 Well good evening everyone and thank you all for being here tonight and it's a really nice intimate group and Just so happy to have had a little bit of time to meet some of you and just thank you all for coming here tonight We really appreciate it. My name is Patty Boyle And I'm the assistant deputy minister of the of the child care division for the Ministry of Education and child care And before I begin I'd like to acknowledge that we're very grateful to host our dinner today In our awards this evening on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam nation so to help us Welcome us to this territory acknowledge this territory and to begin in the right way I'd like to welcome to the podium Musqueam elder Mary Point Mary Hi to God see him. Hi to God I see I'm the CIA I see I'm the CIA and the Mary Point to need to know who must go home I'm me. It's a quick quillum ear to e mull some mull some in the language of my ancestors I let you know my name is Mary Point I'm from Musqueam and I welcomed you in the way in which I've been taught to do and I let you know that today We're sitting in an area that we called the place of the blueberries It's a place where we would actually come come and gather it grew so densely here on this island in the Delta My family the point family hails from the village of Kuyah Kuyah for those of you who know this area of Richmond is Actually been renamed as Gary Point in Steepston renamed by Captain Vancouver who like the Spanish before him Just named renamed places after their friends and compadres I am I'm very pleased to be here with childcare workers to me Children are have always filled my heart I thought I would have six of them at least but I only ever had one but our house Growing up and also when I was raising my son here in Richmond was always a place where people drop their children off To hang out we did have an informal daycare I'll say I was also a foster parent for six years and Had 36 children during that time and actually got an award from the province for outstanding service to foster children But that was way back in the 90s. So it isn't like these this prestigious thing I think it was just something that came in the mail or was handed to me by our social worker but but I'm really pleased to be here because My daughter-in-law who lives with me along with my son and my two grandchildren and their three dogs My daughter-in-law got her a C e Certificate last year and she's back at school while working at a local daycare here she's Working towards the full degree. So I'm really excited for her and I I learn a lot more about all the Formalities of raising children so different from how I might have handled it Not so not so strategically more make them go in a line or keep them busy So teach them lots and lots of songs. I would say we always would have book or dance before bed But I just I digress so I don't want to take up too much time. I'm mindful while I'm here that we're a few days from Indigenous history month which begins on June 1st It's also June 1st is also a pride day internationally. So We I work at the airport and we celebrate both of those at the same time and we actually raised the musqueam pride flags at that time as well as as well as Standard pride flags and we have all kinds of activities that we do but for indigenous history month It's a very busy time because I find these are the times when people maybe pay a little bit more attention to this time of learning and reconciliation and Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't say I'm aware of the province adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and and also have a whole section dedicated to the truth and reconciliation calls to action and I know those are a lot to unpack for most But right in the very first words begin with Legacy what is the story that you want to tell and the very first section is on child welfare And I think about all of the good work that's being done To care for children now and all the work that is yet to be done to ensure that Our children not just our indigenous children, but all of our children are taking care of in a good way The calls to action. I'll just say in this time of learning Once we move past the importance of looking after our children and families Focuses on education professional development updating business policies commemorating the children and Incorporates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and and the calls for justice the 231 calls for justice for the murdered or missing indigenous women and girls And I just think when I think about all of those things and all of the work that's being done and the month That is ahead where we'll be Exploring and learning more about the history and unpacking what we can and making our decisions About how we can do better I really look to Leaders like those who are in this room those who are excelling at looking after children early childhood learning Are all the way to graduation? You're inspiring them and and helping them to unpack difficult subjects as well as fun ones and and helping them grow into Future leaders themselves. So we have a Saying in our community. I Tennis koala when Quincy Quetznala my heart is full when I think about the work that you're doing and And all of those who are getting awards for doing that good work this evening So to get us started in a good way I'm gonna share a song that comes from quiet It comes from my great uncle Dominic point his traditional name Tiak that it's our musqueam paddle song Which you may have heard if you've been anywhere in musqueam territory It's a song that we sing when we're entering a new community to let people know we're coming with good intentions And it's a song that we sing when we're standing in community to share a little bit about who we are And it's a song that we sing at the beginning of any new journey a wedding a funeral a graduation Or days like today as we journey into these awards of excellence and celebrate your total awesomeness so I'll also sing it for our children and And and because it's a song of the land I have two people already