Every year, the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes those who dedicate their time volunteering.
This year, a long time Queen’s County volunteer from Acadia First Nation is one of 16 people from the South Shore to be named a recipient of the 2018 Provincial Volunteer Awards.
For the past 40 years or so, John Andrew Francis of Acadia First Nation at Port Medway, has been generously giving his time to help local indigenous youth connect with their heritage and culture through various hands on activities.
Francis says when it comes to volunteering, his Aboriginal Culture is very close to his heart.
“Just about any cultural thing going, anything native, that’s strictly what I’m into,” says Francis, adding, “it doesn’t matter, hunting, fishing, basket making, anything.”
All volunteers who are chosen for the annual award are nominated by someone in the community.
For Francis, it’s a very humbling experience and an honour to be recognized by the province.
“It’s a great thing, that when I came in years ago, that they’ve seen it, now that’s what I mean; they never forget you, see how they’ve turned around and bestowed this onto me, it’s a wonderful thing you know,” says Francis.
A total of 16 people and/or group(s) from the South Shore Region have been named recipients of the 2018 Provincial Volunteer Awards:
Katherine Buckler (Town of Bridgewater)
Tony Dorian (Municipality of the District of Yarmouth)
Annette Surette (Town of Yarmouth)
Howard Roszel (Town of Lockeport)
Devan Naugler (Municipality of the District of Lunenburg)
David Cleaver (Town of Clark’s Harbour)
Darren Russell (Municipality of the District of Chester)
Helen Leary (Municipality of the District of Barrington)
Sandy Point Community Recreation Group (Municipality of the District of Shelburne)
Wayne Blinkhorn (Town of Shelburne)
Ben & Roxie Smith (Town of Lunenburg)
Felixa Marie d’Entremont (Municipality of the District of Argyle)
Michael O’Connor (Town of Mahone Bay)
Kerry J. Gallant (Region of Queens Municipality)
Carolyn Conrad (Region of Queens Municipality)
John Andrew Francis (Acadia First Nation)
National Volunteer Week runs from April 15th to the 22nd, 2018.
