Diversity awards remind us to include more
Ken Herar, The Times
Published: Friday, March 12, 2010Last Friday, the eighth annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards handed out their hardware to deserving recipients.
It never fails to attract many of our finest citizens and organizations throughout the Fraser Valley.
Going through this year's booklet there were no shortage of inspiring nominees.
I was the recipient of the champion of diversity award in 2007, and it changed my life in unconditional ways.
It taught me there is a lifetime responsibility and obligation that comes with this recognition that pushes you to succeed boundaries.
I am constantly reminded every day that much work remains and many more people need to be included in our Canadian discussion.
Rick Rake, a community builder and entrepreneur was one of the five esteemed judges. Personally, he has been a longtime mentor for me as a diversity columnist.
Abbotsford Deputy Police Chief Rick Lucy was this year's recipient of the champion of diversity award.
Having worked with Lucy on various projects, I couldn't have imaged a more deserving recognition for one of Abbotsford's finest.
Lucy is someone who listens and truly cares in recognizing our existence of cultural diversity.
He said: "It is a humbling experience to be recognized for something that really represents what so many others are working hard at each and every day.
"To me, it's all about continuing to work in ways that educate others about the true benefits of diversity and the value of having a mind set of inclusiveness.
"We are so fortunate in Canada, and should not only celebrate living here, but also the richness of all the people, who live here," said Lucy.
As John Davidson, the champion of diversity award recipient for 2005 and a former member of the Abbotsford Police Department, commented after I received my award in 2007, and to continue this tradition, welcome to the club, Rick.
The Reach Gallery and Museum of Abbotsford received the innovative initiative award.
The remaining four recipients included: Abbotsford School of the Integrated Arts, North Poplar (inclusive environment), S.U.C.C.E.S.S Fraser Valley Self-Employment Program (reflective workforce), the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Abbotsford branch (outreach award) and the City of Abbotsford (marketing award).
Last week, I was given an invitation to celebrate National Francophone Week, which extends from March 5 to March 21.
I couldn't refuse because it was at the original Windebank Elementary School in Mission, where I first attended public school and more importantly, I need to improve my French. The school is called École des Deux-Rives, which means School of the Two Banks.
The 85 students from kindergarten to Grade 7 performed many activities celebrating their heritage and language. Earlier in the week, the students participated in a public speaking competition at their school.
Principal Fariba Daragahi said: "Students and staff reflected on Francophone values such as peace, cooperation, democracy and sustainable development.
"We are multicultural and reflect the diversity of cultures existing within the British Columbian community."
- Ken Herar writes about community diversity issues for the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Contact him at KenHerar@gmail.com
© Abbotsford Times 2010
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