committed to sing with me Well one ball and told and one committed, but so I'm gonna sing it once and then I'll sing it again And maybe you'll join in And so many good singers in the water They sing it over and over and over again until the ancestors come and sit with us But that's all that I have to share with you this evening one last teaching maybe I want to raise my hands To each and every one of the award winners and all the hands that put the work in for this beautiful evening And the reason why we do that is I feel lifted up to be here with you and I want to lift you up in return Hi, thank you all congratulations winners Thank you so much Mary for those those words and I raised my hands up to you just for all that you've done Just looking back and what I was thinking as you were talking about You know someone who took care of children, you know in the foster care must have really Imparted something to your family to make your daughter-in-law want to become an early childhood educator years later So we all raise our hands up to you for that wonderful welcome. Thank you so much And welcome everybody to the evening just a few quick housekeeping notes before we start our dinner If everybody didn't get a name tag name badge I think you did because I think I made my way around the room and saw that Antiphonese nodding and Fiona's nodding that you all got your name badges. So that's great So dinner will begin just as soon as I'm finished up here And we'll include an appetizer an entree and a dessert and we did have rogner from our Stakeholder engagement team who used to be a waiter actually go through the menu and tell us all about it And I said I might bring you up to actually, you know talk as you would as a waiter with the different choices But he said he maybe would hold off on that for now. So I Won't make him do that But there's a cash bar at the back of the room with alcoholic drinks available if you're interested and you can also order Complementary soft drinks and juice at the bar as well So just a quick reminder that the event will be recorded. We see that it's being recorded right now So I think everybody's in their seats and just relax and enjoy the dinner And then we'll be calling on our our minister to come up and greet you all after dinner today So, please just enjoy dinner everyone and and I'll be coming around to your tables too and Seeing what you chose and seeing if I chose the same thing. But but really enjoy today. Okay. Thank you everybody Everyone well, I think we'll get started again Finish up the conversations How was the dinner was it okay? Yeah, I hope you had some great conversation at your tables. I I was at this table and Found out that about half of us are from Saskatchewan. Oh And went in the back Yeah, of course right. Yeah, I have a Saskatchewan ruff rider sweater for my dog as well But I don't always I don't always put it on him when I'm around the you know the BC Lions, but Yeah, so I guess it just tells me that it really is the center of the universe of Saskatchewan because we're But we but we realize that it's a nice place to be from yeah so just Just it's you know, we're just wanted to say that we're excited really here to be here today to celebrate the child that Care BC awards of excellence winners And appreciate you for really taking the time out of your Schedules to come across from across the province to be here with us tonight. We're here tonight to really celebrate you Your incredible achievements and the tremendous impact you've had on Your communities on children and families all across this province and for that we really want to say thank you And a heartfelt thank you to all of you So without further ado, let's begin the awards ceremony And I'd like to take this time an opportunity to welcome to the podium our host for the evening Minister of State for child care grace law Good evening folks. I I'm very grateful to have a chance to have had the chance to sit at a couple tables So I'll have to come visit this table next. I'm I Really really glad to be here with you tonight. I've been in this role since December and I've had I More of an opportunity in the last few weeks to get out in Community and connect with educators and providers and I have learned so much and had such incredible conversations that I am I'm going to be able to take back with me to this work and Tonight is a continuation of that to really Have the chance to connect with those of you who are really fundamentally making change in the sector who are serving communities and families and to take the time to recognize and celebrate that we are as Patty said and as Mary welcomed us to on the territory of the Musqueam nation and the Coast Salish peoples I really appreciated Mary's Welcome and some of the comments she shared on kids in her house and welcomed into her home and The career path of her daughter-in-law. I know many of you traveled quite far to join us And I'm really really glad that you did. I Also want to thank the ministry staff who are here who made this possible and who do this work with us You know every day as we look to build child care as a core service here in BC Those of you who are here really have gone above and beyond every day to make life better for children and for Families and for your communities Offering culturally meaningful care that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of our province Supporting kids with diverse needs in an inclusive way and supporting others in the field With which is so essential. I hear so much about the needs for connection between educators and providers and the learning that happens there you really are the heart and soul of child care in our province and All the work that we do as government all the work that I'm privileged to do as minister of state Really only hits the road rubber hits the road. I'm gonna not use a great Metaphor here, but really with you in community. That's where it really happens We are five years into our child care BC plan with a vision of making child care more affordable accessible and inclusive for families in our province and I So believe