Surrey – Roxanne Charles and Jim Foulkes were officially honoured Tuesday night at the 15th annual Business and the Arts Reception at the Surrey Arts Centre. The Civic Treasures Program honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of arts and heritage in the City of Surrey and beyond. Since the program’s inception in 1997, 44 Surrey residents have been named Civic Treasures.
“The success of Surrey can be attributed to our citizens who take great care and pride in our city,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “The Civic Treasures awards are our way of acknowledging and giving thanks to the individuals who play a significant role in raising the profile of arts and heritage in Surrey. I want to congratulate this year’s recipients, Roxanne Charles and Jim Foulkes, for their dedication and for being such great advocates and civic ambassadors for us right across the region.”
“Roxanne Charles and Jim Foulkes are true Civic Treasures,” said Councillor Judy Villeneuve, Chair of the Culture Development Advisory Committee. “The contributions they have made to Surrey’s cultural sector are immense and they are most deserving of this accolade. The work and achievements of Roxanne and Jim will inspire future generations to build on their impressive creative legacy.”
Roxanne Charles is an award winning artist and an active and proud member of the Semiahmoo First Nation where she promotes art, language and culture and brings attention to issues that need exposure and discussion through her multi-disciplinary works. She has had her art work shown in numerous exhibitions including at the Surrey Art Gallery, the Turnbull Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery. In an era of reconciliation, she provides a vital and compelling voice as an artist and an educator in building bridges between cultures.
Jim Foulkes is a Director with the Surrey Historical Society who has been involved in Surrey heritage activities for many years and is well-known for his extensive knowledge of Surrey and all its categories of history. Jim has served on several Boards, and as Director of the Green Timbers Heritage Society, has worked hard for many years to preserve and protect the heritage forest from encroachment. In 1992, the Heritage Society of BC presented Jim with an achievement award as a heritage leader, for his work in improving the BC Heritage Conservation Act.
