The city is accepting nominations for the 15th annual Cultural Harmony Awards aimed at fostering greater understanding, respect and cooperation among citizens of different cultural groups until the end of the workday, Sept. 23. The awards recognize the community's work and efforts that improve awareness, acceptance and positive relations among people of different cultural, ethnic, gender, age, economic and other backgrounds. The nominated individuals or organizations must live or work in Vancouver. Eligible organizations include non-profit groups, service clubs, educational institutions, hospitals, government departments, unions, professional and trade associations, media organizations, small businesses, and public and private corporations. Nomination forms and packages are available at the Equal Employment Opportunity office at City Hall (453 West 12th Ave., ground floor), or at vancouver.ca/multiculturalism. An independent jury will select winners based on the nature, scope and impact of their achievements. Recipients are honoured with a tree planted in their name and a plaque in the park board's Cultural Harmony Grove on the south shore of False Creek. City council will also recognize the winners at its meeting on Nov. 1.