in that vision and I know that access to child care is life-changing for families But again, it is you at the skilled educated and dedicated Professionals who provide that care who provide the connection and the learning opportunities To our children at some of the most important times of their life I've been saying a few times tonight. We know the science of what happens in those little brains at zero to five and You guide them in that discovery Taylor put it as Being alongside them as they learn you encourage them to explore the world. I know you're metaphorically and Literally picking them up when they fall down and I know that that when you do that You are also lifting up the communities and the families around them a few weeks ago at the EL ECEBC conference Elder Shane put it this way. He said that you were helping children become human beings and That is such powerful work that framing of this work really stuck with me and for far too long your field was not seen as the educated skilled profession that it is recognized as being essential for communities and families and we are committed to that I'm committed to that I feel a Personal responsibility to continue to lift up and recognize this sector And the educators the child care providers who who do this work? So to better support you we've been Helping with the wage enhancement providing better access to education and training opportunities professional development and I had a chance to talk to a couple of you about how you've taken advantage of of the ECE bursaries or the different ways to become educators And we've come a long way since 2018, but we have a long way to go a long way to go to make sure that you are early childhood professionals are recognized For who you are the skills you have the education you have and what you do in communities We're gonna have more to say on that in the coming months But just to to say that as minister I truly have the privilege and responsibility of working to support you and to ensure that communities around the province know What you do for kids for families and communities? And one of the ways that we are promoting child Childcare professionals and the vital work you do is by dedicating May as child care month It's a special opportunity to recognize your hard work to celebrate the integral role you play in supporting children families communities and Holding up the economy You know, I think that for anyone who didn't know the role of child care in Lifting up kids and the economy the pandemic was a reminder. I was saying my kids were three and five at the time. I knew We received many incredible nominations this year and I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to to everyone who was Nominated and everyone here this evening For your hard work and dedication I Do want to thank all the nominees and all the folks who put forward nominations really incredible to read about the work that's happening across the province and Now I'm thrilled to begin presenting the awards to the winners who are here in this room Again standing out among really really significant nominations this year so up first we have our regional awards of excellence and Our first award this evening is regional award for excellence in the interior These regional awards recognize child care professionals or teams who demonstrated excellence in child care priority areas Priorit priority areas including working collaboratively with others ensuring inclusion and encouraging diversity and supporting community efforts and continuous improvement of child care practices For the category of Interior region. I'm so pleased to present the award to gent Gent Harrison who is accepting the award on behalf of the Kootenai family place in Castlegar Hold on. I've got more to say Stand for me Kootenai family place has been helping rural West Kootenai residents since 1972 While still being an innovative provider that keeps up with developing needs of a growing and changing community They regularly collaborate with local organizations such as schools local indigenous knowledge keepers and Among among others to bring diverse range of programming to children and families in the area All of Kootenai family's places early learning and child care facilities are fully inclusive to make sure Children can access the necessary additional supports They encourage family diversity diversity of traditions and backgrounds and ensure that these are shared and celebrated throughout all initiatives One parent stated that quote their child thrived at Kootenai family place and that the children were cared for not just by professionals, but good loving people on a personal note I've had a chance to learn about Kootenai family place from the province's minister of finance Who is the MLA for the area and she is so immensely proud of you for this award? Congratulations to Kootenai family place Thank you. I just want to say On behalf of everyone at Kootenai family place. We're so proud to have received this award We've got great staff Especially our director of childcare Sally Buceco. She's worked for Kootenai family place for 38 years This is really more about her than me and her staff But I really appreciate it and I want to say it's so nice to see people gathered to celebrate the important work of Early childhood education. It's it really makes me happy to see everyone here And know the good work we're all doing. Thanks Thanks, Gent and To I think the way that Gent put it to have folks gathered to celebrate childcare and professionals in the sector I was Just at a round table in Abbotsford and one of the things that folks were raising is that, you know When they started in the field, nobody was talking about childcare folks weren't Having community around tables around it celebrating, you know, and again, we know What difference you make in the lives of children and family? So we need to talk about it. We need to celebrate it We need to support the sector I'm now thrilled to introduce the winner of the regional award of excellence for Vancouver Island the the winner of the Vancouver Island regional award is JLC