The 11th annual Northern B.C. Healthier You Awards were presented Friday at a gala at the Ramada Plaza celebrating those who have made a positive impact in the region.
The Workplace Wellness Award was presented to the City of Prince George Human Resources Department, for the inclusive and engaging programs geared to help employees be their best.
Also nominated was the City of Prince George, and the Dawson Creek Health Unit Wellness Team.
The Youth Initiative of the Year award was presented to the YMCA of Northern B.C. for Foundry Youth Wellness Centre for their healthcare offered all under one roof. Also nominated was Crossfit Northern Ice, Navjit Singh Parmar and Pacific Autism Family Network.
The Outstanding Multicultural Contribution award was presented to Dr. Abu Hamour and Sophie Walton, who conducted a project aiming to understand patient perceptions of the infectious disease telemedicine service offered through Hamour's medical clinic.
Also nominated was Shobha Sharma, and the Cedar Project.
The Innovator of the Year award was presented to Engage Sport North and Community Associations for spearheading a collaborative community initiative where people were able to try a sport at no cost.
Also nominated were Tara Nicholls, Active Health Solutions, Post Partum Passages, Marking Ourselves Matter Services Society, Crossfit Northern Ice, Professor Si Transken, Maggie Vardy and Framework Fitness.
The Seniors Initiative of the Year award went to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club for offering seniors a chance to try cross-country sking and snowshoeing for free. Also nominated was Act Now B.C. Seniors' Community Park and the CN Centre Walking Club.
The First Nations Initiative of the Year award was presented to Philomena Hughes and Dr. Nadine Caron for a project featuring Indigenous healthcare providers that drew global attention to Indigenous-led healthcare in B.C. Also nominated was the Cedar Project, Mary Schultz and Sheona Mitchell-Foster.
The Research award was presented to Dr. Robert Olson, a northern medical program faculty member whose research will examine the use of advanced radiation therapy techniques for cancer that has spread to the bone.
Also nominated was the Cedar Project, Dr. Nadine Caron, and the Interior University Research Coalition.
The Technology in Health Care award was presented to Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster, of which UNBC is a leader, where the initiative is meant to spur new regional, national and global economic opportunities to address productivity, health and sustainability challenges faced in Canada and the world. Also nominated was UHNBC's MRI, EQ Virtual, and Lo and Elliott Orthodontics.
Health & Wellness Educator of the Year award was presented to Davina Banner who is a passionate educator whose work spans both undergraduate and graduate programs at UNBC and focuses on research methods, qualitative research methodologies and professional practice.
Also nominated were Janna Coleman, Christina Bianchini and Dr. Shannon Freeman.
The Lifestyle Transformation award was presented to Jason Keller who had to overcome physical challenges to successfully become a fitness trainer. Also nominated was Rocky Hindmarch, Vanessa Hamilton, Crossfit Northern Ice and Daniel Dyck.
Health and Wellness Provider of the Year award was presented to Dr. Marie Delores Hay, who has been a pediatrician serving in Prince George for nearly 40 years.
She has provided a lasting legacy for physicians and members of the community. Also nominated in this category was Sunset Studio, Crossfit Northern Ice, Brink Group, Ivana Minovec, Framework Fitness, Christina Bianchini, Nova MD, Dr. E.J. Edwards - Wellhouse Dental, The Movement and Daniel Dyck.
The Health and Wellness Advocate of the Year award was presented to Haylee Seiter who is a communications advisor, public and population health for Northern Health.
She is passionate about health promotions both in her volunteer and professional life.
Also nominated in the category was Framework Fitness, Reanne Sanford, Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, John Brink, Jocelyn Logan, Sally Rosevear, Todd Doherty - MP Cariboo-Prince George, Janna Coleman - The Movement, Liz Bennett, Dr. E.J. Edwards - Wellhouse Dental, Daniel Dyck, Crossfit Northern Ice and Christina Bianchini.
