
Leaders honoured for work in community safety, crime prevention
Wanda Watts, Smithers
Winner of the Award of Distinction, Watts has shown exemplary dedication, innovation and service for more than 25 years of supporting victims of violence and crime. As the victim services program coordinator for Northern Society for Domestic Peace, Watts has developed important inter-agency relationships and helps victims of crime in her rural, northern community by providing individualized services. Watts has most notably been instrumental in developing several community protocols, from sexual assault to the domestic violence court response protocol.
Karyn French, Victoria
Winner of the Services to Victims Award, French has been involved with police-based victim service organizations throughout the Province since 2016. Now as executive director of the Greater Victoria Police Victim Services (GVPVS), she embodies their mission and vision, providing exceptional leadership and dedication to the program. Most notably, French has transitioned GVPVS from a volunteer-based organization to a fully professional service. She has also been integral in leading the Police Victim Services of BC as well.
Meghan Ramsay, Kelowna
Winner of the Restorative Justice Memorial Award, Ramsay is a vital member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Okanagan. As program co-ordinator of the Youth Restorative Justice Program, Ramsay shows great passion, providing exceptional leadership and support in creating partnerships that educate and spread awareness about restorative justice principles. Particularly throughout the pandemic, Ramsay has championed the Youth Restorative Justice program and helped expand partnerships within the community, where the positive impact of the program is widely seen .
Satbir Cheema, Surrey
Winner of the Safe Communities Award, Cheema has been involved in the work of Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society for more than 19 years. As president and CEO of PICS, Cheema leads an exceptionally committed and dedicated team that provides a range of services to new immigrants, farmworkers, women and youth. Cheema has led the development of numerous community programs and initiatives on racism, drug and gang violence, domestic violence and more.
Mssko Wakil, Burnaby
Winner of the Youth Leadership Award, Wakil has outstanding achievements in supporting vulnerable newcomer youth into BC in her role as a youth case manager at MOSAIC and co-ordinator of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) Youth Branch. Through leadership training and promoting volunteerism, Wakil supports youth to engage in the community and become leaders, inspiring them to have a positive impact. She plays a vital role in providing them with a bright future in their new country.
Aaron Pete, Chilliwack
The first winner of the Emerging Leaders Award, Pete works as a Native Court worker with the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC. Since January 2018, Pete has been building relationships with criminal justice stakeholders and has been very passionate in his role. Notably, he’s currently working independently with the Chilliwack courthouse to conduct Indigenous cultural awareness training to staff, bringing awareness of the history of Indian residential schools, the ’60s Scoop, and colonization, including the impacts on Indigenous Peoples today. Pete is focused on teaching people why greater sensitivity and understanding are needed for individuals working with Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system.
Activity Stream
Sun, May 15, 2022 at 8:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Six Mile Thrice – Kamloops Trails
Sat, May 14, 2022 at 6:10 pm - Bill Sundhu posted on their blog: There is no Peace without Justice! »
Thu, May 12, 2022 at 10:13 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Green living is good for you — and the planet
Tue, May 10, 2022 at 7:45 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Early Hiking in the Frederick Bluffs
Sat, May 7, 2022 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Up the NE Mara Route
Thu, May 5, 2022 at 11:18 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Suppressed science shows fish farms endanger wild salmon
Tue, May 3, 2022 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: A Moderate Hike on the Uplands Trails
Sun, May 1, 2022 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Hiking the Battle Creek Hills
Sun, May 1, 2022 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Hiking the Abbey Road Hills
Upcoming Events
Sat Apr 23 to Sat Jun 18 Sailing Pretty Close to the Wind
Sat May 7 to Sat May 21 Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale
Thu May 12 to Sat May 28 WCT: The Wizard of Oz
Thu May 12 to Sat May 28 The Wizard of Oz
Tue May 17 Tuesday Night Trivia at Carlos O’Bryan’s
Wed May 18 Wednesday Night Trivia at Fox’N Hounds Pub
Thu May 19 Thursday Night Trivia at Tumbleweeds Pub
Thu May 19 Thursday Night Trivia at Rick’n Firkin Pub
Fri May 20 to Sat May 21 Paule Kype & Texas Flood
Fri May 20 Eric Johnston Run With The Bull Comedy Tour
Fri May 20 Film: The Last Tourist
Fri May 20 Film: Bootlegger
Fri May 20 The Olivia Show: A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John
Sat May 21 Eamon McGrath and his Electric Band with St.Arnaud