Victoria and a I'm not sure in Enoe Eiko and no way how'd I do? I'm sorry I should have come to your table first to check you will be accepting the reward the award this evening. Come on up JLC is the only Japanese immersion preschool on Vancouver Island since opening in 2018 JLC has continued to expand and improve its preschool program in 2023 JLC Victoria began offering infant and toddler classes in both Japanese and English to anyone interested in learning Japanese language and culture with their children One grateful parent of a two-year-old child states that JLC preschool program made it not only easier But also enjoyable for children and parents to learn and maintain Japanese language skills While programs are delivered in Japanese and children are introduced to Japanese culture and traditions The curriculum also focuses on exposing children to traditions from around the world as well as local indigenous culture and history congratulations Thank you very much It is with tremendous honor that I'm receiving this award For my team and the first I would like to thank my co-worker Yuri Pomeroy Who is with me tonight? And it also hope for all my team and members in Victoria You know without their dedication and then also love for children. I wouldn't be here receiving this award for them and It's been five years since we open our preschool, but now that we have a infant-toddler program and also after-school program and then we are so happy that we have We can see our graduates You know growing with our fun program until like they're 12 Yeah, so I will keep working to make sure to establish the solid foundation for this unique and Very beautiful child care community for years to come. Thank you very much. I Just invited myself for a visit I Represent the community of Victoria Beacon Hill, so I'm gonna come come see JLC Victoria Now I'd like to present the award for regional awards of excellence for the Fraser region The Fraser region award goes to Charlene Waddell from Métis Nation, BC Charlene has dedicated the past 33 years to serving children and families in BC in the child care sector She goes above and beyond to supporting families Sorry families children and communities and educators to be their best by improving and enhancing relationships as The executive director of Métis Nation BC's Ministry of Education Charlene supports the mandate and the vision of early learning and child care Where Métis children and families throughout BC are provided with culturally relevant self-empowering early learning and child care programs a colleague describes Charlene's passion and dedication for her role as second to none She says quote. She gives 100% in everything and her contributions are immeasurable a Big congratulations and Marcy to Charlene She could not be here with us, but she would like to share a few words via video clip Good evening everyone. I wish I was able to join all of you in person I actually think I would be much less nervous speaking to you face-to-face than doing this in a recording in Person I would be able to celebrate and recognize all of the amazing early learning and child care professionals and their contributions in the province of BC Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees I'm extremely honored to be receiving this award I'm grateful for the recognition. I've received For my work because I'm very sure that every nominee for this award was as capable if not more of winning this award I would not be in the position to accept this award without the inspiration passion And hard work of my amazing team at Métis Nation British Columbia And the leadership and heart of Métis Nation British Columbia's Minister of Education Deborah Fisher Without them this work would not be possible I raise my hands to all of them as I do to all of you I value and appreciate our partnerships with many of you across the province And understand the importance of collaboration and sharing and working together in order to create and enhance early learning programs and supports in BC As we strive to achieve increased access to affordable high quality flexible and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services We truly are stronger together Especially for our Métis children and their families Creating programs and services that are anchored in Métis culture and responsive to the unique needs of Métis families We need to listen with an open heart to the needs of our families and children As an early childhood educator for 30 years I've seen considerable progress in the child care sector I look forward to the continued work we do together For the child care system BC families want need and deserve Once again, I thank you and have a wonderful evening Good to have her here with us in spirit Next up regional award of excellence for the vancouver coastal region I'm pleased to present the award to violet jesson from capillano university in north vancouver Violet has been a leader in the child care sector for over 20 years She has been a faculty member of early childhood education department at capillano university since 2002 and she was instrumental in developing the degree program Violet has shaped and advocated for student teacher education The professionalization of early childhood educators in bc and has strengthened networks of support for educators children and families Violet is also a connector and a colleague And she's a connector and a colleague attests to her strong leadership That has uplifted the professionalism of early childhood educators Through her dedication to building and bridging relationships Strong and interconnected networks of ecs have formed both locally and in Locally in north vancouver and provincially within the many communities. She has reached out to congratulations violet. Please come on out so short I just um, I really wasn't expecting to say Any words, but I do have some so thank you minister lawford for hosting us tonight and really thank you for these awards And i'm so honored just to be among so many dedicated committed ecs I am also one of the other hats that I wear is i'm a chair of the early childhood