Image Credit: Pathways to Technology

By Dave Barry

Order of BC

Kamloops Woman Named to Order of B.C.

Aug 3, 2020 | 7:29 AM

VICTORIA – She has spent much of her life advocating for the health and well being of Indigenous children and families. Today the province is recognizing the efforts of Ruth Williams, naming her to the Order of B.C. The Kamloops woman is one of 13 British Columbians selected for the honour on this B.C. Day.

Williams was born in Big Bar Creek, an isolated community 55 kilometres west of Clinton. She and her six siblings were raised by a single mother. Her upbringing provided her with an understanding of the challenges faced by those living in remote communities.

Williams received an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree from Thompson Rivers University in 2010. She has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the B.C. Aboriginal Achievement Awards and numerous business awards. And in Kamloops she was recognized with the Kamloops Rotary Club Paul Harris Award and the City of Kamloops 100 Year Confederation and Distinguished Service Awards.

Williams is being recognized for her involvement in numerous community and government committees for advancing a health-care system that supports Indigenous peoples; supporting families and children in care; promoting early childhood education for Indigenous children; and developing health programs and services for Indigenous peoples.

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She is a founding member and active board member on the first Urban Native Housing Society, which has 103 affordable and safe housing units in Kamloops and 94 units within the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.

She has been long recognized for her advocacy work to increase the number of Indigenous graduates and students pursuing post-secondary education while decreasing the number of students dropping out of school by ensuring supports were in place for them. This included the development of an Urban Native Alternate School to support the re-entry of Indigenous students and for single parents who needed flexible hours and access to daycare.

She has also played a huge role in the development of the All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned shareholders’ lending institute for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, shares have increased from $10 to $87. And she has been influential in ensuring First Nations’ connectivity through Pathways to Technology and provision of business service through All Nations Development Corporation.

In the past Williams has been consulted by federal and provincial governments to gain knowledge and insight into the issues, challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous peoples. As a result of her participation, she has effected change to government policies, processes and structures.

And Williams is also recognized for her work to develop a daycare centre designed to promote Indigenous programs and culture for all children age groups.

Other recipients included Shashi Assanand of Richmond, Ryan Beedie of West Vancouver, Michael Bublé of Burnaby, Shirley Chan of Vancouver, Neil Cook, MGC, of Cranbrook, Paul George of Gibsons, Rusty Goepel of Vancouver, John Malcolm Horton of Delta, Mel Krajden, PhD, of Vancouver, Janet Nadine Mort, PhD, of Brentwood Bay, Tracy Porteous of Vancouver, and Carole Taylor, OC, of Vancouver.

Premier John Horgan offered congratulations to Williams and the other 12 recipients. “Your many contributions have enriched the lives of British Columbians and helped make our province an even better place,” said Horgan.