Summary:

• B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Annual Awards celebrate leadership in promoting diversity, equity and intercultural understanding, breaking barriers and building inclusive communities
• 2025 award recipients represent Cranbrook, West Kelowna, Langley, Vancouver and Victoria
• Program has honoured more than 60 leaders since 2008

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Four people and one organization are receiving the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards for their exceptional efforts to fight racism and promote inclusion in British Columbia.

“These award recipients exemplify the values of inclusion and respect that strengthen our province,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “Their leadership and creativity are inspiring. I am proud to honour their exceptional efforts to break down barriers, foster inclusion and build stronger, more equitable communities across British Columbia.”

About the awards

The annual awards celebrate people and organizations that demonstrate leadership in promoting multiculturalism, anti-racism and intercultural understanding. Since launching in 2008, more than 60 individuals and organizations have been recognized for their contributions to building inclusive communities.

Meet the 2025 recipients

Nearly 50 people and organizations were nominated for 2025 awards. This year’s recipients of the three award categories are teachers, community leaders and artists from throughout the province.

• Intercultural trust – This award recognizes efforts to build and foster intercultural trust between communities. Their work demonstrates multicultural values and promotes meaningful connections between communities. The recipients are:
  • Adebusola Adebesin is a Cranbrook-based educator and community leader who champions multicultural values in classrooms and organizes projects that foster inclusion. Through their shop specializing in African products, Adebesin supports newcomers by offering familiar products, guidance and connections to local services, creating a welcoming hub that strengthens community ties.
  • Denise Young leads anti-racism education and intercultural trust initiatives in West Kelowna. Her workshops inspire dialogue and action, while her collaborative approach ensures Indigenous voices and knowledge are central to every conversation. Young’s work reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and equity in B.C.
• Breaking barriers – This award recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in tackling systemic or institutional racism and reducing barriers for marginalized communities. The recipients are:
  • Dylan Kular builds inclusive communities through sports and partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse populations in Langley. Through his leadership of the Vancouver Bandits basketball team and partnerships with organizations, such as the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (SPARC) and Junior All Native Tournament (JANT), he works to address systemic barriers and foster meaningful engagement, particularly for individuals with intersecting identities and those in remote areas.
  • I Dream Library in Vancouver dismantles systemic racism in education by creating inclusive resources and workshops for schools throughout the world. Founded by Aisha Kiani and and Rakim, the organization supports IBPOC and neurodivergent students and is trying to build a centre for education design where educators, students of all ages and community will have access to the library, research materials and resources needed to foster age-appropriate equity learning.
• Emerging leader – This award is given to a young person between 15 and 30 for their work in building intercultural trust, tackling racism or reducing barriers for marginalized communities. The recipient is: 
  • Lajah Warren advances intercultural trust through the arts. Their Nova Arts Hub provides creative spaces in Victoria for marginalized voices and empowers Indigenous youth through programs that amplify representation. Warren’s initiatives ensure broad participation and foster cultural inclusion.

“Advancing anti-racism and intercultural trust requires courage, collaboration and commitment,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “These honourees demonstrate all three values through their actions every day. Their efforts to break down barriers and amplify marginalized voices are making a real difference in schools, workplaces and communities across B.C. I am deeply grateful for their leadership and inspired by the positive change they continue to drive.”

The B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards are part of government’s broader efforts to counter hate and racism by celebrating and empowering local, community-based advocates. Other initiatives include:

• an anti-hate community support fund that supports marginalized and at-risk groups with funding for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property
• the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network that connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate
• the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, which provide funding to support projects that tackle racial inequity and foster intercultural understanding throughout the province
• the Racist Incident Helpline, which partners with local organizations to connect people who have experienced racism with resources to help them heal

Learn More:

• For more information about the awards program, including past recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/multiculturalism/bc-multicultural-awards
• For more information about the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30597
• For more information about the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33043
• To learn about the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, visit: https://www.resiliencebc.ca/
• To access the Racist Incident Helpline, visit: https://racistincidenthelpline.ca