CONGRATULATIONS to the 2004 Award Recipients!!

ABORIGINAL WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD - DEANNA NYCE, WILP WILXO'OSKWHL NISQA'A

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize DEANNA NYCE, WILP WILXO'OSKWHL NISQA'A (NISQA'A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE)

Presenting the ABORIGINAL WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD on behalf of the ABORIGINAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE is JEAN HIEBERT, DIRECTOR.

Deanna Nyce is a role model for Aboriginal youth. Holding a Bacing and energetic. She can promote Aboriginal education at any level. Deanna has a warm easy manner being neither pretentious nor superior. She is a caring person who sincerely believes in her cause. Therefore, she can reach out to youth as they are seldom fooled by persons with the wrong motive. She has been a mentor to many Aboriginal youth as well as mature students.

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COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD - PATRICIA EARLE, FRIENDS OF HUDSON'S HOPE

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize: PATRICIA EARLE, FRIENDS OF HUDSON'S HOPE

Presenting the COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD on behalf of THE PRINCE GEORGE FREE PRESS is HEATHER COUSTON, OFFICE MANAGER

Pat Earle is amazing. In 1997 after beating Cancer she recognized the need in the Community for a support group. Pat became a certified Canadian Cancer Society Counselor. Pat approached the Salvation Army in Fort St. John about opening a Family Services location in Hudson's Hope. She was successful in this endeavor. Along with a thrift Store, Pat operated a Food bank; Disaster Assistance; and Counseling Services. She was instrumental in forming "The Friends of Hudson's Hope Society". They used this Society to raise funds for Christmas Hampers for needy families. In 2002, the Salvation Army pulled out of the operation and with Pat's guidance, The Friends of Hudson's Hope took over the management of the Family Services without skipping a beat. Tragedy struck when her husband passed on suddenly in 2003 Pat has persevered in her volunteer efforts. Unfortunately Pat has began to battle Cancer again. For the past year, her mental strength has taken her where no one else had the strength to go. She is presently working on raising funds for a Hospice in Hudson's Hope. She is truly a lady to look up to.

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INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD - BARBARA RAYMENT - BIRCH CREEK NURSERY

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize BARBARA RAYMENT - BIRCH CREEK NURSERY

Presenting the INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD on behalf of the BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK is SANDRA ROSE, SENIOR LOANS MANAGER

Barbara Rayment owns and operates a business that is a first-of a one-of its kind plant nursery in all of Northern British Columbia. Birch Creek nursery began in 1997 in response to a need for locally grown native plants and hardy unusual garden selections. Every year the garden gets bigger, the variety of plants offered for sale gets broader and we lean more about the specific growing needs of different plant families and how to grow better plants in general. Although Birch Creek Nursery is a small with only a few dedicated staff member, they offer their customers quality information, education and service. Gardening in north-central BC is challenging, and occasionally frustrating, but there's no end o the interesting and beautiful pants that cab be grown here. And Birch Creek Nursery's mission is to offer as any of them as possible.

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FOCUS ON THE FUTURE YOUTH AWARD - JENNIFER SIMM, FREESTYLE MOGUL SKIER

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize JENNIFER SIMM, FREESTYLE MOGUL SKIER

Presenting the FOCUS ON THE FUTURE YOUTH AWARD on behalf of ALCAN is PATTI GERHARDI of PMG COMMUNICATION on behalf of ALCAN PRIMARY METAL CORP.

Jennifer Simm is a 22 yr old freestyle skier who was named the first recipient of the Hometown Heroes program sponsored by Pacific Western Brewery and Pacificsport-Regional Sports Centre. She has been a competitor in many sports but the sport she has most passion for is freestyle skiing. Her dreams are to make the National Team, which she has already done, and to go to the Olympics, either in 2006 or 2010.She is a member of Canada's Freestyle moguls team and has overcome a lower back injury to place 17th overall on the World Cup circuit. She capped off last season by winning gold at the single moguls title at the national championships in Quebec.