educators of bc And we had recently written a position paper about the role of the educator In in british columbia, and so I just wanted to read It's just a really short piece out of the paper because it really speaks to To the work that i've done and really trying to elevate sort of the work that we do and and the kind of Student educators that we're trying to graduate and that those are the ones that are going out into the field and to really Create creating such beautiful spaces for children So out of the paper here some the educators they practice with ethical commitments So educators practice with ethical situational and relational commitments as they negotiate tensions contradictions and vibrant possibilities That arise in pedagogical work ethically intervening requires educators to pay attention to the ethos the ways of life um of their con context in order to foster more just and equitable forms and um Sorry, uh, equal forms of pedagogical practices with children and families Educators do not follow altruistic or utilitarian principles Neither do they assume a normative morality nor risk management approach Rather ethics is a doing and practice that occurs in the complex relationships And vibrant possibilities that are part of everyday life Educators practice with ethical obligations that do not involve the application of a predetermined answer These are responsive commitments to act towards a situated vision of a world that sustains life for all Yes, i'm tall Congratulations violet. I'm uh, so grateful for the learning that I have done Through ecebc, uh, and I thank you so much also for your role in that organization And last but not least, uh, we come to the regional awards of excellence in the northern region The winner of the regional award for the north is julie hutchinson from the ymca of northern bc in vanderhoof Julie started working at the ymca vanderhoof care and learning center in 2016 She actively works alongside the child development center and all of her families to ensure that each child is treated as an individual And is supported through culturally competent practice and the inclusion of indigenous language and culture One parent of a child with support needs commends julie's way of quote making children feel special and comfortable She also values team building and engagement and brings her team together often to connect and work collaboratively Julie could also not be here with us in person tonight, but would also like to share a few words Through a video clip. We'll have to hear from julie another time Um, I think we can still give her a round of applause Share an applause to show our appreciation and uh, I look forward to having a chance to connect with her and share your warmth and applause We have more winners to celebrate and uh, we're going to move to the innovation award The innovation award recognizes a child care professional or organization That puts unique and creative ideas into action to benefit children in the child care setting I am pleased to announce that the winner of the 2023 innovation award is wendy flagall from camloops christian school early learning center wendy has been working in the child care sector for over 20 years 27 to be exact i learned this evening At kcs early learning center wendy has made numerous unique additions to the preschool room Including many she has made herself which combines her passion for woodworking with her experience as an educator Some of the highlights include both indoor and outdoor full-size play structures for imaginative play and gross motor Gross motor movement improvement as well as play items such as wooden or felt letters and a light table She also values nature-based programming which has led to the design of an incredible outdoor space Her students describe her as kind gentle patient and loving While her colleagues have added unassuming brilliance humility and compassion Congratulations wendy come on up Um, thank you very much. I'm very honored to receive this And I work with an amazing team and a wonderful director And we all work together and it's great to have such a supportive group that we're a part of Thank you unassuming brilliance and compassion Thank you wendy We now come to our leadership awards And the leadership awards are given to educators who embody leadership by encouraging and guiding others displaying exceptional dedication collaborating and offering creativity and vision These award winners also accept or seek leadership responsibility when opportunities arise And take action to improve existing practices or create new opportunities in the field First up is the emerging leadership award This award recognizes child care professionals new to the sector with a maximum of three years experience The recipient of the 2023 emerging leadership award is Amy Mueller from Vanderhoof Amy started working for the ymc in Vanderhoof in 2020 She actively seeks out ways to enhance child care programs through outdoor time educational sensory bins Adventure walks and more Amy cultivates and maintains relationships that encourage communication between families and the center Which then strengthens the quality of care that children receive both inside and outside the child care setting One parent praises Amy's patience with her son as well as Amy's ability to recognize the child's development needs and to help him grow Being new in her leadership role Amy is actively seeking out opportunities for growth and to expand her leadership skills Congratulations, Amy. I'm excited to see where your career as a child care professional takes you And I know that people like you are so needed in this sector and make all the difference to families. Come on out So I wasn't actually planning on speaking so This is going to be very short. I'm not going to be near as eloquent as those before me But I want to say thank you to My mentor Julie Hutchinson who could not be here today without her. I would not be where I am She seen something in me that I hadn't even seen and supported me Through my journey from sawmill to Child care leader. I'd also like to say thank you to my