Two North Shore residents will receive the Order of B.C. in Victoria on Monday, one for his efforts in improving relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations and the other for her work as a philanthropist.
Chief Robert Joseph, part-time resident of North Vancouver and hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, and Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, a CEO and philanthropist from West Vancouver, are among this year’s 16 recipients. The Order of B.C. is the highest form of recognition the province can give citizens who have accomplished outstanding achievement in one or more fields.
Chief Joseph was chosen for his work in spreading knowledge and understanding between aboriginals and non-aboriginals as a way to improve relationships. A survivor of a residential school, Joseph has been a pillar of support for other residential school survivors over the years. He is an ambassador for Reconciliation Canada, a chairman of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders and ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, among other achievements. In 2003 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from UBC. Joseph has also received the City of Vancouver Award of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion as well as an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology.
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, CEO of the Absolute Spa Group, Century Plaza Hotel & Spa and Soluzione International Spa Products, was selected for her work as an inspirational leader for the charities and volunteer boards she takes part in. Lisogar-Cocchia and her husband founded the Pacific Autism Family Foundation, which helps individuals and families dealing with autism and related disorders. Since its inception, the foundation has raised $28 million. Lisogar-Cocchia also founded the Women’s Media Golf Classic, an annual event that has raised more than $3 million for children with disabilities since 1987. Aside from serving as a trustee for the Vancouver Police Foundation, Lisogar-Cocchia is a governor at the B.C. Business Council, a fellow at Royal Roads University and part of the premier’s Economic Advisory Council.
“It’s a tremendous honour,” said Lisogar-Cocchia. She said she’s particularly excited about the awareness the award will bring to their autism charities and endeavours that she and her husband want to grow throughout the province. “The fact that it’s an order of British Columbia recognition is extra meaningful for the volunteer work I’m trying to do right now.”
Chief Joseph was not available for comment before the News’ deadline.
