Nesika (Ne-SAY-ka) is Chinook for “we, us, our.” It comes from a trade language used by many different Aboriginal linguistic groups along the west coast of North America. Chinook was used extensively in British Columbia during the 19th and early 20th centuries to help Aboriginal people communicate, first among themselves and then with European newcomers.

First proclaimed in February 2008, the Provincial Nesika Awards are organized and sponsored by the Multicultural Advisory Council to honour and celebrate British Columbia’s cultural diversity and indigenous communities. They recognize the people, organizations and communities whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together.

This year, there are four categories open for nomination – Individual, Business, Organization, and this year the Province has added a Youth category. The four Awards winners will be recognized at the Awards Event during BC Multiculturalism Week in November 2012. Winners in each category will receive an award trophy and $5,000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice to further support the work of multiculturalism in the province.

There are two ways to submit a nomination:

1. Complete and submit the at www.EmbraceBC.ca
2. Use the attached nomination form

Nominations must be received by 5 pm on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 by email to lori [at] loribaxter [dot] ca, or hardcopies can be sent to:

Provincial Nesika Awards

c/o Lori Baxter Consulting

305 – 607 East 8th Avenue

Vancouver, BC V5T 1T2