husband for supporting me through my career change And thank you everybody. Have a nice night. Thank you, Amy The next category is child care leadership award in addition to what I've mentioned for both leadership awards The child care leadership award recognizes a child care professional or organization That has shown leadership in their community With families or with underserved or vulnerable communities This year we decided to present the award to two recipients as there were many outstanding nominations that we're deserving Our first child care leadership award is karen lasage from ridge meadows college Karen has won this award not only for her work directly with children with diverse needs But also for her critical role of educating our educators as an instructor and program chair Since joining ridge meadows college karen has led a complete curriculum refresh A partnership with katsi nation to incorporate indigenous content throughout the curriculum And oversaw the hiring of more than 15 new faculty members She takes a personal hands-on approach with her students assisting them with professional and personal issues whenever possible And karen has also put supports in place for neuro diverse students A colleague states that karen quote makes quick connections with children with diverse needs and finds unique ways to support each of them individually Her personal background and her work as a supported child development consultant for 17 years has provided a unique lens for her to guide her teaching methods Karen's enthusiasm integrity and knowledge has been instrumental in refreshing ridge meadows college ece program And to supporting students children and families in her community Karen i have to say i was very struck with how you described Encouraging and setting up your students to join this This profession as a serious profession that is so impactful and to really lift them up as they view themselves in that role Um karen come on up I as well was not prepared to speak I can talk about child development. No problem. This is a little different So i'm very honored to receive this award and i'm very grateful for my team at ridge meadows college In supporting me with all the changes working together to create a better program for our ece's coming into the field And i am very honored and have immense gratitude for all The child care providers i've worked with over the years The families and children who have changed my practice and have taught me so much I think i've learned more from them than i ever learned in my post-secondary education And i am so honored to be in this room with some familiar faces and some new faces So, thank you very much Our second recipient of the child care leadership award is rakel patrick She is being recognized for her outstanding service to the small community of n kwa kwa first nations She started work for n kwa kwa child and family development center in 2020 where she has shown exceptional dedication and leadership She has brought her experience as a primary school educator in the philippines to a small community In and surrounding the n kwa kwa nation She's described as creative energetic Empathetic empathetic that was coming out wrong child care professional who even though she did not grow up in the community Has engaged in cultural learnings with enthusiasm She can often be seen speaking Oh, i'm uh Can you help me out? Oh commutes Signing the songs and sharing the stories in her classroom A grateful parent states that she is quote caring nurturing and is a positive influence during an important time for children's development She provides exceptional service and support for families and her colleagues Congratulations Being nominated is really something for me, but accepting this award Is a big honor for a filipino who is working in a remote area in canada In behalf of my community in kwa kwa and our daycare and kwa kwa child and family development center Thank you so much for appreciating our effort and our role in the community. Have a nice night We are coming up to our final three award categories for tonight's ceremony The next award is the inclusive practices award This award recognizes a child care professional or team Who has shown excellence in providing truly inclusive care for children with support needs As well as displaying leadership and cultural awareness in providing a learning environment and program That is truly reflective of the diversity of the children and families participating in it The winner of the 2023 award is little badgers early learning program Located at on a a kiss kinnock A kiss kinnock. Thank you first nations in windermere carry records and Evelyn Walker But evi right We'll be accepting the award this evening The vision of little badgers is quote building and creating a society to foster and promote lifelong learning and cultural connection to all living things The center excels in providing an enriched environment for children with diverse needs and backgrounds This includes connecting with families and the community Through family after hours events communal food events field trips and bike rides One grateful parent of a three-year-old child with support needs states that the staff and little badgers have quote made every effort to accommodate the child's condition including programming modifications Little badgers is also a $10 day child care center and excels at recruiting and retaining ECEs Through their professional development opportunities and employment packages Believe me. I was taking notes earlier when we were chatting Congratulations. Come on up On behalf of the eva joseph learning cultural society, which runs little badgers early learning We just want to say thank you. This is quite an honor eva joseph is an elder On from the akiss knook first nations community And her vision was Everybody should learn everybody should learn the culture. Everybody should learn the language but celebrate who you are and that starts in the early years so thank you to everybody for recognizing and is a great legacy for for eva and The akiss knook first nations. We have an amazing team