Indigenous Education Consultant, Westcoast Family Centres (WFC) General Services

Having worked in community social services for over three decades, Aaron Rivard is a shining example of dedication, tenacity and passion. Serving as Westcoast Family Centres’ Indigenous Education Consultant, a role that was created in part by his longstanding advocacy for Indigenous families, Aaron is the go-to resource for Indigenous training and engagement at WFC. Rooted in his Métis heritage and influenced by the experiences of his family who survived residential schools, Aaron’s perspective has allowed him to make meaningful impact on decolonization practices, including re-evaluating language on intake and referral forms and changing internal protocols to ensure cultural sensitivity. His commitment, however, doesn’t end there. Aaron collaborates tirelessly with the community, including serving as Reconciliation Lead for the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, coordinator of the MCFD Elders group, facilitator of Truth and Reconciliation Talking Circles, and more. His impact on the agency reaches all levels, as he is equally unwavering in his dedication to address the needs of individual Indigenous families, colleagues and the community at large.

Employment Services Supervisor, Rivercity Inclusion Society Community Living Services

Maureen Hunter has been a steadfast pillar of both Rivercity Inclusion Society and the community of Campbell River for decades. Having worked at the agency for over 40 consecutive years, 36 of them in her current role as Employment Services Supervisor, Maureen has been an invaluable link between individuals with diverse abilities looking for gainful employment and community employers who are dedicated to inclusive hiring. Through connections she personally cultivated, Maureen works with over 50 local businesses who hire individuals supported by Rivercity. In addition to these valuable community connections, Maureen spearheaded three social enterprises known as Skyline Productions – a paper shredding service, forestry boom board company and lawn mowing service. Together, these social enterprises can employ up to 45 individuals, giving them a profound gift of independence, purpose and self-sufficiency. Aside from being a trusted resource for individuals served by Rivercity, Maureen is a much-loved colleague, mentor and leader.

Executive Director (retired), Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services (MRPMCS) General Services

In an impressive career that spanned over 27 years in social services, Vicki Kipps embodies leadership, collaboration and strategic vision. Having taken on the role of Executive Director at MRPMCS when morale was at a historic low, Vicki went straight to work re-building relationships with funders, her Board of Directors, the community and staff. Among a long list of accomplishments, Vicki integrated Cythera Transition House, which supports women and children impacted by domestic violence and abuse, into the broader framework of MRPMCS. She also established Fraser River Indigenous Society, an organization that provides independent funding and housing programs for the Indigenous community in Ridge-Meadows. Vicki’s commitment to building community also propelled her to secure a large grant to build affordable housing, resulting in 20 studio suites allocated specifically for youth who may otherwise ‘age out’ of the system. These initiatives, among many others, have re-established the agency’s reputation as a foundation of support in the community, bringing with that a renewed sense of pride among the team who now carries on her work.