On Canadian Multiculturalism Day, British Columbians are being encouraged to nominate multicultural champions whose exceptional work in their communities throughout the province promotes inclusion and cultural diversity. 

British Columbians have until Sept. 26, 2016, to nominate individuals, organizations or businesses to receive a British Columbia Multicultural Award. The awards will be presented at the British Columbia Multicultural Awards ceremony during British Columbia’s Multiculturalism Week in November.

Five categories are open for nomination: individual, business, organization, youth, and multicultural excellence in government. Award recipients in the first four categories will receive $5,000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice to further support the work of multiculturalism in the province. All award recipients will take home a trophy.

For more information about the awards, eligibility requirements and to submit a nomination visit: www.gov.bc.ca/BritishColumbiaMulticulturalAwards

Past award recipients include:

• Crecien Bencio, a community development worker in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver, who focuses on community capacity-building through projects that celebrate diversity through literacy and visual and performing arts;
• Vancouver Co-operative Radio, a multi-lingual, non-profit community radio station that provides the Greater Vancouver area with independent public affairs, music and arts programming; and
• Nana’s Kitchen and Hot Sauces Ltd., founded in 2001 by two women originally from East Africa. Today, Nana’s Kitchen employs 35 production workers made up of mostly immigrant women who lacked work experience and English-language skills when they were hired.

The provincial government, with advice and support from the Multicultural Advisory Council, organizes the British Columbia Multicultural Awards to honour and celebrate British Columbia’s cultural diversity.

The most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year. Cultural diversity creates strong and vibrant communities that strengthens our social and economic future now and for future generations.

Quotes:

Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat –

“Cultural diversity is what makes British Columbia such a welcoming and inclusive place. We look forward to honouring multicultural champions who have dedicated themselves to bringing B.C.’s diverse cultures even closer together.”

Multicultural Advisory Council chair Tenzin Khangsar –

“We are thrilled to open nominations for the 2016 British Columbia Multicultural Awards on Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Our province has so many multicultural champions who work hard to promote opportunity and inclusion in our province and deserve to be recognized for their excellent efforts.”

Quick Facts:

• The British Columbia Multicultural Awards were launched in 2008 to recognize the people, organizations and businesses whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together.
• Since 2008, there have been 21 award recipients.
• British Columbia Multicultural Awards recipients are selected by an independent jury.
• Since 1988, B.C.'s Multicultural Advisory Council has promoted cross-cultural understanding and respect throughout the province.
• Under the BC Multiculturalism Act, all ministries and Crown corporations are required to submit an annual report on multiculturalism to reflect their commitment to multiculturalism. These are included in the Annual Provincial Report on Multiculturalism.

Learn More:

Welcome BC – Information and services for new British Columbians: http://www.welcomebc.ca/home.aspx

B.C. Multicultural Advisory Council: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/multiculturalism/mac