The Province is seeking nominations to honour individuals and organizations that are strengthening multiculturalism and taking a stand against racism and discrimination throughout B.C.

Beginning Jan. 25, 2021, British Columbians can submit nominations for the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for individuals, organizations and youth whose work has enhanced inclusion and cultural diversity, and reduced racism and discrimination in their communities.

The call for nominations closes at 5 p.m. (Pacific time), Feb. 22, 2021. There are three categories, with five awards in total:

• Intercultural Trust Awards (two awards):
  Provided to an outstanding organization or individual for their work in building intercultural trust and understanding and/or reducing racism and hate between communities
• Breaking Barriers Award (two awards):
  Provided to an outstanding organization or individual for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities
• Emerging Leader Award (one award):
  Provided to an outstanding youth/young adult, aged 15 to 30, for their work in building intercultural trust, tackling racism or reducing barriers for marginalized communities

All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition. Award winners will receive plaques. The youth award recipient will receive $5,000 to donate to a not-for-profit organization of their choice to further promote multiculturalism and anti-racism.

Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges made up of members of the provincial Multicultural Advisory Council and a former award recipient.

British Columbia’s Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards ceremony will take place virtually in late March to coincide with the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards were established in 2008.
• Almost 40 individuals and organizations have received awards.
• Recipients include:
  • Henry Yu, University of British Columbia history professor, whose work has drawn attention to the cultural and historical ties between First Nations and Asia Pacific migrants in B.C.;
  • Boma Brown, founder of the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour;
  • Farid Rohani, a founder of the Laurier Institution; and
  • Spice Radio for organizing the annual Raise Your Hands Against Racism campaign.

Learn More:

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/multiculturalism/bc-multicultural-awards