Award recipients recognized for their leadership

Posted: February 4, 2015 1:25 p.m.

(L to R) David Wessel, Wilma Bell-Wessel and Dr. Shauneen Pete at the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) Global Citizen Awards, February 3.
(L to R) David Wessel, Wilma Bell-Wessel and Dr. Shauneen Pete at the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) Global Citizen Awards, February 3. Photo: Jessica Lena Photography

Dr. Shauneen Pete, David Wessel and Wilma Bell-Wessel were recognized for their dedication and leadership in global and Indigenous education at the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) Global Citizen Awards, February 3.

Pete, an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, also serves as the executive lead on Indigenization.

“At first I was surprised to have been nominated for the award and as I found out more about it, and about the organization, I was very honoured,” says Dr. Pete. “The selection committee asked some very interesting questions, which made me think about what it means to be a global citizen and for me it goes back to the teachings of the elders and our responsibility to respect and care for each other, not just in our immediate family, but in the larger community and globally.”

David and Wilma Bell-Wessel have trained teachers in Africa and Jamaica and have committed their lives to supporting many agencies involved in social justice, refugee support, and human rights work.

The Wessels also have strong connections to the University of Regina as Wilma has received three degrees and David has received one degree from the University. As well, Wilma is Head of Voice at the Conservatory of Performing Arts and David teaches at the Centre for Continuing Education.

“It’s very nice to be honoured by our peers as there are so many others who are doing excellent work,” says Wilma Bell-Wessel.  “It’s a great chance to celebrate with other people who are concerned with international development and to recognize their efforts as well.”

The opportunity to connect with others was important for David as well.

”SCIC is an umbrella organization supporting many groups working towards social justice and change internationally,” says David Wessel. “So this is an opportunity to get together with people from many other organizations involved in international development that you seldom get to see.”

Established in 1990 the awards recognize Saskatchewan people who have made exceptional contributions to international development, cooperation, peace and justice.

These deserving recipients exemplify the U of R motto As one who serves, and the commitment to our communities that is identified as a 2015-2020 Strategic Plan priority.

For further information about the plan visit:  http://www.uregina.ca/strategic-plan/