Cultural Steward Award - Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (FDAO) received the Cultural Steward Award (Organization). In 2015, FDAO was formed by a group of dedicated volunteers formed the non-profit. A key goal of the FDAO is to provide important resources and public education on the science of astronomy. The organization reopened and expanded the ‘Centre of the Universe’ visitor centre, located at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich; a local cultural landmark that opened in 1918. The FDAO also emphasizes the importance of building collaborative partnerships to expand their educational reach.
Unsung Hero Award - Parminder Virk
Parminder Virk received the Unsung Hero Award (Individual). Parminder is described as an outstanding community leader and champion of social change, perhaps most notably as the founder of the Victoria Dian Punjabana women’s group. Parminder is an agent of positive social change focuses much of her volunteer efforts on supporting underprivileged members of society, both locally and abroad. She has organized a multitude of fundraising events that not only support children, women and people experiencing homeless, but also helps to bring communities together in celebration. Parminder has built many connections through her cultural education and other charitable work, and Saanich continues to benefit greatly from her contributions.
Unsung Hero Award - Ashley Howe
Ashley Howe received the Unsung Hero Award (Individual). Ashley is referred to as an outstanding and passionate individual who generously volunteers her time threading together the artistic community within the sustainable principles of the circular economy. Ashley founded the non-profit “Supply Victoria” to redistribute used art, office and school supplies while also offering environmental education to youth and adults. She maintains the principles of “Divert, Supply, & Teach” as foundational to her work, including as a volunteer with One Planet Saanich. Ashley is an artist who makes it known that we can cooperatively care for each other and our planet as we plan towards a sustainable, thriving future.
Unsung Hero Award - Teresa Ranson
Teresa Ranson received the Unsung Hero Award (Individual). Teresa is a long-time quilter whose compassion for others is exemplified through fundraising efforts for a wide range of charitable organizations as well as through the donation of quilts for the neo-natal unit at Victoria General Hospital. One of her recent quilt donations raised funds for the Ukraine relief efforts. Teresa does not only devote countless hours of her time to quilting fundraisers, but she is also a mentor who offers her teaching skills to community members new to the art of sewing. Teresa is a dedicated artist and role model who inspires others to contribute to the greater good of the community through the craft.
Youth Award - Olivia Hahn
Oliva Hahn received the Youth Award (Individual). Olivia is a dedicated young student, writer and entrepreneur who has been a pillar and inspiration in the arts community. Olivia is known for her positive collaborations and thoughtful expressions whether it be in the dance studio, the classroom, or in the broader community. In honour of her late mother, she started her own local business. Olivia started a business, Pure Joy, and generously donates proceeds from her handmade products to palliative care. Olivia is also writing a book on teenage grief to help others processing the loss of a parent to cancer.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Pulchérie Mboussi
Pulchérie Mboussi received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Individual). Pulchérie has devoted herself to fostering an educational environment that celebrates African art, dance, and heritage while promoting cross-cultural exchange. Known fondly as ‘Mama Africa’, Madam Pulchérie created the ‘African Arts and Cultural Society’ in 2012 to advance awareness and understanding of the richness and diversity of African culture and traditions through a broad range of cultural, educational and artistic activities, events and programs. In 2020, Pulchérie founded the ‘Isaamba Art & Cultural Centre’, a hub for People of African origin and of African descent and a gateway for engagement with Africa and the Caribbean. Recently Pulchérie organized ‘ISSAMBA at the Park’ which was held at Beckwith Park. The event was designed to celebrate Multiculturism Day and our diverse community. Pulchérie has also taken on leadership and advocacy roles in many community initiatives intended to proactively dismantle systemic barriers to full and equal participation in Canadian society.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Steven Lorenzo Baileys
Steven Lorenzo Baileys received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Individual). Steven is a creative and enthusiastic leader and dedicated volunteer. Steven served as the Community Development Coordinator at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) since 2005. During that time, Steven created and coordinated the Community Partnership Network (CPN) - a growing network of more than 300 local businesses and agencies committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. As an educator, Steven developed and delivered cultural competency and anti-racism training. For over 15 years, Steven served on the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee (GVPDAC). In this role, he worked alongside diverse community leaders and local police departments to build understanding and improve relationships. In the spring of 2022, Steve received the Saanich Police Chief Constable Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition for his work and contributions in police-community relationships. Steven believes strongly in the value of finding commonalities, fostering trust and building relationships as key ingredients to ensure Greater Victoria is welcoming for everyone.
2016 ACH AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Margaret Bachman - Unsung Hero
- The St Luke’s Players - Cultural Steward
- Mike Geric Construction - The Art of Business
- Sheila Blake - Lifetime Achievement Award