Denisiqi Services Society, (Nominated by SD 27, Cariboo-Chilcotin)

Denisiqi Services Society is a community-based organization dedicated to delivering culturally appropriate child and family programs to the ʔEsdilagh, Xeni Gwet’in, Tsideldel, Yunesit’in, Tl’esqox, and Ulkatchot’en communities. The Society emphasizes prevention, support, and intervention, working toward keeping families together and fostering healing within the community. With a focus on the holistic renewal and growth of Tsilhqot’in and Ulkatchot’en culture, Denisiqi Services Society serves as a safe entry point for individuals seeking healing and cultural connection. 

The Society is rooted in the philosophy of families helping each other, believing that a strong, supportive community is essential for the wellbeing of children. They aim to provide a safe, caring, and loving environment for children, supporting their development within their own homes whenever possible. When necessary, they seek culturally appropriate custom care families to step in. 

In addition to their family support services, Denisiqi Services Society actively promotes cultural healing and renewal. Their contributions to community education include engaging with local schools to share Indigenous traditions such as smudging, drum making, and teachings on the medicine wheel. This dedication to public education supports both the cultural and emotional wellbeing of the community's children. 

Denisiqi Services Society's efforts have made a significant impact, building stronger communities, supporting children and families, and promoting the continuation of Tsilhqot’in and Ulkatchot’en culture and traditions.

Friends of qathet, (Nominated by SD47, qathet)

Suzanne and her sister Melanie run Friends of qathet, and have been community supporters since they lived in Powell River. Melanie runs a rehabilitation centre just outside of the community and both sisters do everything they can to help people in any way they can. 

Sue works in the school district as a school secretary, and her work makes a tremendous difference for students as well as the school. Sue is a huge supporter of school Principals, and for years both Sue and Melanie have been collecting jackets and boots for kids. They are able to access funds through community and provincial grants and all of this money goes directly to supporting students and families in need. They do this very quietly and respectfully and many have no idea where their grocery card, fees for summer programs, or new boots for their child originate. It is truly remarkable the manner in which they provide support for so many.

Laichwiltach Life Society (Nominated by SD 72, Campbell River)  

Laichwiltach Family Life Society provides services to all First Nations families and the services are led by the families’ goals. Through the varied roles and support services, the staff are focused on the common goal of supporting children’s’ goals and development. This organization plans community wide events that include schools to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day, National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children, teaching drumming and language within schools, Jordan’s Principle: Bear Witness Day. The Society supports students, families, and caregivers with a range of activities supporting social and emotional wellbeing, culture, art, counselling, youth groups, elders’ groups, parenting services, addiction and recovery support, early childhood social groups and parent support groups.

Ryan Wank (Nominated by SD 87, Stikine)

Ryan Wank invests in the school and community because he knows that kids are the future. He is the owner of Dease Lake Super A Foods, a community grocery store and gas station. He also supports the town library and participates in any community fundraisers that arise. 

Across the years, Ryan Wank has donated large amounts of groceries for school lunch programs and special events, specifically high school graduations. He not only donates fresh groceries, he has prepared meals for the students and stored cold food items in the grocery store when they do not have room. Students participate in work experience at the grocery store, and get great mentorship.