
in community development and cultural connections.
411 Seniors Centre - The Centre is a non-profit organization
that has grown to become a multi-purpose recreational facility serving
a diverse community and offering a wide range of programs and services
to those age 55 and older.
2002
John Halani - John immigrated to Canada in 1972 and,
since then, has been continuously involved in community development
and voluntary service. He has served on numerous boards, commissions
and committees. He is presently serving as President, Greater Vancouver
Citizenship Council and as Chair of Ethno Business Council.
A Step Ahead Foundation - Founded by Leon Bibb, the
Step Ahead Foundation is a non-profit society whose mandate is to combat
racism through school programs and other new ideas that unite advocacy
and education with the arts.
2001
Clive Mallory - is a chair of the 411 Seniors Centre's
multicultural committee, and a member of its board. Through his efforts,
the 411 Seniors Centre has developed new policies and approaches in
welcoming culturally diverse seniors.
2000
First Lutheran Church - for its commitment towards
cultural harmony through its wide-ranging services, inclusiveness,
and welcoming environment to all people in the community.
Teresa Whitehouse - for her work in helping to create
a better understanding and appreciation of Vancouver's cultural diversity.
1999
Collingwood Neighbourhood House - for its commitment
to cultural diversity and community harmony through its programs and
actions.
Donna Spencer - for her dedication to culturally
diverse dance, theatre and visual arts.
1998
Carousel Theatre - for its long history in innovative
programming that addresses cultural diversity issues
1997
Mount Saint Joseph Hospital - for its leadership
in the development and provision of culturally sensitive health services
Gabriel Yiu - for his contribution to cultural harmony
through his media commentaries on cross cultural issues
1996
Early Childhood Multicultural Services - for outstanding
work in providing multicultural sensitivity to early childhood professionals
David Diamond - for his theatre work which provides
interactive drama that explores diversity issues
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