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LEADER IN KNOWLEDGE ADVANCEMENT AWARD - DORIS BROCKE - KIWANIS ENTERPRIZE CENTRE

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize DORIS BROCKE - KIWANIS ENTERPRIZE CENTRE

Presenting the LEADER IN KNOWLEDGE ADVANCEMENT AWARD on behalf of UNBC is DR. CHARLES JAGO, PRESIDENT

Doris Brocke has been with the Kiwanis Enterprise Centre in Dawson Creek since 1994. She brings to the organization a wealth of knowledge about entrepreneurship education and small business development. In her role as Manager she oversees Centre operations and contracts. Under Doris' leadership, the Kiwanis Enterprise Centre has spearheaded a major regional economic development initiative, "Branding the Peace" The Branding the Peace work plan identifies many initiatives related to development of a regional identity, job creation, trade, export and investment and emphasizes the involvement of First Nations communities. Under her leadership The Peace Country Community Portal Website (Peacecountry.com) was developed. This is a marketing and communication tool designed to expand and attract investment from outside the Peace River region. It promotes e-commerce use and implementation of technology to promote regional economic development and diversification.

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EXCELLENCE IN MENTORSHIP - KAREN DAVIES REGIONAL DIRECTOR NECHAKO CAMPUS OF CNC

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize. KAREN DAVIES REGIONAL DIRECTOR NECHAKO CAMPUS OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA.

Presenting the EXCELLENCE IN MENTORSHIP on behalf of THE MINERVA FOUNDATION is DR. DEBORA POFF, CHAIR of the BOARD, MINERVA NORTH

Karen Davies has a Masters Degree in Education and she is the Regional Director Nechako Campus of the College of New Caledonia. Lynn Jacques, now Director of the Mackenzie campus of CNC, says the following about Karen as a mentor: "Karen took her role and responsibilities very seriously and guided me through the maze of policies, procedures, acceptable practices, and the myriad of discretionary decision-making opportunities. Karen provides unquestionable support to others. She offers suggestions and then steps back to provide room for individuality and multiplicity. Karen is very good at identifying alternative solutions to problems and always values others' perspectives. She is a team contributor and a collaborative leader that encourages others to reach their own potential. She always holds a balanced perspective, acknowledging the contributions of others. Karen has an innate ability to know when others require professional or personal support. She will always take the time to reach out to others who may be struggling or in need of her assistance or care."

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FORGING OUR FUTURE WITH EDUCATION - DEANNA NYCE - WILP WILXO'OSKWHL EDUCATION SOCIETY

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize DEANNA NYCE - WILP WILXO'OSKWHL EDUCATION SOCIETY (NISQA'A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE)

Presenting the FORGING OUR FUTURE WITH EDUCATION on behalf of SPROTT - SHAW COMMUNITY COLLEGE is ALAN TIMBERLAKE, DIRECTOR

Deanna Nyce has a Bachelors Degree in Education as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. Her research and publications has provided a template for Aboriginal curriculum development. Deanna has advocated for Aboriginal education with the BC Ministry of Education and has been a guest lecturer/instructor at many BC educational institutions. Deanna, like the elders, felt that their people's future success depended on the education of their youth. Deanna was one of the key figures in the creation of the Wilp Wilxo'oskwha Nisga'a (Nisga'a university-college) and it's affiliation agreement with UNBC. Faced with a loss of funding this year, Deanna, as Chief Execuitve Officer, managed to maintain the institution without sacrificing the quality of education. As CEO of Nisga'a university-college she oversees the operations of the institution, is responsible for educational planning and programming and fosters affiliations with other post secondary institutes for program delivery in the Nass Valley.

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HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD - LORAINE FUNK - TUMBLER RIDGE NEWS

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize LORAINE FUNK - TUMBLER RIDGE NEWS

Presenting the HOME BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD, on behalf of COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION is MAUREEN McGEE, BOARD MEMBER and SELF- EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS CHAIR

Loraine Funk has lived in Tumbler Ridge for the past 13 years with husband Jim. Previously she worked for 25 years in various roles in the government throughout Western Canada. When moving to Tumbler Ridge employment opportunities were not there for most women and especially in Loraine's field. At the time Tumbler Ridge lacked a quality paper that could provide news about Tumbler Ridge to the Community. In 1997 Lorraine created Community Connections a local newspaper now known as the Tumbler Ridge News. In the beginning of Community Connections it took two weeks to prepare an 8-page newspaper. Today it takes three days to prepare a twenty-page quality paper.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARD - ELIZABETH ZOOK, PASTOR PRINCE GEORGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize ELIZABETH ZOOK, PASTOR PRINCE GEORGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL.

