Pauline (Hilistis) Waterfall, Bella Bella, an educator focusing on adult learning opportunities for First Nations will be awarded the Order of BC, in a ceremony October 21, 2010 at Government House in Victoria.  The Order of British Columbia recognizes the excellence and achievements of our citizens. It is the highest honour we can bestow on individuals in our province.

Here are her personal comments on receiving the award.

“As a Heiltsuk woman, I have visioned for a long time how education is a tool for healing, empowerment and independence. As someone who attended residential school as a young woman, I am aware of the intergenerational impacts that continue to define our First Nations worlds and experiences. I strove not to dwell on the past hardships of racism, displacement and dysfunctions. Instead, I was privileged to create a community college at Bella Bella, where we enroll adult learners--those who may have fallen through the academic gaps. I always believed that learning is more than academic - it must include personal, social and cultural learning that embraces life skills training and personal development. 

"Through the years of working with Heiltsuk College, there have been in excess of 600 alumni and the majority of them are either in full-time employment, continued higher learning or job skills training. Personally, I have taught three generations of learners and the best medicine that I have witnessed is how someone's life is turned around once confidence and healing takes place. There's no magic bullet but holistic learning is my motto.

"I have also worked with the United Church as a board member and a congregational lay leader for at least 35 years. Throughout time, I came to understand that reconciliation and renewal needed to embrace spiritual healing and it is that thread that keeps me hopeful and involved with our local pastoral charge. At the beginning, I was involved with the Native Ministry movement; however, I chose to concentrate my services to our local church, which at times was diminished and weak. Through the revolving door of ministry, I recognized the need to exercise local control in helping our board to nurture and support our own lay minister, Gilbert Jackson. He and his wife Gloria have worked tirelessly throughout time as the foundation of the church, no matter how challenging or discouraging it may have seemed at times.

"I am truly gratified when I witness the inclusion of cultural knowledge, teachings and practices within the context of our service programs. My heart is strengthened when I hear Gilbert "um-e'thla" (pray) in our language. For as long as I can remember, I have known that Heiltsuk spirituality existed and that it embraces the philosphies, teachings and beliefs of the United Church--that is why the first Christians were permitted to stay and work among us. I am confident that we are nearing the integration of both ways, and that soon, we will enjoy the spiritual healing and recovery through persistance, perserverance and faith.

"While I am humbled and honored to be named to the Order of B.C., I chose to accept this on behalf of those whom I have served, and with those who have been my colleagues, mentors and teachers--including the old people who have now transformed into their spiritual lives. Our Oo-ga-mi is a loving, compassionate and caring God who is expressed in all of nature's beauty and work as we strive to find balance and harmony, embracing our human family in unity and grace. Hilistis, my ancestral name, comes from one of our genesis stories and it translates to starting out on a journey, and staying the course to come full circle and completion of one's work and purpose. Gayaxsixa. "