Community Spirit Recognized With Awards

Three communities in the province are being recognized by the lieutenant governor for their exceptional efforts to create vibrant, welcoming and healthy places to live.

In March, Nova Scotians nominated their communities for the Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award. This year's recipients are:

• Ballantynes Cove/Cape George, Antigonish Co.
• Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, Antigonish Co.
• Wallace, Cumberland Co.

"These communities are comprised of countless volunteers who come together to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all their members," said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. "I am delighted to honour the people and places that have such a positive impact on the whole of our province."

Wallace's application, submitted by Warren Hebb, highlighted the community's response to a fire that destroyed the only gas station in the area, its local history and year-round festivals.

"What sets Wallace apart is its attitude and approach to challenges," said Mr. Hebb. "The community just gets things done."

Velma MacEachern nominated Ballantynes Cove/Cape George because of the heritage museum, fire department, heritage trails, and various fundraisers that bring her community together.

"We are a community with a small population but we work hard together to recognize our history, tradition, culture and heritage," said Ms. MacEachern. "We are very proud and co-operate to keep our community clean, attractive and welcoming to visitors who come from all over the world."

Living in harmony with the land, respecting the local environment and supporting the younger generation that make up the majority of Rose Julian's 450-person community of Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation, was highlighted in her application.

"The Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation is committed to improving the physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural and mental well-being of the entire community," said Ms. Julian. "The region's youth have a strong voice and contribute greatly to the sense of culture and pride. Cherished elders pass on their wealth of knowledge to community youth who grow up honouring the experiences elders remember from days gone by."

The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage co-ordinates the award. Applicants who best fit the award's criteria are chosen by an independent selection committee.

"This award celebrates the diverse and vibrant communities that are the foundation of our province and gives profile and formal recognition to the ways their residents work together to make life better for Nova Scotian families," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra.

Communities selected for the Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award will be honoured at upcoming community celebrations. Lt.-Gov. Grant will attend to present an original piece of Nova Scotian Crystal etched with a representation of each community's story.

For more information, visit communityspiritaward.ca .