On Thursday, September 21, Nii K’an Kwsdins aka Jerry Adams received the 2023 Jim and Vicki Chu Community Safety Leader Award, presented by VPD Chief, Adam Palmer and Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim. The text of the Citation which was signed by Mayor Ken Sim is as follows:

Nii K’an Kwsdins, also known as Jerry Adams, is one of British Columbia’s most prominent and influential leaders. He is the a member of the Eagle Clan from the Nisga’a Nation, and has dedicated over 40 years of his life to create a culture of truth and reconciliation in Vancouver and the greater community.

At the end of a professional career in the social service field, spanning four decades he worked as the Aboriginal Justice Coordinator for the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster, fostering reconciliation and understanding between the church and the Indigenous community.

Jerry is a highly engaged Indigenous community leader and has a passion for developing services for youth. He served as Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association, and was a recipient of the Spirit of Crazy Horse Award from Reclaiming Youth International, which advocates on youth issues throughout the world.

As Executive Director of the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, Jerry worked to reintegrate Indigenous men and women coming out of federal prison into the community.

Jerry served on the Vancouver Police Board and on the boards of many Aboriginal and community organizations. His legacy has made Vancouver a more inclusive, safer place for its diverse communities.

For working tirelessly with the police and the Indigenous community to build relationships and networks to foster healing, reconciliation, and community the Vancouver Police Department is proud to award Mr. Jerry Adams the 2023 Jim and Vicki Chu Community Safety Leader Award.

Congratulations Jerry, and many thanks from all of us in the Diocese of New Westminster for your continuing commitment to your vocation. You are a person who makes God’s world a better place.

IMAGES

  • VPD Chief Adam Palmer, Jerry and Mayor Ken Sim  Photo Inspector Kevin Bernardin, Executive Officer, VPD
  • Jerry on the right chats with former Chief of the VPD, Jim Chu in 2011
  • Jerry in the Nisga’a canoe September, 2013
  • The Citation

Photo Diocese of New Westminster Communications (unless otherwise noted)

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Indigenous Justice
Indigenous Justice