Presenting the HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARD, on behalf of THE SPIRIT OF THE NORTH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION is TOM SHAND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reverend Elizabeth Zook is Director of Pastoral Care at Prince George Regional Hospital. As the hospital chaplain, Elizabeth provides emotional and spiritual support to people of all denominations at their time of greatest need. Unfortunately, many of us know all too well how difficult it is when a loved one is dealing with grave injury, illness or loss of life. One can only imagine, the strength of person and faith that is needed to help such distressed people on a daily basis. Elizabeth Zook is a remarkable woman who has been doing this incredibly difficult job for the past 24 years and is most deserving of this award

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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - BARBARA RAYMENT, BIRCH CREEK NURSERY.

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize BARBARA RAYMENT, BIRCH CREEK NURSERY.

Presenting the BUSINESS OF THE YEAR on behalf of PACIFIC WESTERN BREWING COMPANY is TOM LEBOE, PLANT MANAGER

Barbara Rayment owns and operates a business that is a first-of a one-of its kind plant nursery in all of Northern British Columbia. Birch Creek nursery began in 1997 in response to a need for locally grown native plants and hardy unusual garden selections. Every year the garden gets bigger, the variety of plants offered for sale gets broader and we lean more about the specific growing needs of different plant families and how to grow better plants in general. Although Birch Creek Nursery is a small with only a few dedicated staff member, they offer their customers quality information, education and service. Gardening in north-central BC is challenging, and occasionally frustrating, but there's no end o the interesting and beautiful pants that cab be grown here. And Birch Creek Nursery's mission is to offer as any of them as possible.

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WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD - LUCY GAGNON, MORICETOWN ENTERPRISES LTD.

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize LUCY GAGNON, MORICETOWN ENTERPRISES LTD.

Presenting the WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD on behalf of DEAN MASON AND COMPANY, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS is JUDY MASON, SENIOR MANAGER

Lucy Gagnon took on the role of Morricetown Band Manager approximately 3 years ago. In that time, she has worked to create an environment of creativity, proactiveness, transparency and accountability. She works hard to promote community development and volunteers countless hours in the feast hall, leading personal development programs and encouraging youth to become active. Lucy's tough-love approach has not been easy for all to embrace, but Lucy's ability to explain the need for stringent accounting has made all of the program managers and staff take pride and ownership in running clean programs. Lucy has several passions in her life, the biggest being her family. She is a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Her love of reading inspires others, youth especially, to read and open their minds to new ideas and concepts. She also sits as a Clan representative, contributes to 16/37 Community Futures, Kyah Industries and other community groups.

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PROFESSIONAL WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD - WENDY L. FELLERS, WENDY L. FELLERS, CGA, MBA

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize WENDY L. FELLERS, WENDY L. FELLERS, CGA, MBA

Presenting the PROFESSIONAL WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD on behalf of DICK BYL LAW CORPORATION IS JACQULINE KANE, LAWYER

WENDY FELLERS, helps individuals and businesses develop and improve accounting systems and controls, comply with industry requirements and changing regulations, and assists with complicated transactions. She helps to design and implement processes and programs for improving productivity, efficiency and quality. Wendy also prepares personal and corporate tax returns, helps sort out tax problems, and contributes to future tax plans. Wendy loves to work and live in the North and considers "success" to be the product of many variables - ethics, flexibility, reliability, determination, commitment, confidence in one's skills and abilities, a creative spirit, a willingness to take calculated risks, and the need for adventure. With a quest and passion for continuous learning, Wendy earned a Certified General Accountant's designation and a Master's degree in Business Administration while managing a growing family and a full time career in the forest industry.

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INFLUENCE AND IMPACT - WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD - SUE POPESKU, FORT ST. JOHN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

The Today's Woman Awards is proud to recognize SUE POPESKU, FORT ST. JOHN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Presenting the INFLUENCE AND IMPACT - WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is LYNDA KEARNS-TILLET of CLARICA

Sue Popesku is the Resource Development officer for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Her tireless dedication and devotion combined with her innovative fundraising campaigns have raised over $1 million to date. In her spare time, Sue also contributes countless volunteer hours to the Fort St. John arts community. She was the driving force behind the conception and the development and currently sits on the North Peace Cultural Centre which has become the leading arts centre in the North Peace region. Also, Sue currently sits on committees including Community in Bloom, Winter Lites Celebration, City Clean Program and the Olympic Legacy Committee. Sue is also the President of the Regional Arts Council and is a member of the Fort St. John Arts Council.

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