Celebrating Winnipeg 150 medal recipients

Waverley West

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/10/2024 (644 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We’ve been celebrating Winnipeg’s 150th birthday throughout the year with many events, ranging from block parties to fashion shows to tree plantings. On Oct. 11, we gathered in south Winnipeg to recognize friends and neighbours who have made significant contributions to our neighbourhoods and city.

Recipients were presented with a commemorative medal and had trees planted in their honour. They were:

• Song Yan Liu & Yan Jiang: Yan and Songyan are co-founders of the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association. Together, they make a very dynamic team and have established a world-class model for healthy, happy, living in South Winnipeg.
• Bob and Judy Roehle: Bob and Judy are responsible for many of the things we love about St. Norbert – the farmers’ market, the BIZ, and the St. Norbert community garden. While Bob has been the face of much of this work, Judy has been his constant partner, adviser and guiding light.
• Divya Sharma: As the youngest, and 100th, president of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Divya gives all of us cause to feel truly hopeful about the future.
• Jamileh and Nafiya Naso: The sisters who founded the Canadian Yazidi Association are focused on providing critical services for Yazidi survivors and for Yazidi women and children. Their work supporting Yazidi survivors is recognized as a model throughout Canada.
• Kirill Pirgalin: Hundreds of community members have learned new sporting skills because of Kirill’s years of remarkable commitment and enthusiasm as a member of the Whyte Ridge Community Centre’s board of directors. Thank you, Kirill.
• Bernadette McCann: As a professional and a volunteer, and for decades, Bernadette has been a champion for new Canadians and seniors, helping them live their best life here in Winnipeg.
• Noris Zeid: Noris’ community spirit, ongoing charitable work on behalf of those in need, and his many contributions to Winnipeg’s vibrant Muslim community exemplifies the spirit of our city. Noris is always there to help those in need.
• Jenn Rands: Jenn is a proud, queer, Red River Métis citizen, and a tireless advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She’s served the community both in her work on behalf of Pride Winnipeg and as the co-founder of the first Canadian chapter of Dykes on Bikes.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the recipients for your meaningful and lasting contributions to our community. You exemplify and model the spirit of our city.

Happy Birthday Winnipeg!