Ruth Williams Receives Order of British Columbia
Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia, the Province's highest honour, during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams from Kamloops.
Congratulations to Ruth Williams and thank you for your work towards improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families.
About Ruth Williams
Ruth Williams was born in Big Bar Creek, a remote and isolated community, and raised by a single mother with six other siblings. When she moved to an urban setting, it was a complete culture shock.
She took her hardships and became a determined, visionary, and selfless individual who has striven to do all within her powers and abilities to improve the lives of Indigenous people. Williams may be soft-spoken but she has learned to stand up for what she believes in, has gained the courage and confidence to speak out, and be heard.
Williams’ passion and dedication for improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families can be seen through the following:
Involvement in numerous community and government committees for advancing a health care system that supports Indigenous people; supporting families and children in care; promoting early child education for Indigenous children; and developing health programs and services for Indigenous people.
Founding member and active board member on the first Urban Native Housing Society, which has 103 affordable and safe housing units in Kamloops and 94 units within the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.
Advocacy work to increase the number of Indigenous graduates and students pursuing post-secondary education and decrease the number of student dropouts by ensuring supports were in place for them. This included the development of an Urban Native Alternate School to support the re- entry of drop-out Indigenous students and for single parents who needed flexible hours and access to daycare.
All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned shareholders lending institute for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the company’s shares have increased from $10 to $87. She has also been influential in ensuring First Nations’ connectivity through Pathways to Technology and provision of business service through All Nations Development Corporation.
Consulted by all levels of federal and provincial governments to gain knowledge and insight into the issues, challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people, which has resulted in a change to government policies, processes and structures.
Development of a daycare centre designed to promote Indigenous programs and culture for all children age groups.
Her influence is shown by the variety of awards that she has received, including an honorary doctorate of laws from Thompson Rivers University and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal. She received the Kamloops Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, the City of Kamloops 100 Year Confederation and Distinguished Service Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C. Aboriginal Achievement Awards, and numerous business awards.
Williams has a special gift to see the potential in people. Many friends and staff members will tell you that she challenges you to be the best person that you can be. She is supportive, an inspirational mentor and a role model. Not only has she directly impacted so many Indigenous lives but she has worked for majority of her life to improve the systems and policies that negatively impact Indigenous people.