and if I Hands down the work that they do every day is amazing and thank you for recognizing the hard work Our next award for the evening is the the linora pritchard award of excellence Linora was a beloved child care advisor with the bc original child care society and a member of the muskwiam nation and the shim sham nation Linora worked as an early childhood educator in communities throughout bc And general generously shared her knowledge with other eces linora passed away in an accident in 2009 and this award honors her legacy The award recognizes an indigenous child care professional who demonstrates passion and commitment to their role This year's recipient is taylor parker from the comox valley of original head start Taylor is of matey background and is deeply committed to helping first nations and matey children with their education She demonstrates kindness compassion and leadership qualities as a new child care professional A colleague praises taylor's quote unique and culturally diverse activities for children Taylor regularly goes above and beyond for children and comes up with creative and innovative ways to learn I Was struck taylor by your description of learning alongside kids and what pulled you into the sector Congratulations. Come on up Thank you so much. Thank you for all being here and acknowledging the hard work that the eces are all doing in our communities Um, thank you to mnbc for helping me get through a lot of my schooling and to ecbc to also helping for a lot of the Problems that come along with schooling and great. It was very great Uh, I work at aboriginal head start, which is an amazing program in our community It's a free program and we can reach up to 40 children a day uh, I'm Currently next week going into the leadership position and going to be running it and I'm very excited. I'm Matey and it's been really really amazing being able to go and learn about the culture from the elders We have in the program and just dig deeper into The different cultures we have and everything and it's just a really amazing family that we have there and I'm really thankful for my boss for nominating me. I wish she was here tonight, but she's about to pop out her own Baby, so she couldn't travel But she's been an amazing mentor and aboriginal head start has been an amazing place to work And i'm so grateful and thankful for everything that they've done For me Yeah, get the casca. Thank you. Thank you taylor and congratulations for taking on the leadership role in the program We now come to our last award of the evening, which is the lifetime achievement award The lifetime achievement award recognizes a professional who has been a leader in the sector for over 20 years With an established history of distinguished service The winner of this award embodies leadership by encouraging and guiding others Displaying exceptional dedication collaboration creativity and vision They have also Sorry, it's a long list of things you've done. I thought I was rereading something, but it's more good things They have also established a lasting contribution to child care practice Which demonstrates knowledge and skills that provide or support high quality child care The winner of the 2023 child care bc lifetime achievement award is connie connie started her career at the ymca in 1990 and began her leadership journey in 1995 In 2007 connie became the senior educator at bob and k Aakles nanoc house and in 2021 she transitioned to metrotown ymca child care as the team lead A colleague notes that connie quote thrives when helping others to step out of their comfort zone and embrace different perspectives Everywhere she goes connie has created a sense of home where all are welcome She has fostered this feeling through the building networks to support families who are struggling and ensure children Are supported beyond the hours of the child care program Connie also works tirelessly to incorporate truth and reconciliations in her programs Partnering with elders to create culturally safe spaces and programming and ensuring continuous connection to community connie has coached new eces guided midcare career midcareer child care professionals Through growth opportunities and demonstrated remarkable dedication to the children and families she serves Her role as a workshop facilitator mentor and partner in training specialists Is a clear example of the legacy she continues to create Her vision for excellence over a 30 year career has inspired individuals of all ages to be the best they can be Congratulations on your achievement connie. Let's welcome her to the podium to share a few words I as well was not prepared to speak but I just want to I know I'm short too Um, just I've had the honor and privilege of working with so many amazing mentors Um, and they've shared with me all their teachings from the managers to the staff to the children and families It's just with great gratitude that I accept this award on their behalf as well Thank you. I'm just going to make an ad hoc observation Every single one of you recognize your mentors and your teams Every single one of you Spent a bit more time talking about the others around you than your own accomplishments I just want to express my deep gratitude to you as Individuals you as people who have changed the lives of families And the children in their care and I asked the room to one more time give you all a very big applause Your commitment to children throughout the province Make such a big difference and your passion for your work Is clear. It was clear in the conversations. I had a Chance to have with you at tables over dinner and dessert Without you children would miss out on opportunities for learning for social emotional development and for the play That benefits them so much At the same time their caregivers would not be able to pursue work or education or other opportunities Our families communities and the economy Are stronger for the work that you do every day As minister of state for child care, uh, and as a mom, I want to thank you again for your hard work and care And, uh, please one more round of applause