On May 29, the Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce Ally Awards celebrated VSB staff for their dedication to advancing Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation. Their efforts embody the legacy of Bryce, a pioneering advocate for Indigenous health reform in Canada.

More than allies, accomplices

The third annual awards, honoured VSB staff and partners who walk alongside the Indigenous education department team. Together they work to advance Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation. Honourees have a track record for using their privilege to act as allies for decolonization and change.

According to Indigenous education teacher, Brandon Peters, they go one step further than allies. “Accomplices use their privilege to provide equity for the masses. Today we have a whole house full of accomplices,” he said. 

In his welcome, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) leader Morgan Guerin remarked that it is blessing to recognize friends and allies, especially within VSB. Guerin spoke about why the work of today’s educators with students is vitally important for the next generation and those to come. “I love that phrase, ‘planting the seeds of trees that we will never sit in the shade of,’ because it’s just the right thing to do,” said Guerin. 

Blanketing honourees

Each of the six recipients were introduced by a colleague who closely worked with them, presented their award, then had a woven blanket (designed by Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow) pinned to them, before sharing a few words. 

“Blankets (swəq̓ʷaʔɬ) have such sacred and special meaning because they are the gifts of mother earth turned into a prayer… transformed,” said Guerin. These blankets are often woven with natural materials: the wool of mountain goats, the twine of stinging nettle or cedar. “These beautiful blankets are also a way of wrapping that love of a family around you,” continued Guerin. 

Recipients of the 2025 Peter Henderson Bryce Ally awards:

• Murray Anderson, a facilitator in the leadership and resiliency program offered in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health. Anderson was recognized for the relationships he fosters with Indigenous students and families, connecting them with community resources and wraparound supports. 
• Justin Borsato, a Grade 7 teacher from Britannia Elementary was honoured for his steady presence and ability to create a space where every student belongs, feels heard and where their potential is never questioned. A community leader, Borsato has gone to great lengths for his students by coaching sports and facilitating elaborate fundraisers to raise money for the needs of his community. 
• Christine Dillon, an education assistant from χpey̓ Elementary was recognized for her unwavering kindness, generosity and commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Her dedication to supporting χpey̓’s primarily Indigenous students and families has not only been appreciated, it has also served as a model for others.
• Sandra Louise Fox, a district resource teacher was recognized for her work on introducing Indigenous math pedagogy into elementary curricula together with Indigenous education teacher, Tracy Healy. Fox was lauded for modelling allyship by, “listening, learning, co-creating and using her role in the education system to elevate Indigenous voices and embed Indigenous pedagogies in meaningful, lasting ways.”
• Scott McKeen, a teacher at Lord Byng Secondary was recognized for sharing his knowledge about the history of Indigenous-Crown relations with students and colleagues, as well as his continued advocacy for Indigenous rights. As a proponent of land-based and experiential learning, he emphasizes the relationship to Indigenous nations and knowledge in his teaching.
• Michael Rossi, director of instruction for employee services was recognized for his work toward decolonizing recruitment and retention of Indigenous teachers and administrators. “He leads quietly, but he is very intentional in his work,” said director of instruction of Indigenous education, Chas Desjarlais about Rossi. “This is heavy work, and any time that an accomplice can lighten the load off the shoulders of Indigenous peoples and the work that they do, I think that’s a very good thing.”

Lasting medicine

When asked what receiving this award meant to him, Borsato said, “It means a lot to be accepted by our Indigenous community, our families at Britannia. That’s the most important part for me.” 

“I just do what I do. For me to receive this award, is such a great honour … But I just do what I do because the families mean so much to me,” commented Dillon about the award.

The recipients were joined by friends, loved ones and colleagues who bore witness to the great honour and the gift of the swəq̓ʷaʔɬ, bestowed for outstanding allyship. “When the ceremony is over, you keep your blanket, you keep your swəq̓ʷaʔɬ because we know, life is not an easy road. Your swəq̓ʷaʔɬ is medicine not just for the day, but for all the days before you,” said Guerin. 

About Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce

In the early 1900s, Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce, a public health official, uncovered poor sanitary living conditions and mistreatment that led to high mortality rates for children at 35 residentials schools. His report for the Canadian government, now known as the Bryce Report, exposed systemic failures and prompted national calls for residential school reform. He is remembered as a whistleblower, standing apart from his contemporaries who remained silent. 

This year’s six recipients join 13 past honourees of the Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce Ally Awards. Past recipients include VSB educators, administrators, support staff and community partners.