2023 Whistler’s Citizens of the Year
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre’s Indigenous Youth Ambassadors
Nomination Story
“The Indigenous Ambassadors at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre have been citizens of this land long before Whistler was a town. Whether they are giving guided tours, curating the next museum exhibit, teaching their languages, sharing traditional foods, or caretaking for the business and building, the SLCC Ambassadors give an immeasurable amount of inspiration and belonging to future generations of Indigenous Youth, while beckoning people from all over the world to see Indigenous peoples in a more fulfilling and powerful light.
“By volunteering their stories with the curious people who live in Whistler and the visitors who travel here, they are gifting us with history and language – sometimes opening up wounds so that the community can listen, learn and grow together. Although none live in Whistler’s town lines, they travel up to 4 hours a day to be here, moving around the valley, gifting visitors with Welcome Ceremonies, speaking on local community panels, sitting on Whistler boards and committees, sharing stories and persevering through tough days in hopes and appreciation for the brighter ones to come.”
Whistler’s Longest Standing Celebration
Established in 1969
The Whistler Citizen of the Year Award keeps outstanding community builders front of mind. Whistler Community Foundation is honoured with the task of selecting the annual recipient of this prestigious award.
The Whistler Citizen of the Year is an outstanding community builder who contributes significant volunteer time to enhancing the quality of life in Whistler. This individual demonstrates extraordinary leadership and community service outside of employment. Well-respected in the community, they inspire others with their caring and positive attitude and spirit of cooperation.
Award Criteria
An eligible candidate
- is an individual*;
- resides in B.C.;
- is of any age;
- makes recent and significant volunteer contributions within the community of Whistler;
- actively participates in positive change for the benefit of the community;
- empowers others to build community strength and resilience; and
- includes community members in a way that builds trust and promotes a sense of belonging.
*At the discretion of the selection committee, a collective (of two or more volunteers) may be considered an individual, when the collective is focused on one or more shared initiatives that have significant impact on the community
Nominations for Whistler’s Citizen of the Year closed on July 30th, 2023. Watch for Whistler’s Excellence Awards next year.
Award Presented by
The 2023 Whistler Citizen of the Year Award is presented by Race & Company LLP.
Whistler
Excellence Awards News
Nominees & Winners of the Citizen of the Year (2014 - 2022)
Watch Here
2022 Winner Stella Harvey
2021 Winner Karin Kausky
2020 Winner Dave Clark
2019 Winners: Keith Reynolds and Pat Montani
2018 Winner: Steve Bayly
2017 Winner: Heather Paul
2016 Winner: Cathy Jewett
2015 Winner: Anne Townley
2014 Winner: Sue Adams