March 16, 2005
Province Honours Local Community Hero

Victoria – A local resident with a long history of contributing to the community was honoured Tuesday by the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell in a formal ceremony at Government House.

"Marion Hunt-Doig has made an enormous contribution to keeping the traditions and heritage of First Nations people alive in the Vanderhoof region," says Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond. "I’m pleased to have nominated her for this prestigious award, and proud that her work is being recognized by the Lieutenant Governor and Premier Campbell."

Marion Hunt-Doig, of Vanderhoof, is a cultural trailblazer and educator who has dedicated her lifetime to sharing the traditions of the First Nations culture and heritage. An acclaimed button-blanket artist Marion has traveled throughout the world to share her passion for her work and community.

She was one of 39 B.C. residents recognized Tuesday in Victoria.

"These thirty-nine individuals exemplify the characteristics and accomplishments of British Columbians who have helped shape our province into what it is today," said Premier Campbell. "They are citizens from all over the province whose contributions, leadership and inspiration have helped make British Columbia the best place on earth."

The recipients were selected by an Advisory Council consisting of the Honourable Garde B. Gardom, Mayor Walter Gray of Kelowna, Order of BC recipient May Brown, Mayor Sharon Smith of the District of Houston and Chancellor of the University of Victoria, Ron-Lou Poy. Each recipient was presented with a medallion designed by BC Artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation was launched in 2003 by the Government of British Columbia to recognize and celebrate our province's unsung achievers in all of areas of endeavour.