5TH ANNUAL (2001) ANTCO/ANDEVCO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY

Len was the first Indian to graduate from Vernon High School when he completed grade thirteen in 1955. He attended the University of British Columbia and received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) in 1959. He continued his studies at the University of Idaho and in 1964 completed a Masters of Science Degree in Forestry (M.S.F.). Some more of Len’s accomplishments include;

-Becoming the first status Indian to work as a Special Assistant to a Cabinet Minister.
-Becoming the first Status Indian to be elected to the House of Commons.
-Being appointed to the Senate of Canada to represent the BC,
Kamloops-Cariboo Designation
-Senator Marchand was made Honorary Chief of the Okanagans in 1984.
-Len was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada on April 15,1999
-Received an Honorary Doctorate from the University College of the
Cariboo on June 15,1999
-His autobiography, "Breaking Trail", was published on June 3, 2000.
-On March 15, 2001 he was honored by receiving an Aboriginal Achievement
Award for Public Service.

RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Laura Jules is an elder of the Kamloops Indian Band, Laura has worked for a number of years as a cook with the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Later, Laura started her own catering business, and has since become well known for her bannock. She recently helped initiate a "Community Circle" to help out people in crisis. She is an incredibly busy woman considering that she has been retired for the last few years. This hard working woman is an inspiration to all.

Webmasters note:

"In addition, Laura Jules has raised 5 children and is busy with several grandchildren, together with her devoted husband, Joseph (Skeezix). Laura, and the family are known for the superb tomatoes along with the many vegetable and fruit crops produced over the years.

Back in the days at "Laura's kitchen" (in the Former Kamloops Indian Residential school), I was told by Laura's good friend, that she would never turn anyone away from a nourishing meal, whether they could pay for it or not. If organizing, preparing and providing meals are required at a Secwepemc community gathering, funeral service, or other functions, Laura Jules is always the one to volunteer her time. That is just the kind of person she is, always helping others first"

Congratulations, Auntie!

Rita Haugen is a member of the Lytton First Nation. She is retired after serving 30 years as a custodian for Kumsheen Secondary School in Lytton. Rita has also been awarded the Life Long Membership Destination for the Royal Canadian Legion. Rita is a business person who is dedicated to volunteerism and is always eager to teach and mentor young people.

Mary Thomas is a member of the Neskonlith Indian Band in Salmon Arm who raised 14 children. She has worked to create the Ecocultural Centre in Salmon Arm and in 1997 she became the first Aboriginal in North America to receive the Indigenous Conservationist of the Year Award from the Seacology Foundation. She has received Honorary Doctorates from the University of Victoria and University College of the Cariboo. Most recently, she received an Environmental Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Nominators: Christine Donald and Eddie Celesta, North Thompson Indian
Band and Fred Baxter and Michael Blackstock, Ministry of Forests

Nathan Matthew has been Chief of the North Thompson Indian Band for the past 12 years and currently oversees the management of Simpcw Development Co., which is a division of the North Thompson Indian Band. Nathan played an important role in acquiring Simpcw Development Corporation’s Forest Partition Licence in 1997. Simpcw Development Co. has 23 employees, of which 20 are First Nations people. Nathan has built communication bridges by establishing monthly meetings with the Ministry of Forests, and local forest companies. He approaches business in a respectful and patient manner. Nathan leads his community with a long-term vision that includes maintaining relationships with local government and business to achieve fairness and justice for his people. Nathan has shown great leadership within his community.

All Nations Development Corporation

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