THUNDER BAY -- The City of Thunder Bay is looking to honour those who have inspired positive change within the community.
Nominations are now open for the 12th annual respect. awards, which are given to individuals, organizations and businesses that have helped enhance diversity, inclusion, equity and respect for others.
The awards, which were first handed out in 2013, originally came about as a follow-up to the foundation of the respect. initiative that had been started at Confederation College a few years earlier.
“We’re looking for our community to nominate individuals and organizations that sort of exemplify and embody the principles of the respect. initiative,” said Lee-Ann Chevrette, community safety and well-being specialist with the City of Thunder Bay.
“Those things are encouraging positive attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that recognize the importance of human dignity . . . and it’s also about providing inclusive safer spaces for interaction in our community.
“It’s really about showing respect for all people from all backgrounds in our community.”
Last year’s awards recipients were Carolyn Karle, the founder of the DEK Foundation, and the Roots Community Food Centre.
Barbara Cooper of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Fort William First Nation elder Terry Bannon, Elevate NWO and Bay Village Coffee have also been honoured in recent years.
Chevrette said there are several key reasons to recognize the efforts of those who make Thunder Bay a better place.
“Everyone is valuable and deserves dignity and respect,” she added.
“It’s important to highlight the specific efforts by individuals and organizations, but it’s also to help inspire others to do similar things.”
Nominations for each award, which can be found on the City of Thunder Bay’s website, are open until Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m.
This year’s winners will be announced on March 21 during Diversity Thunder Bay’s annual celebration event.
