Sandra Pronteau, a Cree-Metis woman with deep roots in the communities she serves including at Nelson Avenue Community Church, a Christian Reformed congregation in Burnaby, B.C., has been honored with the DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada's National Hummingbird Award. This award recognizes her contributions to disability and Indigenous rights advocacy.
Born in Manitoba, Pronteau has faced numerous personal challenges. She survived the (19)60s Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history when Indigenous children were removed from their families and placed into foster homes or adopted out to non-Indigenous families. Additionally, she was born with congenital birth defects that have necessitated a lifelong engagement with the healthcare system.
Pronteau's advocacy work is multifaceted. She has supported women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, a neighborhood known for its high rates of poverty and homelessness. Her efforts have focused on empowering women through various initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Pronteau has advocated for inclusive education. Her work in this area has included collaboration with educators, policymakers, and families to create educational settings adapted to the needs of students.
Pronteau's advocacy extends to broader disability rights. She has been involved in numerous campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and promoting policies that support their rights and inclusion. “Sandra reminds us all of the importance of uplifting those whose stories are often silenced. With her wisdom and passion, she paves the way for future generations, embodying the spirit of empowerment and resilience,” wrote Galen Exo for Inclusion BC.
Receiving the National Hummingbird Award is a testament to Pronteau's dedication and the impact of her work. DAWN Canada, dedicated to advancing the rights of women with disabilities, named its national award after the hummingbird, a symbol of tireless energy and resilience. Established in 1985, DAWN Canada works to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination, and violence experienced by women with disabilities.
Pronteau is continuing her accessibility advocacy work as part of Nelson Avenue church’s team in the Thrive-sponsored Accessibility and Belonging Cohort, open to churches in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
About the Author
Dan Veeneman works in the dairy industry as a ventilation specialist. He lives in Abbotsford, B.C., with his wife and three children. He is a member of Gateway Community Church.