by Christine Lyons

Psychology alum, Kim Van der Woerd recently had her long history of leadership and advocacy recognized by the BC government with a 2018 BC Community Achievement Award and Mitchell Award. Named in honour of Keith Mitchell QC, the Mitchell Award recognizes an individual who through his or her work and volunteer activiites, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to elevating the community in which they live.

Van der Woerd is a member of the ‘Namgis First Nation in Alert Bay, BC and earned her PhD in Psychology at SFU in 2008 with her doctoral research focusing on a comprehensive participatory evaluation of a federally-funded First Nations substance abuse treatment centre.

Van der Woerd has over 20 years experience conducting local, provincial, and national program evaluations and research and is the founder and operator of Reciprocal Consulting, a firm whose mission it is to “engage in program evaluation and research that is relevant, participatory, and culturally responsive” while working with and for aboriginal communities and advocating for “reconciliation, social justice, and sustainable healthy communities.”

The BC Community Achievement Award recognizes Van der Woerd’s work which has “contributed to progress on a multitude of issues: the full engagement of Indigenous peoples in economy and society, women’s health and reproductive rights, the mentorship of young Indigenous professionals, and support for women’s equality.” Most recently, in her role as a Board member of the YWCA Metro Vancouver and YWCA Canada, Van der Woerd “inspired a commitment to reconciliation in the board’s strategic plan that will define advocacy efforts for years to come.”

The recipients of the 2018 BC Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony at Government House in Victoria on April 25, 2018. Each recipient will receive a certificate, and a medallion designed by BC artist Robert Davidson, OC.

Read more about the 2018 BC Community Achievement Awards…