Shining a Light on Local Heroes: 2025 Community Awards in Fort St. John

The annual Community Awards are divided into four categories which include businesses, individuals, recognizing outstanding youth, and non-profit organizations that positively impact this community.

The 2025 nominees are comprised of dedicated and passionate community members whose contributions to the North Peace have exceeded all expectations including long-standing volunteers and youth leaders.

This year’s nominees were Amber Rosario, Angele Heinrichs, Bailey Gauvin-Mayes, Cameron McGuire, Catherine Marie Reimer, Elevate Youth, FSJ Hospital Auxiliary, Gail Weber, Jordan Soggie, Justina Harder, Karen Mason-Bennett, Margaret and Jim Little, Michael Ortynsky, North Peace Light Horse Association, North Peace Optometry Clinic, Sheila McLeod, and the Wellness Truth & Family Foundation.

“Each of these nominees reflects the heart and soul of Fort St. John. Their commitment to improving our city is truly inspiring,” Acting Mayor Sarah MacDougall stated. “Whether through volunteerism, leadership, or community service, they remind us of the power we all have to create lasting change for our community.”

The winners of the awards were announced at the 18th Annual Community Awards Ceremony at the Block Party in Fort St. John on Saturday, September 6^th, during a ceremony which started around noon.

The Youth Award went to 14-year-old Bailey Gauvin- Mayes, whom after graduating grade 9 started connecting youth with indigenous content to deepen cultural understanding through a podcast she created. Bailey is recognized across SD60 for her ability to sing the anthem in Cree and volunteers with the Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow Dancers.

The Business Award went to Elevate Youth who are a multi-sport summer camp in the Peace Region that promotes healthy and active lifestyles for our children. They personally sponsored five camp spots in 2025, before going on to find funding for an additional eight individuals. These 13 individuals who otherwise might not have been able to attend this camp due to financial barriers, were able to participate and build lifelong friendship and skills.

The 2025 Citizen of the year went to the amazing Margaret and Jim Little, who are true pillars in the North Peace community. The couple’s lifelong commitment to community service and their quiet yet steady leadership have left a lasting mark on Fort St. John, inspiring both their peers and younger generations. Numerous local and provincial organizations have felt the meaningful and lasting impact of the Little’s including Save Our Northern Seniors (SONS), where Margaret is the present-day President while Jim serves as the Director.

Known not only for their generosity but also for their genuine care for others, they embody the very spirit of what it means to be Citizen of the Year.

The Non-profit Award went to the FSJ Hospital Auxiliary, whose members regularly volunteer throughout the Hospital including operating the comfort cart and managing the hospital gift shop, which continues to raise money for hospital initiatives. These members also tend to the memorial rose garden at the hospital, which continues to provide patients at Peace Villa a beautiful space and view.

The annual awards are a chance to highlight the people and organizations who often work quietly in the background yet make a lasting impact on the community. From long-time volunteers to emerging leaders, the awards recognize the many ways these people strengthen our town.