In the early 1990s, Gwen Harry and Donna Billy opened Totem Hall to the community to celebrate Canada Day and it's become a popular tradition ever since.
This past Thursday (March 21) at the Squamish Public Library, Harry's and Billy's efforts to build bridges among Squamish's many different communities were celebrated by the Squamish Multifaith Association (SMA).
"They've helped bring people of different backgrounds to come together under one roof to help celebrate multiculturalism and our country," said Andrea Gailus, the director of the SMA. "They've been so instrumental in the development of this event that takes place every year in Squamish and their love for humanity extends beyond just our community."
Gailus pointed out that Harry is a storyteller at local schools and represents the Squamish Nation at many community events. She said Billy, who works at the Howe Sound Women's Centre, is an advocate for women's rights and a strong voice in the community.
The duo was awarded the Building Bridges Award by the SMA after being nominated by a local community member. Billy and Harry beat out local writer Gagandeep Ghuman, former Squamish CAN president Ana Santos and Dave Thethi.
"Thank you for honouring me and I'd like to honour my children as well," Harry said. "They make me look good and I'm very proud of them."
Harry's children include Squamish Nation Coun. Dale Harry, artist Rick Harry and Alice Guss, former director of education for the Squamish and Tsawwassen First Nations.
Billy said it was a great honour.
"Thank you for acknowledging me," she said. "It's been a wonderful journey doing the Totem Hall celebrations and I also wanted to thank all the other organizers and volunteers who help make that event happen. I can't wait to hang this plaque in the Elder's Lounge."
Dale Harry said both his mother and Billy are very deserving.
"Thank you for honouring them and the miles they've travelled," he said. "Their idea for this event comes from the vision of our community and they helped bring it forward. These two couldn't be better at building bridges here in Squamish."
Gailus added that the SMA, which formed in 2011, is always looking for new members and to contact her at (604) 815-1685 for more information regarding the group.
