During the Union of British Columbia (UBCM) Excellence Awards Breakfast held this morning, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), Esk’etemc, the Districts of 100 Mile House and Wells and the Cities of Quesnel and Williams Lake were honoured with the Excellence in Partnerships Award. The local governments and First Nation were presented with the award for their submission about the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemorative Project. In addition, earlier this week, the UBCM declared 2013 as the Year of Reconciliation.
“The Cariboo Regional District is truly honoured to be part of this journey in reconciliation and it is humbling to have won this award for this truly collaborative project,” stated CRD Chair Al Richmond. “By gaining a better understanding of each other’s cultures, heritage and the challenges we face, we will be able to create a better Cariboo Chilcotin for all our residents.”
“Reconciliation has begun and we need to keep working together to ensure the future and strength of our communities,” stated Esk’etemc Chief Fred Robbins. “This is just a start, but it is a positive and vital step in our shared journey of remembering, recovering and reconciling of our communities, to begin a NEW Legacy that will span the test of time.”
"We are proud to be a partner in this life-changing event, and to participate in the vision of our local First Nations leadership,” said Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “We look forward to working together and to continue the good work that has been done in building relationships in our community.”
“On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I consider it an honour to share in the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemorative Project,” stated Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “This initiative has been of benefit to the Region, by allowing us the opportunity to learn about the social injustices suffered by our friends and neighbours and, by allowing survivors to share their stories on their healing journey.”
“I applaud the work of all those involved in the reconciliation initiative - this award speaks volumes as to the positive working relationship that developed and continues to flourish as a result of our collective commitment working collaboratively with our first nations partners," stated District of 100 Mile House Mayor, Mitch Campsall.
"The District of Wells is honoured to be part of the process. Reconciliation means a lot to all of us. We are looking forward to proudly celebrating Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30th,” says Wells Mayor Robin Sharpe.
The UBCM Community Excellence Awards are held each year during the UBCM Convention to acknowledge and encourage best practices among regional districts and municipalities in British Columbia. Further information about the UBCM Excellence Awards is available online at ubcm.ca.
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