Ukrainian activist was honoured with Civic Treasure Award from City of Surrey

Source: Surrey City Government, media release

October 03, 2012

Gladys Andreas on the right

On Tuesday, October 2nd leaders of the business and cultural communities gathered at the Surrey Arts Centre to honour and celebrate the 2012 Surrey Civic Treasure Award recipients.

Councillor Marvin Hunt announced the names of three new Surrey Civic Treasures: Gladys Andreas, Ed Griffin and June Laitar and he presented them with their unique medallions, designed and created by local artist Joseph Chiang. The Surrey Civic Treasures Award program was established in 2008 to honour individuals who have achieved excellence in the production of the arts and/or made significant contributions to the development of arts and heritage in the City of Surrey and beyond.

“I want to congratulate this year’s Civic Treasures for their outstanding contribution to arts, culture and heritage in Surrey. Their passion and dedication are helping us become a cultural leader in B.C.,” says Mayor Dianne Watts. “The arts play an integral role in connecting people, creating a sense of community, and shaping the identity of a city.”

Gladys Andreas is a dedicated volunteer, musician and heritage advocate. Since the 1990’s she has been the founder and organizer of the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival, featuring Ukrainian dance groups from around BC in a setting that includes music, food, arts, crafts and literature.

Ed Griffin is an educator, writer, mentor and social justice advocate. A founder of the popular Surrey International Writers’ Festival, Ed also teaches writing to inmates at the Pacific Prison and volunteers at the Phoenix Centre.

June is a respected First Nations elder and visionary community leader. Currently she is a founding member and President of the Kla how eya Aboriginal Cultural Centre; which serves as a hub for the resurgence of Aboriginal culture, language and teachings and provides a wide array of social services to the local aboriginal community.

For images and profiles of the 2012 Surrey Civic Treasures Award recipients please see the “My Surrey” section of the City of Surrey Home Page at www.surrey.ca

Video which  was used to introduce Gladys at the awards ceremonies: