Nominations are now open for the fifth annual Provincial Nesika Awards, and British Columbians are encouraged to participate. Five categories are open for nomination – Individual, Business, Organization, Youth and, new this year, Multicultural Excellence in Government.

The new category, recommended by the Multicultural Advisory Council, recognizes the commitment government organizations are making to promote multiculturalism, both internally and externally. B.C. government ministries, Crown corporations and affiliated bodies that submit an annual report on multiculturalism will be eligible for this award. They can nominate any one program, project or initiative within the organization.

The Provincial Nesika Awards started in 2008 to recognize the people, organizations and businesses whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together. The Province’s Multicultural Advisory Council organizes and sponsors the awards to honour and celebrate British Columbia’s cultural diversity and Aboriginal heritage.

Nominees and the five award recipients will be recognized at the awards event on March 21, 2014 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Recipients in all categories will receive an award trophy. Recipients in the first four categories will also receive $5,000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice to further support the work of multiculturalism in the province.
All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2014. For more information, eligibility requirements, or to download the Nesika Awards nomination form, visit: www.EmbraceBC.ca or email:MAC@gov.bc.ca