SUPPLIED Enlarge Image

From left to right: García, Allan Culham, Canada’s ambassador to the Organization of American States and Mauricio Espina, director of the Hispanic Business Association and host of the Nov. 23 awards ceremony.

A leading figure in Winnipeg’s Spanish community picked up a prestigious national award in Toronto recently.

Jesús Ángel Miguel-García — who owns and operates the Spanish Institute in Tuxedo — was ranked among The 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians.

The Toronto-based Canadian Hispanic Business Association organizes the annual awards. Nominees are Hispanics who are considered role models in their respective communities.

According to the organization, selection factors for the award include influence in the Canadian mainstream, education, achievements and awards, support of the Hispanic community, volunteerism and entrepreneurship.

"It is a true honour," said Garcia, who hails from Burgos in northern Spain and whose institute offers Spanish courses and translation and interpretation services for governmental agencies, businesses and individuals, as well as promoting Spanish culture through various events.

"I feel humble knowing the impact that my work has had. I see students of mine, who, having learnt Spanish, got certain jobs and better positions, or feel more confident or empowered travelling or living in Spanish-speaking countries."

One such student is Royal Wood resident Louise Dandeneau.

"I took Spanish classes with Jesús for two or three years," said Dandeneau, who runs her own English to French translation business.

"He is very passionate about teaching. I’ve had four or five Spanish teachers in my life and he is by far the best. I think this comes from his passion for where he comes from. He teaches with so much warmth," Dandeneau said.

She added that Garcia helped her break through some linguistic boundaries.

"I actually learned how to write poetry in Spanish, which Jesús published on his website. I think he’s Winnipeg’s biggest asset in the Spanish community."

Joaquin Carneiro, the honorary vice-consul of Spain in Winnipeg, has known Garcia for several years.

"His award was most deserved. He is tireless in the promotion of Spanish culture and the Spanish language, which Jesús speaks and writes flawlessly," said Carneiro, who lives in Charleswood.

Garcia said the first thing he did after hearing he had been nominated for the award by THBA’s president, Mauricio Ospina, was "book a flight to be at the ceremony" that was held on Nov. 23 at the Toronto Board of Trade.

The Tuxedo resident was also recognized for founding Translators for Charity, a Winnipeg-based organization that "aims to promote social justice, peace and human rights. It translates documents for organizations but not individuals," Garcia said.

"Translators for Charity collects contact details of translators and interpreters, such as qualifications, experience and languages."

"When NGOs and charities contact the Spanish Institute, they are put in touch with a translator or interpreter. However, the institute does not take responsibility for the services rendered by the volunteers."

Garcia has also been acknowledged for spearheading the International Literary Award Spanish Heritage.
"The aim is to encourage literary creativity and essays among young people and adults in two categories. The essays are meant to celebrate the Spanish contribution to arts, culture, human rights and history," Garcia said.

For more information, visit www.spanishinstitute.ca or call 832-9893.    

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com